1200 Panniers

[Boz]

When I bought the bike I ordered the tankbag and both side panniers.

I've used them a few times but don't know if I'm confident about using them on long journeys or tours, on reflection maybe I should have bought some simple but effect metal ones, at least if they get a knock there with stand more force than plastic.

Thoughts/ experience anyone?

Cheers

 

[Joyseeker]

i get on fine with my panniers. very useful for getting in and out of B&Bs quick. the inner bags take up too much room and are not used.

top box always stays on the bike and is so practical.

tank bag used once. it made riding in the wind a nightmare..... too much weight high up and offers more for the wind to have a push at.

i think the cans are more for those that want the wild camping image and look ugly to me...... with the bwm panniers you get the bikes looks back and the nip through city traffic.

 

[Clive]

The panniers are fine in "normal" use - I used them fully loaded in extended mode to Barcelona over New Year with no problems - they just increase fuel consumption by 10-15%

On that trip I also discovered the panniers themselves are fairly robust - at least the left one withstood being rammed by a GSA - after the novelty of being overtaken by my left pannier, I discovered that the mountings are not quite so robust - the central mount that fits over the mushroom snapped off and the rear "hanger" sheared off also.

However, after some dismantling I further discovered that there are some "hidden" cable tie points - this worked fine for the 1000 miles home again - only just cut them off today so I could wash the bike.

 

[laughingBob]

I've posted something similar to this not so long ago but, here's my two bobs worth.

I've had a couple of sets of Touratech Zega panniers on a number of bikes, KTM Adv, R100GS and two Africa Twins. All the bikes were kitted out and used for overlanding. For such use this type of pannier is excellent. We came across a guy riding an XT600 last year who was supporting his bike on one of these panniers, having removed the rear wheel, while sorting out damage to the wheel and a puncture.

However, for touring Europe or riding/commuting in the uk they are too wide for negotiating traffic and completely unnecessary.

I bought the BMW panniers when I got the bike. Once the mushroom bolts were adjusted properly the panniers fitted snugly on the bike and so far haven't leaked at all. I leave the panniers on all the time as I use the bike daily and need access to waterproofs, dry gloves, etc etc.

 

[Boz]

Thanks for the great feedback guys....helped me deal with some of those issues!

Out of interest has anyone found that the seal inside doesn't sit correctly in the gap, so it becomes twisted?

Cheers

 

[Paul Wakefield]

so it becomes twisted

So far no problems though I had a similar issue with my old 1150 panniers. Make sure the lid closes cleanly and try not to get bits hanging out of the pannier caught in the lid - I'm always getting laces, bits of bungee, etc hanging out which does not help the seal!

Paul

 

[gb's]

Width of BMW Panniers

Can any owners of the 1200 BMW oe panniers tell me the overall width once mounted, both expanded and not expanded.

Thanks
Graham

 

[Matt D]

Hi Boz,

Same as you when I got my bike. Riding with the panniers worried the wozits off me. However, after a few long rides you don't even notice them. I just tend to leave them on now.

 

[cptbuellx1]

Pannier Options

I know over across the pond you fellas are looking at BMW and Touratech...

But, if you are looking for something that is top loading, more capacity and aluminum construction check out the Jesse Bags.

I have a set after having the stock BMW bags on my 1200 and I just didn't like the side opening and the constuction.

The jesse bags hang a bit lower and if you are riding pretty aggressive they can touch a bit, but not before you are dragging the footpegs!

They are also sturdy as hell, I've fallen while riding off road and they held up and protected the bike like a huge pair of crash bobbins.

here is the link

http://www.jesseluggage.com/

 

[Reggie]

Hi There,

it's all well and good posting links to this Jesse bloke but as the #### doesn't even reply to e-mail enquiries then what chance have you got?

So the real options in Europe are really, BMW, H&B, Verns, Metal Mule or TT.

Regards

Reggie AKA The Cameraman