Product Overview
The Tusk Excursion Rackless Luggage System is the minimalist cousin of Tusk’s more aggressive Highland setup. It’s designed for riders who want the freedom of rackless panniers without sacrificing toughness. Tailor-made for dual sports and dirt bikes, this setup is all about off-road grit—no side racks required.
Key Features:
- Rugged 2520D nylon with TPU construction and Duraflex hardware
- Roll-top side bags for that classic “jam it in and go” pack style
- Reflective Tusk logos—because being seen beats being pancaked
- Removable Defender waterproof liners keep your gear dry when the skies open up
- Built-in fuel cutout for KTM 690s & Husqvarna 701s
- Heat shield & clamp included
- Secure 4-point strap system for easy on/off
- Optional bottle holders and rear duffle add modular expandability
Figure 1: Tusk Excursion Rackless Luggage System
What Other Riders Are Saying
Across the board, users seem stoked on the value this system delivers:
- Durability? Check. Riders report years of abuse—rocks, mud, crashes—and the bags keep on trucking.
- Fit? Works on a range of bikes from CRF300Ls to KTM 690s. Minor complaints about vague instructions, but nothing a YouTube vid can’t fix.
- Usability? The quick on/off harness and smart layout make this a commuter-friendly setup too. One rider even used it for daily trips alongside a Highland X2 for bigger hauls.
- Gripes? Some say the bag openings feel tighter than expected, and fasteners might need occasional tightening. Blue Loctite is your friend here.
All-OffRoad’s First Ride Impressions
Shorty’s Excellent Adventure called, and I answered—packing light with the Tusk Excursion setup on the Husky FE 501s.
The Setup:
Out of the box, I was a little surprised at the heft. These aren’t featherweights. I didn’t weigh the full kit, but it had more mass than expected for something built “rackless.” Assembly was dead simple, especially with Rocky Mountain ATV/MC’s helpful YouTube guide.
I used a rear fender rack for the back straps and locked the front down to the frame. Once cinched down, the system did not budge. Rock solid.
I skipped the optional duffle for this trip but added the bottle holders. Two 24oz Hydro Flasks slid in perfectly—a hydration setup I’ll definitely repeat.
The Loadout:
- Left bag: Tools, spare tube, irons, and goggles (just in case the Shoei couldn’t hack the dust).
- Right bag: Spare clothes.
On the Trail:
During the ride, I barely noticed the bags were there—except the added weight when I had to pick up the bike. Yep, it went down twice (don’t judge me). The bags shrugged it off like it was Tuesday.
BUT… the one issue I ran into? Mounting/dismounting. My boot kept getting snagged on the yoke or right-side bag when swinging over. Not a dealbreaker, but it made me look like I forgot how to dismount a bike. Not great for my already questionable trail cred.
Trail Wisdom:
- Loctite your fasteners. A couple of fellow riders who upgraded or downsized said the same thing—check your hardware. Often.
- These bags aren’t one-size-fits-all for every adventure. Perfect for day trips, trail rides, or light overnighters. If you’re hauling half your garage, you might want the Highland setup.
- For the price? This system punches way above its weight class.
Verdict: All-OffRoad Approved
The Tusk Excursion Rackless System isn’t perfect—but it’s damn close for what it’s built to do. Affordable, durable, and purpose-built for dirt-focused dual sports, this setup earned its spot on my ride. You might outgrow it on long hauls, but for trail-blazing, this little brother holds its own.
Will I keep using it? Absolutely.
Will I Loctite the hell out of it? You bet.
Will I ever learn to dismount without tripping over a side bag? …We’ll see.
