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Someone has to remind the rest of the world’s adventure riders that Australia exists when Toby Price isn’t racing, and I have adopted the role. We, and the Kiwis, have a lot to offer the rest of the world and it’s not just pulse-quickening riding through our deserts, jungles (and cities).
It is easier than ever to pop over from North America, for example, to Australia. Qantas even flies direct from Auckland in New Zealand to (and from) New York. No more changing planes in LA. And even if you can’t come and visit us, we make some terrific products for you – just see below.
Ducati Desert X kitted out a la Andy Strapz. Photo: Andy Strapz
Andy Strapz: andystrapz.com
Long-established Melbourne (what is it about Melbourne?) accessory manufacturer Andy wasted no time designing a set of side frames to support soft panniers on the new Ducati Desert X. Intended to support throw-over bags that have the weight taken on the seat, they are strong but light. They have carefully considered stress and impact areas, applying lessons learnt from 15 years of making support frames to suit Australia’s tough environment.
“Like all luggage for this bike, the frames will not fit with rear tank option,” says Andy. Fitted in minutes with a single Allen key, (it takes longer to unwrap them than fit some say), frames can be removed when not travelling. Weight of the mild steel frame, satin black powder-coated and supplied with stainless bolts, is 2 kg including all fittings.
The pannier frames are not only light, they look light as well. Photo: Andy Strapz
Andy naturally recommends his Avduro Panniers, but the frame set accommodates most ‘throw-over’ bags. The frame set costs A$395 and Avduro panniers cost A$475; the set, including liners, costs A$900. Freight to the US would cost less than A$70, but you should also be able to order this gear locally from andystrapzusa.com.
Ventura: ventura-bike.com
Ventura is not based in Melbourne; the factory sits happily in the North Island of New Zealand. But as ever, great minds think alike and Paul has also come up with a system for Ducati’s Desert X.
“Our Aerodynamic Bike-Pack Systems make motorcycle luggage easy,” he says. “The luggage rack system consists of just three core components: the L-Brackets, the Luggage Racks and the Packs. Each system is individually designed and custom-made for your model bike to complement its looks and handling.”
Ventura’s L Brackets and rack add a lot of versatility to the Ducati Desert X. Photo: Ventura
Ventura’s latest EVO design for the Ventura Bike-Pack System uses a horizontal rack without the upright loop that was once Ventura’s trademark sign. The new rack secures and supports the packs ensuring that there is no load movement when riding. As with the original Pack-Rack System the new EVO system offers you many options as to how you can position the packs and consequently the load. It all depends on your personal preference or whether you are riding solo or with a pillion.
Ventura’s Bike-Pack System suits the Ducati Desert X very well, as you can see from the photo, and all parts of it are available in the US. You’ll find the distributors for Ventura equipment in North Americas at ventura-bike.com/pages/ventura-us-canada-mexico-distributor.
Compass on (or rather off) the road in Botswana. Photo: Compass
Compass Expeditions: compassexpeditions.com
If you, like me, have happy memories of Compass Expeditions and regretted its apparent demise, I have good news. Compass is back, still based in Melbourne and bigger (although it’s unlikely to be able to be better) than before. Its disappearance left a big hole in the adventure touring market, and I can’t tell you how pleased I am to see it’s return. Financed by a couple of its past clients – how’s that for a recommendation? – Compass offers a wide range of tours ranging from a ride through Tasmania And the Victorian High Country with Charley Boorman to tours in Asia, Africa, North and South America (including the signature Patagonia trips) and New Zealand. They even have an in-house travel agency now.
What more can I say than: welcome back, Compass!
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