Alpos panniers

[Mark_S]

Hi All

I’m thinking of putting some Aluminium panniers on my 12GS. Bykebitz are doing various sizes, 36L, 32L and 40L ish, they also provide Left and Right adaptor kits that will mount the panniers to SW Motech Quick-Lock Pannier Holders.

Before I commit, I am a bit concerned how wide the bike will be with the panniers and frames fitted. The external dimensions of the panniers are given on the Bykebitz site, but the guy at Bykebitz did not know the overall width of the bike with the panniers fitted, mainly because people tend to mix and match panniers. The pannier on the left side does not have a ‘cut out’ to fit around the exhaust.

Has anyone fitted Alpos panniers with the SW motech pannier holders, if so what is the overall width, and is this width within the extent of the handlebars.

 

[Steve E]

The Panniers will be about 6inches each side wider than the handle bars. Fitted Traxx panniers (supplied by BykeBitz, Gareth is very helpfull), and they are 6 inches wider than the handle bars. Makes no difference to filtering.
If you go to the Ace Cafe tomorrow I will be there and you can see how wide the Traxx Panniers are.
Steve

 

[ncpierce]

The Panniers will be about 6inches each side wider than the handle bars. Fitted Traxx panniers (supplied by BykeBitz, Gareth is very helpfull), and they are 6 inches wider than the handle bars. Makes no difference to filtering.
If you go to the Ace Cafe tomorrow I will be there and you can see how wide the Traxx Panniers are.
Steve

Any chance of some pics of the Traxx panniers?

 

[Steve E]

Any chance of some pics of the Traxx panniers?

Unfortunately I hav'nt gota digi camera so can't do piccies (hav'nt subscribed yet either)

Steve

 

[Possu]

I've heard that Alpos are constructed from very thin Aluminium?

Saw a set of the SW Motech Trax panniers last week, impressive for the cost (£500 for frames & panniers on an R12GS?).

Pro's: cost, cast aluminium corner pieces for strength, nice pannier retaining design.

Con's: they stuck out a little further than necessary IMO, you need a sliimer l/h pannier to keep the "balanced" look.

 

[colm_c]

I got a pair of the Alpos ones recently (40L).

They are quite wide especially on the exhaust side. Filtering is definitely reduced, but they do hold loads of stuff.

Let me know and I'll take some pics / dims if you need them

 

[Yellow Peril]

There's rear pic never had problem filtering, 36L on left and 40L on right. As to the thickness of ally yes thinner than the standard 2mm but the rolled seams are the best part of 10mm thick and I have personal had a fully loaded GS12 ADV lying on one and there was no damaged to it what so ever. We those seam probably stronger than you "standard" welded boxes.

 

[Mark_S]

Hi ShaunT279

Are they Alpos panniers and have you fixed then to the bike using SW Motech Quick-Lock Pannier Holders. Its impressive the took the weight of a fully laden GSA without damage. They don’t look too wide and it looks like you have balanced the width. I’d like to think I don’t come that close when filtering so the amount that they extend outside the handlebars shouldn’t be too much of an issue.


Colm C

Yes please, the most important dimension I think I need is the measurement from the bike frame to the pannier on the exhaust side, I can calculate the overall width by adding the width of the different size panniers.

If you have fitted SW Motech’s some piccies of the bike with panniers fitted and removed would be very helpful.

Cheers

 

[Yellow Peril]

Yes fitted with SW Motech racks but I changed the carrier, when fitted it was far too high so I remade them 2" lower.

 

[ncpierce]

Can anyone stick a tape measure inside the TraX panniers and let me have rough sizes of the internal?

Thanks

Nigel

 

[VAL. H.]

It's each to their own I know and good luck with your choice of panniers.

But I have to say it WHY?

I have two 40ltr (actually the left is about 38ltr taking into account the cut out for the exhaust) panniers designed specifically for and fitted to the 1200gs with an overall width of 94 cm outside to outside. Thats less than the width of the bars.) If your wondering, every thing else on the bike is factory fitted and in it's normal position 'exhaust,indicators etc'). I'd say they are no wider than the position of the lid locks on Shaun's bike below, which is a whole lot of wasted space imho.

I can't imagine why anyone would want to buy something that just does 'ok' when there are plenty of choices that do the same job SO much better and for not much more money either, when you consider bespoke compared to off the shelf.

I recommend you have a good look at the other options before you make you decision. Do a search for Panniers.

Think about a few of your requierments too:

What am I going to use these panniers for?
Are they staying on more or less permanently, or just the occasional holiday/trip?
Do I really need quick release?
What sort of traffic will I be encountering with them on?
Will I be wanting to filter?
Have I got wings to suspend them from?
How much luggage do I really need to carry?
Is it likely I'll be dropping the bike?
Could I honestly tell myself the bike looks great with them fitted?
Will my passenger be able to easily get on and off?
You'll no dought have many more questions I'm sure.

I'm not trying to be rude about these types of panniers. You pays you money and makes your choice and thats entirely up to you.

But I do wonder who the winner really is, and I'm sure it ain't us.


Good luck Val.

There's rear pic never had problem filtering, 36L on left and 40L on right. As to the thickness of ally yes thinner than the standard 2mm but the rolled seams are the best part of 10mm thick and I have personal had a fully loaded GS12 ADV lying on one and there was no damaged to it what so ever. We those seam probably stronger than you "standard" welded boxes.