1200 GS Panniers

[gahewson]

Guys,

I've had a standard 1200GS now for about a month and commute 100 miles a day in all weathers with my stuff in a rucksac. I'm considering a set of the standard panniers but need to know are they watertight as I keep seeing offers for inners or bags to go inside??

Used to have an 1100GS with panniers in 96 and they were watertight.

Appreciate any advice before I commit £419 big ones to get some?

Geoff

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I've never had a problem with mine, and that includes some long journeys in torrential rain. The only slight leak potential is from the missing grommet on the base of the pannier (which seems to get lost too easily). I've put a couple of layers of duct tape over the whole.

 

[terayon]

My bike sits outside in all weathers. I've never had a leak from them yet, just make sure every now and then you take them apart to clean the road crap out of the mechanism

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Watertight wins the day

There has been plenty of discussion on this subject and the vast majority found the standard panniers ARE watertight. If they get a little stiff to expand a smear of silicone grease on the seal will help.

 

[Psycho]

I keep seeing offers for inners or bags to go inside??

mine are waterproof

the bags are for her indoors to put here make up in so she can easily carry the stuff from the bike into the house

very handy with the vario mechanism to expand or not

and are amazingly easy to put on and take off

there are ups and downs with all systems removal size strength etc but i would buy them again and i think they compliment the bike makes it look even bigger

the right one takes a full size helmet in xl which is another plus point
the topbox dosn't

but there is not a vast amount of space in the left hand unit unless it is extended

they are very handy for commuting like i say gortex jeans, jacket ,helmet, boots, fit comfortly in once i take my chain and cover out

 

[bustupbiker]

Mine have never let a drop in.

(grommet) whats that then! am i sposed to have one, werabouts that then?

 

[jonnie comet]

Mine have never let a drop in.

(grommet) whats that then! am i sposed to have one, werabouts that then?

....I think he means the "feet" on the bottom of the cases.......they are a simple push fit into (and out of) the cases. I agree, they fall out too easily.......Superglue 'em in, before they disapear.

Otherwise....Wateright......

 

[Eastriding2002]

Mine were watertight, however with the "inner bags" the capacity becomes ridiculous useless, I have since gone back to my tried and trusted GIVI panniers which are watertight and hold a damn sight more with the added bonus of being easier to pack and get on / off the bike. Downside? well they don't look as good and make the bike wider. Then again, the GS is no supermodel in the looks department to start with is it!

 

[Brian ROSEN]

More about panniers

Just a point whilst on this subject; Some of us have had a pannier fall off the bike ( and someone well known to the BMW club lost one completely.)
The adjusting screw (mushroom?) has a locknut on it and it is important that this is checked - some even use loctite. If the adjustment is correct there will be virtually no movement of the panniers relative to the frame. I adjusted mine so it requires a firm push to locate the mushroom - but exert force ONLY on the red "tab" above the mushroom NOT on the red lever which can easily snap.

 

[gahewson]

Looks like I better get my wallet out then and get a set.

Thanks guys.

Geoff

 

[Dahoum]

They are not watertight if submerged. (believe me, I know )

 

[gahewson]

I'll bare that in mind next time I go swimming on my GS??

That must have been interesting if you managed to get the water that high your panniers got covered .......or is there another story

Geoff