Adventure Spec panniers- any good?

[steadysteve]

I’m looking at buying a set of these for my 690 enduro r.
Just wondered if anyone on here is using them and can offer any opinion on quality/durability plz.

I previously had Mosko Moto Atacamas mounted onto X plates on pannier racks but they were close to 10kgs empty which, with camping gear etc, made the little 690 a bit light on the front end and the tail was definitely wagging the dog..
I intend keeping the racks for the protection they give.
Cheers

 

[Snowy]

I've had the AS Magadan 2 panniers for years and have found the quality and durability to be as good as the best out there. They've never let me down in desert, rainforest or mountains on my 701 or 790, including living out of them daily on a 4-month trip. I have found all AS stuff to be fantastic. I had one issue with a bit of stitching coming undone on a pair of AS gloves, I emailed them a photo and a new pair arrived in the post the next morning. No questions asked.

 

[Northern jock]

I’ve got a pair of Magadan panniers, had them 7 years and very happy with them. I don’t bother with the waterproof inner bags, the panniers keep pretty much everything out. Good size, very tough, decent external pockets front and rear, easy to put on the bike and the security straps you can buy give some peace of mind.
Edit to add a gratuitous photo of bike modelling the panniers

 

[tuftywhite]

I have a pair of the Mk2 versions, which I bought nearly new. I've been pleased with them and they are great to use, although you do need pannier frames to use them properly.

You've probably researched them so you'll know they're very robust. I believe the latest version is even better. I don't use mine too often as I use different bikes for different trips and the Mosko Moto Reckless 40s go on most trips, but if I do use the bike with the pannier frames, I'll use the Magadan panniers over the metal ones I use to go to the shops/Starbucks.

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I like Wolfman Expeditions

 

[Zorro]

Quick question to the 690 / 701 riders. Which pannier frame are you using? And how wide is the whole setup with the Magadans? Wider than handlebars?
I have the Kreiga harness with 2 OS-18s but I find this a faff… Many thanks

 

[steadysteve]

Quick question to the 690 / 701 riders. Which pannier frame are you using? And how wide is the whole setup with the Magadans? Wider than handlebars?
I have the Kreiga harness with 2 OS-18s but I find this a faff… Many thanks

My 690 has Outback Motortek frames. Seem very strong and durable. Powder coated (I think) and seems to stand up to the knocks very well.
I had Mosko Moto Atacamas panniers which did look very wide when packed with camping gear. Tent, mat, sleeping bag and Helinox all in one side. I think they are similar size to the Magadans but can’t give you an exact measurement sorry.
I had 2 tool tubes mounted on the inside of my offside frame. Plenty of room which I suppose is an advantage of the wide-ass fitting.

It felt a bit like the tail was wagging the dog when loaded. Not helped by the fact that the bags and mounting plates are nearly 10kg empty…
The rear fuel tank doesn’t help and also my tankbag was u/s and not on the bike at the time. Tools and spare tubes etc at the front instead of the back would have helped the balance massively I think.
I’m also interested in the Magadans as the specs say they are a bit lighter than the Atacamas.

 

[Snowy]

Quick question to the 690 / 701 riders. Which pannier frame are you using? And how wide is the whole setup with the Magadans? Wider than handlebars?
I have the Kreiga harness with 2 OS-18s but I find this a faff… Many thanks

I also use Outback Motortek frames. They've been great. They also protect the exhaust too. Pictured with Magadans...

 

[Zorro]

I also use Outback Motortek frames. They've been great. They also protect the exhaust too. Pictured with Magadans...


View attachment 434876

That looks like a solid setup. Would you know the total width of the rear end, ie: with OM frames and Magadan panniers? From the photo it looks just slightly narrower than the handlebars which would be ideal for me. Thanks

 

[Northern jock]

That looks like a solid setup. Would you know the total width of the rear end, ie: with OM frames and Magadan panniers? From the photo it looks just slightly narrower than the handlebars which would be ideal for me. Thanks

Being soft the panniers are as thin or fat as you choose. A strap round them horizontally keeps them in place and can compress a bit, a vertical strap helps as well. There are eyelets for both built in.

 

[Nin]

To Steve’s opening question - yes I think they are excellent.

While I really like the Mosko Moto kit and have been using their ‘Reckless 80’ for years, it is a bit over the top for the sort of touring I do these days which is all Hotel/B&B rather than Rufty Tufty camping with the bears.

The simple top loading bags suit me much better. Build quality and materials are good - I’d say not quite as over-engineered as Mosko Moto, but they have certainly stood the test of some hardened RTW travellers.

And my goodness they are a lot cheaper than the MM stuff to!

 

[tuftywhite]

I asked you not to mention the bears.