Viaterra Claw Mini Review: The ideal luggage option for the Yamaha Aerox 155?

Gallery Introduction The Other Options The Claw Mini The Challenges The Ideal Option?Product Details

Introduction

A well-built, waterproof, tail bag that holds 48 litres, and is a bit unconventional looking? That’s the Viaterra Claw Mini for you. It costs Rs 3,899. And if you want to know about its construction, its features, and its intended use, we have a detailed review of that HERE.

This time we wanted to find out if the Claw Mini can be more than just a ‘motorcycle’ tail bag. The thing is, we have been grappling with what would be a good luggage option for the new Yamaha Aerox 155, given the central spine replaces a conventional scooter floorboard. The Mini, with its ‘claw’-like design seemed like a good option that might fit the ask.

But, does it?

The Other Options

Let’s say you want to go on a road trip on the Aerox; after all, it is a 15bhp, big-wheeled, maxi-scooter. Now, if you were doing it alone, any tail bag would suffice, including the Claw Mini. The challenge comes when one needs to travel with a pillion.

You could throw on a pair of saddlebags, yes. But, apart from increasing the chances of damaging the tail panels of the scooter because of the weight, it also increases the scooter’s girth to near ridiculous levels. So, riding through tight spaces or through busy towns would be a task and a half. What’s more, it doesn’t really solve the problem of carrying a week’s worth of groceries when you are not out touring.

The Claw Mini

The Claw Mini presents a much nicer solution, in our book. It sits on the central spine of the Aerox without the need to tie it down; it’s almost like a press-fit system. It doesn’t move around; it doesn’t get in the way of steering or accessing the key hole; and in fact, it makes for a comfy place to rest your knees, provided you pack the soft stuff intelligently. Moreover, it doesn’t increase the width of the scooter either.

Yes, there’s the question of tanking up the Aerox with the Claw sitting where the fuel filler is. But that too isn’t problematic, really. It’s easy to pull the bag off the spine, place it on the ground, fill the fuel, place it back on, and you are on your way. Not to mention, it’s convenient for grocery shopping too! One can roll it up and throw it under the seat when not in use. And it is equally convenient to pull out, spread it, and throw in a week’s worth of grocery every Sunday.

The Challenges

There are two challenges with the Claw Mini when it comes to the Aerox, nonetheless. One, it restricts how much the rider can move his or her feet fore and aft on the floorboard limiting the flexibility of the seating triangle. This could also lead to the pillion’s feet fouling with that of the rider’s if either of them has big feet. And two, unless you get a PPF for the plastic on the spine, you will damage the paint.

The Ideal Option?

No, the Claw Mini isn’t the ideal luggage option for the Aerox 155, but it is a very good one. We have been using it for a week, and it has come in handy more than once. It does require some strategising when packing the Mini to get the most out of it on the Aerox, we agree, but once you have it, it’s only a matter of time before you find the right rhythm. And nail it.