PROS
Length is great for loading almost
anything, even onto very high beds
Modular system allows you to use
whatever sections of the ramp
you need
Individual sections are very
manageable considering the lengthCONS
Heavy as a solo loading piece
when all sections are assembled
(over 100 lb.)
A single hinge pin across all sections
would make it stronger and easier
to use
Linking blocks could better secure
the sections from slidingHepco-Becker Xplorer
45 Top Case
by Dan DiMaioIt may not be widely known, but Hepco-Becker has been making
motorcycle luggage since the mid-’70s, and damn good luggage at that.
Luggage is definitely a personal preference. I would love to be able to
travel without it, and I often do, but never without the beloved top case. A
top case holds important gear that needs to be protected but accessible.
Behold, the Hepco-Becker Xplorer 45. The case is available in silver or
black and is engineered in a way that is slightly different from most
other cases on the market. The first stand-out is the fact that it opens
from the side rather than the front. Not a huge engineering leap
forward but different, nonetheless. The case is constructed from 1.5mm
aluminum, and high-impact plastic moldings on all four corners help
keep the case’s shape in the event of a crash. A lot of manufacturers
claim their cases are waterproof. I’m happy to say that the Xplorer is in
fact watertight and accepts a full-face ADV helmet with room to spare.
Having options for mounting is a bonus, as most systems offer only
one. With the Xplorer you have three: Hepco-Becker Top Case, Aluracks, or
the Easy Rack. I chose the Easy Rack system because it would lower the
case backstop for a cleaner look.
The Hepco-Becker Top Case is one of my favorite day-to-day pieces of
kit. I can carry a fair amount of stuff for daily commuting, camera gear
when out looking for something
to photograph on the weekends,
or that quick run to the store for
dinner. With all the options for
motorcycle luggage, it’s hard not
to be confused when looking to
outfit your machine. For me, this
is a “top” choice. MSRP: $212.06—
Easy Rack | $420.50—Explorer 45
Top Case MotoMachines.comtogether would be great. The included
linking blocks are strong enough
and do the job well, but allow the
ramp sections to slide in transverse
directions. As a result, the hinges
become misaligned and folding the
unit can be difficult.
Overall, the construction of the Black
Widow 12-foot folding ramp is very
good. There’s no question about the
amount of weight it can support, and
with an arched 12-foot runway, getting
nearly anything up on a tall truck bed
is much easier. The ramp’s modular
nature means it can be used for a wide
variety of tasks and you can assemble
sections as they’re needed.
Unfortunately, as a solo-loading
solution, the overall weight of the
assembled pieces keeps it from being
as practical as we’d hoped. The upshot
is nearly every type of motorcycle, ATV
or side-by-side can be loaded with
relative ease. For the price it’s hard
to beat, although a few little tweaks
would make it a bulletproof, handy
tool to have around the shop or garage
for all kinds of powersports needs.
MSRP: $575 DiscountRamps.com
PROS
Watertight sealing to protect
box contents
Large 45-liter capacityCONS
Mount is a tad priceyAdventureMotorcycle.com 17