BMW Panniers - riding with only one?

[joness7]

Question: Is it safe/sensible to ride with only the right pannier fitted?

I don't do long touring trips, just long weekends, so never have enough to fill both panniers, but too much for my tank bag. Don't like top boxes, as I have a hip problem and makes it very difficult to get on/off.

The skin flint in me says buy one pannier instead of the pair, but worried about aerodynamics, loading etc.

Thanks
Steve J

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I often ride with just one, but not fully loaded or expanded, just for trips to the shops/whatever.

Even partly loaded it does make a difference to the bikes balance at slow speed, not enough to be a problem though and I don't notice it at higher speeds.

Not sure though, that I'd be happy fully loading just one pannier.

If it's just yourself on the bike I'd remove the the pillion seat and use an expandable tail pack strapped in place.

HTH
Andres

 

[turbine_2]

It's doable, you need to be aware of how you pack them though, keep all the weight inboard as much as possible otherwise you can find that you're biased to one side. Right pannier will hold more than the left (in the BMW plastic ones).

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

If it's just yourself on the bike I'd remove the the pillion seat and use an expandable tail pack strapped in place.

Doh! Sorry, just re-read your post about your hip. That idea would be even worse than a top box!!

You can, however get 'tank bags' that hang down the side of the petrol tank forward of your knees (I think TT do them) which probably cost less than one BMW case.

Cheers
Andres

 

[TheJoker]

I sometimes use only one pannier too. If you're unsure, go for a ride with an empty one first, then stick some stuff in it, and you'll eventually figure out how it feels best. Ideally you put, as stated above, the weight low down and to the center of the bike.

 

[GlynnJ]

You might want to consider what your insurance company might say if you have an accident while riding with one pannier. Any chance to wriggle out of paying and they will take it. I know it's boll*cks, but...

GJ

 

[Mick O'Malley]

Question: Is it safe/sensible to ride with only the right pannier fitted?

Only at Indianapolis.