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YamahaDave Mazzotta, Yamaha parts and accessories product manager says the new 1995 tank bag is already attracting much attention. "Every dealer I've shown it to thinks its a great idea," he adds. Because it's expandable, the $89.95 bag gives you a place to pack your clothes as you take layers off in warm weather. It comes with a map pouch, interior elastic pocket, flashlight, and storage pockets on both sides. The Propex III® tank bag system attaches to the tunnel with button snaps and on the upper cowl with vinyl-coated hooks.
Yamaha provides its riders with a convenient belt bag. Its numerous compartments, including a key holder, are protected from the elements with a dual zipper and a water-resistant, urethane-coated nylon. This neat little pack comes in black, gray and red and retails for $9.95.
The new Sofpack handlebar pouch puts a camera, sunglasses or snack at your finger tips for only $29.95. It attaches to all Yamaha snowmobiles with Velcro straps. Because it's constructed of Propex® it's durable and water-resistant. It is also designed to match all Sofpack items.
Another Sofpack bag that is custom-fit to your Yamaha is the deluxe saddlebag. Its Propex III® construction makes its roomy pouches water resistant, durable and shapely. This $84.95 saddlebag is easy to attach to and detach from your sled. Available for sleds with standard seats and Vmax and Venture 2-up model, the saddlebag provides a total of 1,400 cubic inches of storage.
Mazzotta says all Yamaha bags uphold Yamaha's standards of quality. Each bag comes with reflective tape, zipper pull extensions, and zipper flaps to keep moisture out.
When it comes to bags, the four manufacturers face tough competition. Design Unlimited-2, Kimpex and Dow Canvas are three after-market competitors vying for a corner in the bag market. Look at what these other companies offer.
Dow canvas is entering the market with a three-bags-in-one unit and a handlebar bag. The three-in-one unit mounts on the rear cargo rack with clips and straps. Each bag is lined with foam and Tricot lining and treated with a water repellent chemical. Side bags provide an amazing 936 cubic inches, while the center bag is even larger.
The Dow Handlebar bag puts personal items at arms-reach. Constructed of polyester and coated with a water repellent chemical, this bag endures even the harshest conditions.
Jean Schroeder, Dow sales coordinator says these bags are made of proven materials and zippers. Touring bags come in midnight black black, red or purple piping (seams). Handlebar bags come in midnight black, red and purple. Prices have not yet been determined. For more information write Dow Canvas Products Inc, 4230 Clipper Drive, Manitowoc, WI 54220 or call 1-800-558-7755.
For four years Design Unlimited-2 has offered custom fit handlebar pods, a universal handlebar pod, two map bags and a cargo system. Donna Zariczny, owner of the business boasts that none of her bags have ever been found defective. All models are made of 1,000 denier Cordura, the highest-grade material on the market. Zippers are marine grade and the piping (seams) is 1,000 denier Foam Flex. Zariczny says this construction prevents mildew and rotting caused by moisture.
Custom fit handlebar pods, provide storage for keys, wallet and/or sun glasses. Design Unlimited-2 offers Arctic Cat, Ski-Doo, and Yamaha pods for $22.00. The Polaris Pod is $30.00 while the V-Max Pod is $32.00. A universal pod designed to fit all models costs $26.00. Installation is quick and easy. Nylon webbing cinch straps and Velcro closures keep the pods securely in place. Colors available include red, blue, purple and black.
Design Unlimited-2 offers two map bags to accommodate your storage needs- a 288 cubic-inch, $30.00 standard bag and a 660 cubic-inch, $35.00 deluxe bag. These bags come in red, blue, purple and black.
The Modular Cargo System is designed around a unique harness system that provides flexibility and durability. The harness secures to your sled at four points. With two bags for the side and one for the top, this cargo system offers 1,668 cubic-inches of storage. Customized to fit each manufacturer's sled, side bags cost $60.00 and the top bag retails for $25.00. The cargo system comes in red, purple, blue and black.
"We use the best materials so people don't have to replace their bags in a month," says Zariczny. "The variety of colors we offer helps draw customers. We're now working on a new storage system that will fit on the front of Ski-Doos and Polaris with the new chassis designs."
For more information write Design Unlimited-2, P.O. Box 431, Salamanca, New York 14779 or call (716) 945-4878.
Kimpex USA of Champlain, NY, known for it's tracks, shocks, engine parts, electrical components, skis and skins, also sells cargo bags. Popular bags are its CKX Carry-All Backrest Bags, Carry-All Cargo Carrier, Carry-All Saddlebag and CKX Tank bag.
Two backrest bags, one of leather and the other of nylon are both 19" x 6" x 9.5". A top zipper and foam lining keep the elements out. Both bags come in black and retail for $44.17 (leather) and $26.95 (nylon).
The cylindrical Carry-All Cargo Carrier is resilient to weather and abuse because of its nylon, foam laminated construction. It can be mounted on cargo carriers or used as a knapsack. For $16.95 you get 1,075 cubic inches of storage.
For $26.95 you can purchase a 556 cubic inches of storage in Kimpex's water resistant, mildew proof canvas saddlebag. Use it for carrying food, clothing or other items.
Kimpex's genuine black leather tank bag with see-through map pocket, mounts easily to any sled. It provides 640 cubic inches of storage for $32.47.
For more information contact Kimpex USA at 100 Walnut St, Champlain, NY 12919 or call 518-298-8222.
As every snowmobiler knows there's more than one way to tote your luggage. In fact there are many different bags for every purpose under the sun. Choosing the right bag is a little like choosing the right spouse. Weigh the options carefully, find what fits your needs and you'll never regret your choice.