Hydration System

[BullCBX]

First, let me say that the efforts and workmanship of Garauld is greatly appreciated. Having another choice for a hydration system for solo riding is valued, but what are folks riding 2-up doing? Do you just rely on frequent stops? Usually storage space is at a premium while riding 2-up for a longer distance. I had thought of looking into adding a rack to the top of my GIVI case and mounting a small cooler or jug. Was curious what others out there are doing.

 

[huron52]

I have a rack on the top of my trunk and I have in the past tied my camelback there. That way we can stop anywhere and take a drink, it doesn't have to be at a gas station. Usaually two up I don't go as far between stops. We both have less room to move about. Not saying I haven't done a couple of 1000 mile days two up.

 

[Auburn]

I bring this. It has a cooler built in. Still have to stop, but the drinks are cold and you can have several choices.

 

[NightShine]

I put something like this on the Garauld luggage rack:

and fit one of these:

into each of the side pockets, with a 5 foot drinking tube and camelback bite valve. The passenger's job is to mange the drinking tube between us, switching jugs when one is empty.

 

[LowAndSilent]

Also posted up in Garauld's Group Buy thread:

Just wanting to do a little review on the "clamp-style" hydration system by Garauld, which I received from him on April 18th. I've now had a chance to put 3300 miles on the system from since we put it on, and I have to say that it's a winner.

Taken shortly after Garauld installed it on my FJR.

I have to say that the system is very secure. I have absolutely no issues with it loosening over the days of riding, even over some rough roads. It handled the twisties on US-14 and US-16 through Wyoming, and the long interstate slogs, just fine. It was immensely helpful on the last day of my ride, when temps between Missoula, MT and Seattle, WA ranged from 75 - 87 degrees. Since I was layered for the temps that morning (37 degrees leaving Billings, MT), having some cold water to suck down helped a bunch. I had suffered some dehydration issues earlier in my trip, heading into Albuquerque, NM and then again in Knoxville, TN, when I was just too stubborn to drink enough when I stopped for gas. Having it available on the bike is awesome and will definitely lead me to drinking more while under way. I've done the Camelbak thing in the past, but it blocks the back vent on my Roadcrafter, so it's no longer viable to me.

The clamp system worked a lot better than I thought it would, the mounting plate barely budged on even the harshest bumps when loaded with the Coleman jug, and there were no clearance issues. The clamp allows the container to be removed in seconds. Really hassle free refilling. I also noticed that it would be nearly impossible for you to catch your leg on the clamp unless you're doing really weird things with your legs. As you can see in the photo, I chose to mount mine on the left side of the bike as my left hand would be free to hold the hose while drinking. Overall, excellent system.

I cannot wait to get a cover on both the hose and the coleman cover itself, to help with keeping the system a little cooler. Only issue I can see with a cover for the jug is its current position is a magnet for insect strikes. I almost had to wipe the container off nightly since it was plastered with the little buggers. Not a big issue, but I did notice the flies absolutely loved the container when I stopped. I also need to try out one of the magnet attachments that have been suggested, so the hose can be secured to my tank. For the trip, I ended up capturing the tube in the handle of the Pelican case, that is my tank bag.

Let me know if you have any specific questions and I'll be happy to answer them.