Riding to Alaska (and back) with Hard Cases by Furchtlos
by Wes Fitzer, #170126
My wife Paula and I did a “thing” after the MOA National Rally in Redmond this past June. We rode from Redmond to Fairbanks, Alaska, and back to test the MOA’s new luggage by Furchtlos.
Furchtlos, a German company whose name translates into English as “fearless,” is building BMW MOA branded hard and soft luggage for the R 1250 GSA and soon the R 1300 GS and soft and hard cases for various other BMW models. I took the opportunity to test both the hard and soft luggage lines on the 6,000-mile journey to and from Fairbanks through all types of terrain and weather.
I have owned and ridden three R 1200/1250 GS Adventures and totaled well over 100,000 miles on those bikes; all outfitted with the BMW’s aluminum hard cases. I have never owned or used any aftermarket cases other than these new BMW MOA-branded cases by Furchtlos. I have never owned a set of BMW aluminum cases where at least one of the three cases did not leak when riding in the rain. The water penetration has varied from slight to significant, and I’ve tried various home remedies, including silicone sealants on the joints. Unfortunately, I was never able to stop the leaking on my BMW-branded hard cases.
Over our three-week round-trip ride from Redmond to Fairbanks, Montana, it rained half of those days. Most of the rain would last an hour or two, but we had two full days of heavy rain. On top of that, we also rode through untold miles of dusty, dirty roads, including more than 100 miles of dirt road on the Denali highway running east and west from Cantwell to Paxton, Alaska. As promised by our friends at Furchtlos, all the bags were 100% water and dustproof.
Furchtlos cases maintain their water and dustproofing by using a thermo-molded plastic interior of the base and lid, which has an aluminum exterior. This design prevents water and/or dust penetration and allows damaged aluminum panels to be replaced without having to buy an entire new case. Swapping out the aluminum panels also allows for a color change if, for instance, you purchased a new motorcycle and wanted to match the color scheme of the new bike.
Thoughts from the Long Road
I also have a horrible habit of overpacking, which typically goes something like this: I lay out all the things I'm going to need, carry them to the bike and then pack them into my cases. My problem is when I see all the extra room I have and begin stuffing unnecessary items into the cases.
I found the Furchtlos hard cases to be sized perfectly for even my longer trips. I did use the inner bags, which are great because they are waterproof on their own and can be removed and strapped to the top of the case for extra storage, though I never needed that. The removable inner bags also make it extremely easy to carry my stuff into the hotel and get it back onto the bike the next morning.
The Furchtlos locking mechanism took a bit of getting used to, but after a few days, I realized how much more secure and logical it is. The Furchtlos Ranger cases open from the rear by key (separate key from BMW key). Then, when you close the lid, the case automatically locks, so there's no more wondering if you’ve locked your cases when you go somewhere like a gas station, restaurant or hotel. After so many years of habitually checking each lock on my BMW hard cases, I’d usually find at least one that was unlocked. The Furchtlos system is much more refined.
Another thing I found much easier with these cases is removing them from the bike. With the lid open, a simple push button releases the bag from the frame. The cases go back on the bike just as easily.
Durability
For anyone who has ridden the Stuart-Cassiar highway, you know what I am talking about when I say that road is a true test of a bike and everything attached to it. For those who have not, I am not certain I can adequately articulate how rough the roads are, thousands of miles of full suspension travel, often at enough speed to warrant a guttural "oomph" when you can’t avoid the deep crevice. It became a running joke when we would be following an RV and watching its back end bounce ferociously up and down. Undoubtedly, someone would pipe in and say, “I’ll bet their forks and spoons are gonna be all mixed together.” Add in hundred-plus miles of the Denali Highway, and I believe we put the cases through a great test of durability, water and dustproofness, strength and functionality. As I’ve mentioned, I did not experience water or dust penetration or any other malfunction, which is a strong recommendation.
Quality
To me, the Ranger cases just feel sturdier. The combined injection molded plastic shelf with outer aluminum panels are solid. Had these cases been of inferior quality, it would have shown up at some point during the trip; it just didn't happen. These cases took everything Canada and Alaska could throw at them.
BMW MOA Branded
The Furchtlos bags sport the BMW MOA logo, which always brings a smile to my face. This logo helps the MOA out not only through licensing agreements but also by increasing brand recognition–what could be better?
Case Specifications
The Ranger hard cases come in three different trim levels, depending on your preferences and budget, and four color options.
Cost
The prices for side cases range from $319 each for the Adventure model to $279 each for the Premium model and $239 each for the Standard model. All models include a robust self-blocking hinge, double limit strips and a high-security lock. The Premium version adds the cast aluminum handles and a thermoformed inner lining which are highly recommended. The Adventure model includes a carbon lid and cargo fixation strips with 3M reflective decals adding a very nice premium look. All are available in 36 or 31-liters for high exhaust cut-out. Givi mounting frames allow a full 36-liter case on both sides.
This 50-liter top case retails for $539 for the Adventure model, $489 for the Premium model and $439 for the Standard model. Again, the Premium or Adventure model is highly recommended since these variations include the cast aluminum handles, thermoformed inner liner and two-piece backrest. All models include a robust self-blocking hinge, double limit strips and a high-security lock.
Furchtlos luggage racks are available for Ranger cases for $189 and a very nice all-aluminum top case mounting plate is available to securely mount the Ranger Top box, also for $189.
Compatible with all Ranger side and top cases, TPU high-frequency welded inner bags can be used as an inner case liner, duffle bag or extra cargo bag. It includes a shoulder strap and fixation straps and costs $149 each.
Visit bmwmoa.org/furchtlos to order your set of Furchtlos luggage.
