Introduction
In case you haven't read our previous review on the Viaterra Condor 2up, here's a quick recap. The Condor is available in two sizes - a 48-litre and a 64-litre combo. Ours is the bigger of the two. It retails for Rs 4,499, while the smaller Condor is slightly cheaper at Rs 3,899. Both saddlebag sets are built from 1200D fabric, which gives them high resistance against tears and cuts in a crash. These also run triple stitching on all joints, and Viaterra claims that all the stress points have been bar-tacked for added strength and durability.
There's strong reflectivity on the outside of the bags too. Furthermore, the Condor uses YKK zippers everywhere for smoother, longer-lasting operation. There's also an additional zippered side pocket to hold some nutrition bars or a pair of slippers, and it also comes with an open net pocket for bottles or a coffee tumbler. The bags are not expandable, however.
Inside, the Condor uses grey fabric to increase the ease of sorting through luggage. There's some padding on the sides to protect fragile or brittle objects in case of an impact. And there's also a removable plastic sheet that runs across the length of the bag on the inside to help the Condor hold its shape better.
With the basics out of the way, it's time to find out how useful and practical these bags are and if these are a no-brainer purchase option.
How much can it carry?
As we mentioned, the Condor 2up is the larger of the two saddlebags that Viaterra sells. Thankfully, these aren't too bulky or heavy. But, their practicality - and not just when touring - but daily, makes them agreeable in our book.
As the picture shows, the bag can easily hold a large-sized modular helmet. And one can place it straight up as shown or even upside down. The only challenge we faced was fitting one in with the Bluetooth headset attached when the bag was mounted on the bike.
So, when commuting with these bags installed, you can pack away the helmet on one side and the riding jacket, pants, gloves, and the cooling vest on the other. This is a better option in my book than having to carry these items on you, then finding a place for them in the office, and finally, being judged for the pungent smell of sweat the gear relentlessly disperses.
When touring, each side can hold up to two medium and two small-sized packing cubes. That's my complete wardrobe and that of my boys. If not clothes, the Condor's size and design also allow you to pack in a two-cup espresso machine or a single motocross boot with space to spare on each side. Carrying smartly packed camping gear might also be a possibility.
Is it easy to install?
The Condor isn't your easy-on-easy-off kind of saddlebag. But, it's a small price to pay for a more secure fit on the bike, especially if the luggage will be subjected to high-speed touring, jumps over speed-breakers, or plain bad roads.
The bags connect with three strong velcro straps and come with two mounting points each. The straps allow to adjust the distance between the two bags, and once connected, these can be thrown over the bike with the connecting straps resting over the rear seat. Step two involves securing the front straps on each bag against the pillion's footrest hanger. The rears of the two bags are then connected via a common strap that runs under the tail of the bike - or in our case, through the tail rack. This strap can be adjusted on both ends, preventing the bags from sliding forward.
There's a small catch here, though. Viaterra recommends using the Condor with saddle stays. So, that's an additional expense to keep in mind. Now, we tried using the bags without stays. And one can get away with it on motorcycles that run twin coil-over dampers at the rear. Sure, the bags do flap about a bit, but at least the rear suspension prevents the bags from fouling with the tyre. It is a bigger struggle with motorcycles running a rear monoshock. Therefore, it's best to get saddle stays in this case.
Conclusion
The Viaterra Condor 2up has a lot going for it. At under Rs 5,000, it is affordable and cheaper than the competition. It is well built, it can haul a fair amount of stuff, and because it isn’t exactly bulky (once you remove the shape-retaining plastic), it’s also easy to store away.
But, if you decide to leave it on the bike, as we have, it does come in handy. It doubles up as your storage unit to put away the riding gear and something to take back grocery in at the end of the day. And when you are not using the bags, you can compress them so that they don’t get in the way when filtering through traffic. Of course, you will have to get a couple of compression straps to do that, but it’s not a big expense.
It’s also easy to install, and it remains secure on the bike. And lest we forget, it has proven to be waterproof too, as advertised. The only reason for not buying the Condor, in our book, is that saddlebags aren’t your thing.
Product Details
Make: Viaterra
Model: Condor 2up
Type: Motorcycle saddlebags
Price: Rs 4,499
Availability: www.viaterragear.com
Photography by: Kaustubh Gandhi
Gallery
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