BMW Alminium panniers on Adv.

[AdyJ]

Just killing time here, mulling over my ideal spec. for an R1150 GS Adv. that I haven't got yet, and haven't found a way to fund yet(!) Aaargh!!

The question is regarding BM aluminium panniers. I know that the left and rights are different sizes (due to cut out for exhaust clearance), and the 'standard' top box different again. I've heard that a few people utilise a 'right' side pannier as a top box as well to give more capacity.

Has anyone got any pictures of this config? Does it look odd with a much bigger top box?

I'm thinking of max. storage here. When I had my ZZR-1100, I had two Givi E45's (45LTR) as panniers, and a massive E50 as a top box. A total of 140 litres of storage, which was great for a) all of my climbing gear and/or b) my camera gear.

I'm looking for a similar setup when I (eventually) get my Adv.

So, there's the challenge. Lets see the pics!

Cheers

 

[mikeh501]

The only thing I would say is that the pannier looks huge sitting on the back of the bike, worse than huge it is very tall. When I've tried it, I dont particularly think it looks that safe with all that possible weight so high up.

The good news is that you can fit a single full face helmet in either the panniers or the topbox.

If you need camping equip then the perhaps get an ortlieb bag and strap it across the pillion seat using the bungie hooks on the tops of the panniers. Have a look at this site for pictures, because there are some seriously loaded up Adventures out there.

 

[luke scott]

I've used the large pannier as my top box for over 18,000 km in all conditions (Extreme wind). I carry a large heavy briefcase in it as well as an oxford lock and shackle so the weight issue is well tested. I have never had any problems with the safety aspect. On the down side..... I had my Arai taken from the box under a cctv camera on the 13/2/04 the thief used his bare fingers to force the lock ! Plastic locks are only a cosmetic deterant. And yesterday the lid snapped off as the hinges broke because the wire strop had not been fitted. But good old BMW have said they will replace them under warranty and fit the wire strop. Overall I would still give the box 10/10.

 

[the celt]

Hi Adyj,
I'd go for the touratech panniers because in the event of a spill they are easier to fix they can be beaten back into shape, there was a post on advrider.com about a year back where a fella had the bmw panniers fitted and in a low speed crash they fell apart also the locks on the touratech are far better and you can also fit padlocks aswell to them or you could check out Verns panniers (do a search) these have plenty of room and again are well made, Verns are also up to the job of taking a good bit of abuse just ask Mick O'Malley.

 

[Animal]

Hate to ask the obvious, but....

Just how much do you want to carry?

Even when camping, I could easily get away with the small Ally topbox and a Ortlieb bag strapped to the back seat.

 

[AdyJ]

Lot's of stuff...

For a long weekend:

Climbing gear (ropes, rack, helmet, sack etc),

Camping gear (tent, bag, cooking gear, etc)

Can mount up to a lot of stuff.
Used to easily fill my Givi's and still have a bag strapped to the seat of my ZZR!

 

[AdyJ]

aspect. On the down side..... I had my Arai taken from the box under a cctv camera on the 13/2/04 the thief used his bare fingers to force the lock ! Plastic locks are only a cosmetic deterant. And yesterday the lid snapped off as the hinges broke because the wire strop had not been fitted. But good old BMW have said they will replace them under warranty and fit the wire strop. Overall I would still give the box 10/10.

Interesting. Question then: Are there better locks available from BM, or is it a case of a looong cable lock through the hoops and through the back wheel etc?

 

[Rollo]

I went for the Jesse panniers and am delighted with them.

The capacity of the two at 105 litres is the same as the BMW boxes including the top box. The capacity also comes much cheaper at £650.

Whilst they are still bright aluminium boxes they seem to me to hang better on the bike and don't stick out as far. I think they look much better than the BMW boxes, but admit we're discussing variations of ugly here.

In the bigger offside box I can get ALL my camping gear, including a 3 man tent + footprint, 2 Thermorest mattrasses, sleeping bag and cooking gear. However, I've changed my system and now load that lot into a 90 litre North Face bag which sits on the back carrier, leaving the panniers free for other luggage.

 

[Madmountainman]

In a nutshell...

VERN'S!!!

 

[luke scott]

Interesting. Question then: Are there better locks available from BM, or is it a case of a looong cable lock through the hoops and through the back wheel etc?

It would be very easy to fit an extra lock but the little scrote will still get in if he wants. Verns panniers are great if you want to go RTW but a little too much for a commuter.

 

[Odin]

Hi there,

I just fitted the BMW Alum panniers to my '04 GS Adv this week. The left box only has a small indentation on the inner panel so it is not as bad as the large cutout in the system panniers. The left and right box are the same exterior size. You can also put any of the three boxes on the top rear. The left and right also come with a security fitting now that attaches to the mounting bar on the inner side of the box and secures with a large knob. This is for offroad use bbut also makes it very hard to remove from the mount.
The best part of the BMW cases is the mounting system was thought out and allows you to strap all kinds of things to them. No other pannier I looked at offered so much usefulness.

 

[Rollo]

"In a nutshell...

VERN'S!!!"

I tried to buy 'Vern's' last June, but he didn't respond to my mails and I later read that personal issues had brought his business to a close.

So I bought Jesses through Kiwi Bob and am delighted with them.

His service was fabulous. I was in a rush to go on holiday and his only pair in silver had a dented lid. He sent the boxes without confirmation of payment and when I got back from my trip the replacement was waiting for me.