Aluminium panniers: Touratech or BMW

[Hammam]

I want to change my Vario panniers, which I don't like (in fact, hate) because of the side opening (ah, the left pannier when the bike is on the side-stand!), the gradually jamming extending levers and the very temperamental lids. Thank God I didn't have to pay for these since they were included in a year-end package sale by BMW, otherwise I'd be pis...ff. Now, I am torn between Touratech Zega panniers, and BMW GSA panniers. Note that I have a GS, not a GSA. Any advice would be appreciated: ease of installation, quality of locks, quality and durability of finish, weight. Thanks a lot.

 

[Tractor Boy]

I like the second hand Touratech Zega cases I bought recently. (gs1150)I also got the Zega top box. Nice bits of kit, not too heavy, lots of accessories and top openers.
TB

 

[buellzebub]

I like the second hand Touratech Zega cases I bought recently. (gs1150)I also got the Zega top box. Nice bits of kit, not too heavy, lots of accessories and top openers.
TB

+1

I bought a second hand pair of Zega 41/41 'Specials' and rails off a fellow tosser last year and I'm very pleased with them. I know a lot of people rate Vern's 'Worldbeaters' very highly and had a set of those come up at that time I'd probably have gone down that route. As it was the TTs were the right price at the right time. I definitely wouldn't have shelled out over a grand to buy them new though , keep your eyes peeled for a second hand set. I paid just under £500 for the complete set-up including rails, indicators and exhaust extension pipe, all I needed to add were a couple of stainless cap heads & washers
One thing I would add though is that you really do need to use some kind of inner bag with ally panniers otherwise everything will come out black DAMHIK! , however they don't need to be expensive, and heavy gauge plastic refuse sacks work just as well and also keep everything dry.
I don't know about Vern's, but the TTs aren't very quickly detachable as you may have to take your bag of stuff out to release the knurled locking wheels, but that said it only takes literally 60-90 seconds per side to remove and they can be used to sit on, as wind-shields for cooking or as a table top. All in all I'd thoroughly recommend them.

Mick

 

[andyclift]

I too hated the Varios, side opening, poor capacity, heavy, etc. and changed to Zegas. Ugly, very practical, great capacity, easy to pile stuff on top and they survived a couple of offs with little more than a few scratches. Only annoying bit was taking the lids off and putting them somewhere every time they were opened and the horrible screw clamp fitting which jammed and needed a pipe wrench to remove. The painted frames were not so good either but I see st stl is available now.

Now have a GSA with GSA panniers (made by Toutatech). Advantage of Zegas is the hinged opening while still being able to remove the lids as its useful for big items to leave the lids at home and the quick release fitting. Against that they are a much lighter weight than the Zegas and I doubt they would take so much punishment.

If I was starting again now I would buy Zega Pro. heavier build than the GSAs but have the removable hinges. Also they can be purchased anodised so hopefully they wont become corroded so quickly. I note that a quick release fitting is available instead of the horrible, but simple, screws. I would like to know how successful this is as I think it would make them near perfect.

As already noted, inner bags are ESSENTIAL. Not just to keep the ali from coming off on the contents but try taking Zegas or GSAs into a hotel !! I bought the Kriega bags when I had the Zegas and they fit the GSAs as well. A little expensive but very practical, very smart and the usual Kriega bomb proof build quality.

 

[NLC]

Why not just buy some baggies for the Varios? If you need bags in any case? Agree it would be nice if they opened up instead of sideways. Metal Mules look pretty cool but I still have not won the lottery yet.

 

[Beano]

My Vote goes with ARD cases made by Redcap of this parish. Roger is very easy to deal wth and if your wanting a fitting service he offers that as well.
All made to your own request and colours and great value for Money.

If your really lucky and get a day when SWMBO is about you get Bacon sandwiches thrown in.

 

[darrenptalbot]

What do the varios look like?

I've got touratech on mine at the moment (1100gs) but could be persuaded to swap ....

 

[Hammam]

What do the varios look like?

I've got touratech on mine at the moment (1100gs) but could be persuaded to swap ....

For a 1200 GS? All the way to and from Canada? I don't think so.

 

[Hammam]

Thank you for your advice. Keep them coming. I already have inner bags for the Varios, but I doubt they would fit in Zega or BMW panniers.

 

[stolzy]

I've got Zegas on my 1150 and, while they are generally well built and capacious I am thinking of changing them for Vern's. I've seen a few and they are better built and better designed than the Zegas. Friends who use them have only good things to say.

Vern's are anodised whilst the Zegas are not - that's almost enough reason to change on its own.