Viaterra Element Tail Bag for KTM 390 Adventure Review: Introduction

Introduction The Basics The Promise What’s Next?

Introduction

Logic dictates a handy tail bag would be the default ‘first’ luggage option most motorcyclists would opt for. And by handy I mean something that’s not too big, or bulky, or heavy, or difficult to lug around.

But at the same time it can carry not just one’s laptop, and action camera, but also one’s tiffin, a change of clothes, and maybe even a pair of slip-on shoes. Being waterproof and easy to strap on and pull off the bike would be a big plus too. And, of course, the access to the insides of the bag should be as convenient as sipping on a Mojito.

The Viaterra Element tail bag comes very close to being that ‘handy’ tail bag option. Here’s why…

The Basics

The Element is a 35-litre tail bag that has one big, main compartment and two side pockets; all accessed via YKK zippers. Additionally, it gets an elastic rope in case one has to store something slim and light on top of the bag for easy access. It also comes with a strap that hooks on the opposite ends of the bag to carry it on the shoulder via the straps provided. Or if the bag isn’t packed to hold the earth, and is therefore not too heavy, one can also use the soft grab handle at the front of the bag.

The outside construction is of high-denier fabric, which Viaterra says gives the bag high levels of durability. For those not in the know, ‘denier’ can in a broad sense be used as a reference to gauge how thick and tear resistant the fabric in question is. So a higher denier number would mean a tougher fabric. In this case, it’s 1200D, which is pretty high. And that means the Element should prove to be of the withstand-it-all variety.

Inside, the Element uses a fabric rated at 150D. And that means even though it’s not as though as its outside, it should still comfortably withstand abuse from your laptop edges or other sharp-ish objects you might like carrying to work or on a ride. The Element has some reflectivity built into its front and sides as well. And finally, there’s a thick rain cover that also comes with the bag given the bag itself isn’t waterproof.

The Promise

Now Viaterra says the Element is more than just for the KTM 390 Adventure. It’s a universal tail bag that fits on the pillion seat or the tail rack of most motorcycles including but not limited to the Royal Enfield Himalayan, the Hero Xpulse 200, the Dominar pair, and even the Honda CB350. And it does so via four anchoring points and a simple double D locking system. We will talk about this in more detail in the next report when we bring you the installation and carrying capacity report.

Furthermore, Viaterra says the provided rain cover if installed correctly does make the bag a 100 per cent waterproof. It adds that apart from using a tough denier material, it has also bar tacked the stress points for reinforcement and triple stitched all the joints for added strength. Lastly, Element is offered with a one year warranty and lifetime repair support if something were to happen to the bag over years of usage.

What’s Next?

In the next report, we will tell you what all one can one pack into this 35-litre bag - a lot, a little, or something in between. We will also tell you how easy or difficult the Element is to strap on the bike and to pull it off one. And, we will tell you if it’s easy to carry around; in case you wanted a one stop solution for your carrying needs both on the bike and off it.

Product Details

Make: Viaterra

Model: Element Tail Bag

Type: Motorcycle Luggage

Price: Rs 2,699

Availability: Online on Viaterra and Amazon.

Photography by: Kaustubh Gandhi