Al Jesse Bags

[alpmeister]

Got to say a bit about this bloke. Got the money together and after much thought decided to get a pair of Al Jesse Odyssey bays for my 1100GS. Took me a year to make the decision, I am glad that I did. I am lucky enough to live about 2 hrs away from Bob Wilkins aka Kiwi Bob here in Germany, so I decided that I would go down there to collect the boxes. The guy is great, well knowledgable about all matters GS, friendly and very helpful. Made me a brew, we had a chat and he then gave me a detailed explanation on his own 1100GS of how to fit the bags, top tips etc. Back indoors and a piece by piece description, quality control check of the kit. Another brew and I was on the road home. Took my bike out the garage and put it onto the patio, 2 1/2 hrs later the bags are fitted and I am a happy chappy. Solid, robust quality bit of kit, granted a bit pricy, but hey as you BMW (I ride a BMW not a BWM) riders know, you get what you pay for. Recommend these bags to all and Bob for being so friendly and helpful. And before any of you cynics ask, no Bob didn't ask me to put this on the site to drum up trade, praise where praise is due.

Check out his site below

http://www.kiwibob.de/eng/Jesse_Luggage/jesse_luggage.html

 

[darkhorse]

I first contacted Bob last year, amd have been corresponding with him over last couple of weeks, as I am considering purchasing a pair of Jesse bags, seems like a very helpful chap.

Still not decided between Jesse and Touratech

 

[ncoutts]

My recent experience was just as positive with Bob. He was first class in responding to questions I bombarded him with before and after the purchase and as I fitted the boxes. The original and very good American instructions came hand annotated (I guess by Bob) with really helpful additional info. He clearly knows the bikes and the kit inside out.

Yes, they are expensive, but in my experience the quality of the kit and the service sells itself - no disrespect to other 'providers' around here.

Norman

 

[alpmeister]

He is very helpful. I have looked at both systems alot over the past few months and for my money the Al Jesses are the DBs. The Touratechs are good I am not disputing that, but for almost the same money (if you get the TT sonder system) there is no competition. What sold it for me was the width issue, I was in San Remo on the North Italien coast last year trying to filter through the towns traffic in the rush hour I had a set of H&B Journey cases, 42 litres each, top quality kit and expensive, but very wide. A set of TT "normal system gives you 76 litres carrying capacity and is 90 cm wide, the TT Sonder system gives 80 litres and is 90 cm wide. My black powder coated Al Jesses are approx 105 litres and are a mere 86cm in width, the lids have usable space as well, all in all I think they are great. Well happy GS rider.

 

[oblertone]

Spare's ?

Which does beg the question, what are you doing with your 'old' TT system ? Is there a purchasing opportunity ?

 

[alpmeister]

Dont have a TT set oblertone, I have a set of used once Hepco and Becker Journey 42 side cases and top box.

 

[enabb]

BOB

Ditto all wots been said.

Ordered mine last year just before he was off on a tour..
dispatched the bags to me before he recieved the dosh,

Top bloke to deal with

 

[jkersh1]

I am fortunate enough to live only a few miles from Jesse's factory in Arizona. I was there recently trying to retrofit my old style bags with the lids springs. Great people. Thank "W" for the weak dollar, these have got to be a bargain.

For bag liners, check those from Helen Twowheels http://www.helen2wheels.com/

Recommended to me by Al Jesse himself.

 

[Tim Cullis]

I've taken the plunge and ordered panniers, top box and solo panel. Bob's a real helpful guy.

The parcels left Germany yesterday and through the power of UPS's tracking technology I now know they arrived in Barking, Essex 55 minutes ago. Might even be here tomorrow. I'll post pics etc when they arrive.

Tim

 

[alpmeister]

Zmeagol, what colour did you get? I have a black 1100 GS so I got black bags, they look great.