Mosko Moto Reckless / The Review
Motorcycle luggage manufacturer Mosko Moto is by a growing number of adventure riders and weekend warriors considered to be The New Sheriff in Town. Is it marketing hype or the real deal? After 3 seasons packing Mosko´s rackless Reckless 80 (liter) pannier kit, we’ve formed an opinion.
Gear for all
Not that we’re short on choices when it comes to travel gear, but we must honestly say that a lot of the gear we try comes up short, typically due to lack of attention to detail or – as we like to call it: “Big hat – no cattle”. Gear that under-perform or break down on the trail is no fun. Our early generation Mosko Moto Reckless 80 has performed flawlessly and we wanted to know if it was due to our good luck.
To find the answer we added a Reckless 40 to one of our machines, as well as the Mosko Duffle bag and two of the new tank bags – the Nomad and the Pico. Our story and conclusion begin with our Reckless systems:
Striking gold
When we once in a while encounter gear that impress, identifying the exact reason for our enthusiasm can be difficult. Usually we contribute it to a combination of a few key factors:
Material + Design + Build Quality + Functionality = User Experience of Perceived Quality
Rackless Reckless
Mosko Moto offer pannier systems in two main categories: Systems requiring a rack and systems mounting directly on the bike, without the use of further hardware.
We have chose the rackless versions for our 701 Husky and the beefier KTM 950s. After the first fit, the benefits are obvious to see. Omitting a rack saves weight and – most importantly – our cargo end up much closer to the motorcycle’s COG compared to other solutions. The overall width of the motorcycle derriere is reduced, important when the going gets narrow.
The Mount
The Rackless systems are made to fit most motorcycles in the touring-enduro segment. Attaching the 80 and 40 version to our bikes was quick and easy. The firm adjustable base is made with aluminum stiffeners. Infinite fore- and aft adjustment is done with heavy duty straps, side to side adjustments, likewise. The straps are tightened with the best quality metal hardwear, once the straps are tightened down, the system is solid and secure – ready for anything you’ll throw at it. Confidence inspiring.
Both Reckless systems come complete with miscellaneous hardware (all stainless) and exhaust shields.
Packin´ Your Gear
The Reckless series is constructed around an idea where an outer system works as an adjustable carrier for a set of heavy duty waterproof stuff sacks with roll closure. A 25-liter volume sack for each side, and a 22 liter secured under the flexible “beavertail”. At the rear of each side bag is an 8 liter utility pocket, perfect for carrying tool rolls, fuel or water.
Mosko´s ever present attention to detail is obvious in every part. All stuff sacks have clear panels for an easy identification of the content. Super practical when searching for items.
Both Reckless 40 and 80 are volume adjustable and every strap and fastener is equipped with a retaining system to make sure there are no lose straps to get caught or frayed. Good thinking!
The beavertail holds the top dry-bag firmly. Adjustable in size, it is also the perfect hold for an extra layer of clothing, rain gear or your cool quick draw oilskin cowboy hat. On the inside you’ll find a multi compartment organizer for maps, documents, etc. There’s even designated straps for holding your fishing rod, tent- or tarp poles. It´s the kind of detail you´ll enjoy in adventure-gear designed by adventurers.
The compact size of the Reckless 40 makes it perfect for a weekend adventure, while it may need a little help for longer trips. We have used the Mosko duffle bag to extend the packability of our 40. Works well.
Safe & Secure
Ever drop a valuable piece of gear on the trail? Or an entire pannier? Not with Mosko Moto Reckless. With all your gear packed and straps tightened, everything is held in place. Even in the event of an unscheduled landing, the Reckless holds up well and protects your gear – twice. First by an outer layer of Hypalon-reinforced Ballistic Nylon (1680D), then by a heavy duty Polyurethane-coated dry-bag (800D PVC-free).
Functionality is maximized and the quality of material and workmanship is impressive. After 3 years in service our 80 is battle scared but completely waterproof, without broken straps or fasteners. Our previous hard luggage went into early retirement twice in a similar time period.
Molle
The Molle carrying system is part of every Mosko product. It works perfectly for adding extra bags or gear to your luggage system. Originally developed for military application (“Modular Lightweight Load carrying Equipment”) the system is brilliant, adding valuable flexibility to an already adaptable base. Quick. Easy. Secure.
Conclusion
If you are looking for motorcycle luggage, the Mosko Moto Reckless series is an upgrade to any adventure rig. Beyond the documented safety advantage over hard luggage, Reckless has made our bikes more fun to ride, even when fully loaded, by securing the payload as close to the motorcycle’s center of gravity as possible, and keeping it in place, even after hours of off-road torture.
The separate dry-bag design is brilliant when checking in to a hotel or cabin: Loosen three straps and carry your gear with you, while the main system remain on the bike. Clear panels let you find that last piece of clean underwear after a week on the road – without emptying every bag.
Whether you pick the 40 or 80 liter version, expect gear of the very highest quality. Gear that will last for a long time and contribute positively to any adventure. We recommend it highly.
Mosko Moto is servicing the European market via their own EU webshop.
Here´s a link: https://moskomoto.eu
Basecamp North Adventure Team / Jakobsen & Bibow
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Basecamp North / Amok Equipment Denmark
