Blog

Luggage news, travel diaries and custom projects

Ken & Mollie Craven - Journey to Belgrade

When Mollie and I headed southward through the suburbs of Paris with Hetty Second, our 1947 500 c.c. Matchless, we had a fair idea that we had committed ourselves to an arduous journey But we were unaware just how arduous it would be, or that a mean depression in Iceland was already plotting to supply us with something exceptional in the way of weather, which washed away our dreams of basking in the sun on the Dalmatian Coast.

Yet, if as a holiday it was a wash-out, it was eventful, and so crammed with human kindness that we rarely gave way to frustration or despair.

The Gentle Art of Being a Pillionist

From our Archives, Mollie Craven (our founder's wife and traveling companion) writes about 'The Gentle Art of Being a Pillionist'. This is from her do's and don'ts (for both pillion and rider), originally published in 1951 in The Motor Cycle -

"It may not be many years ago, but it certainly is many tens of thousands of miles ago, since I rode on the back seat of a motor cycle. Hetty 1 was a solid-frame Matchless 500cc, and in those days, at the end of the war, a square pad on the back was all that was generally available. "That's for you," said Ken beaming.
"Oh, no!" I said firmly. "I wouldn't be seen dead on that horrid little contraption!" But in due course I undertook a 4000-mile Continental run on the thing.

Motorcycle Top Box For Dogs

A few weeks ago we were contacted by a lady with a special request - could we make a motor cycle top box pet carrier for her dog Lulu? A few phone calls, mock-ups and measuring of pooches later, here it is!

Round the Coast Ride

Our Roger set out to recreate (as much as he could) a ride completed in 1924. Marjorie Cottle, on a 3 ¾ hp Raleigh, and Hugh Gibson, on a 7 hp Raleigh combination, road around the coast in opposite directions 2nd-14th June 1924, around 3,404 miles, an average of 261 miles per day. Here is Roger’s travel log –

Vintage Motorcycle Luggage Racks - Quick and Versatile

There’s nothing more versatile than a luggage rack. Used by couriers, commuters and delivery drivers everywhere, they can turn our two-wheeled transport into a business! For those that ride for leisure, a rack can carry a top box and give the opportunity to travel further.

How to Refurb Your Old Luggage

As our luggage is built to last, we often spot Craven pieces from fifty years ago or more still in use! How are these panniers and topboxes still going?

Panniers to suit every adventure

The joy of riding a motorcycle comes from freedom. Being able to go places a car driver might not, carrying only what you need and exploring where you want. But what do you do when you want to escape the baggage that comes with the day-to-day, but you still need to carry luggage?

Pinstriping Luggage

Pinstriping is usually a hand-painting technique, to add fine line details to parts of a motorbike. It is commonly seen on petrol tanks or mudguards and is often metallic or bright colour.

Vintage Motorcycle Luggage

For those who are serious about two-wheeled travel, motorcycle luggage is a must. Designed to fulfil all practicalities, and built to last, a luggage rack, top box or panniers are well worth the investment for the motorbike adventurer.

Inspired by AdventureBuilt for Everyday

Inspired by Adventure
Built for Everyday