THE NEW R25

The R25 is second longest-established product in the Kriega range. Launched back in 2001 it has been a constant in our line up, with only minimal updates until now. For the 2024 season it has received a comprehensive re-engineer to make it even more useful to riders looking for the highest-quality, tried and trusted motorcycle luggage.

We asked Kriega’s co-founder, and head of design, Dom Longman a few questions about the new R25.

A lot has changed in the world of motorcycle luggage since 2001. What was the idea for the R25 when you first launched it?

Dom Longman Our first backpack, the R35, had been released the previous year, and it caught rider’s imaginations and got some really good reviews. The R25 was building on that, but with a different harness design and a smaller overall capacity. It quickly became even more popular than the R35.

Back then we didn’t aim at certain kinds of riders, like we do now with packs like the Trail9 and Trail18, that are designed with adventure riders in mind. We were just making backpacks for motorcyclists, because no one else was doing it properly.

What did the motorcycle luggage market look like back in 2001?

Kriega launched because there was a gap for well-designed, well-made backpacks specifically for motorcyclists. There wasn’t anything for them. Riders used regular backpacks, the kind of thing a schoolkid would use, made from lightweight nylon and single stitching, just not up to the job. Some might use a slightly stronger hiking backpack, better but not designed to be pulled over leathers or armoured clothing every day. Or they’d use army surplus.

Why has it taken so long to update the R25?

Simply, because it didn’t need it. We don’t update things for the sake of it or because fashions or trends change, we update a product when we feel we can make a real improvement with some new technology or new materials. The R25 was still getting great reviews, and we were growing the range of other backpacks to offer more choice, but it was time to make the R25’s main compartment waterproof.

What else has changed?

Well, the main change is that 20-litre roll-top, 100% waterproof main compartment, with our taped-seam, Drypack white liner. That means the 25-litre capacity is split 20/5. The remaining 5 litres is in quick-access zip pocket. The back panel has an updated soft-feel panel, and the new rear reflective panel offers increased visibility. The first R25s weren’t specifically compatible with a hydration pack, but later ones have the loops to fit one, and so does this. It is also designed to take our harness pockets. With the rest: the Quadloc harness, the 1000D and 420D Cordura, the YKK zips… it was a case of it ain’t broke, don’t fix it, so all those trusted elements remain.

You said the R25 was aimed at the general motorcycle market when it was first released in 2001, is the target more specific now?

Yes and no. We offer a lot more choice of riderpacks now, but the R25 is still for the same high-mileage riders and daily commuters who ride day in, day out, whatever the weather, the kind of riders who bought one in 2001 and every year in between.

See the full specification for the re-engineered R25 at KRIEGA.COM

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