Hard Touring Luggage

[armadillo]

Hi All,
I hope you can help me.

I have just taken the plunge, sold my Triumph Daytona 600 and bought a new (almost) R1150GS.

After years of sports bikes this has been a real revelation, and I am thinking about taking the bike for a long run to Spain later this year.

So help me out, I need your recomendations on luggage, please.

Cheers

 

[Iain Hogg]

Welcome armadillo,

Have a look here for starters.

Iain

 

[the civil one]

CaJa Sahel

Check out these new ones details on the Innovators and Vendors

 

[HeatedGrips]

On this subject, can anyone tell me how much the BMW topbox and fitting kit is for the GS1150?

 

[armadillo]

Metal Mule

Thanks Guys,
I do like the look of the Metal Mule luggage. It looks a lot more robust that the standard BMW aftermarket kit.

Have any of you been using it, if so how does it perform?

I want to be sure before I part with my hard cash.

Thanks

 

[mike6631]

Touring Luggage

If you don't carry a pillion you might consider the Venturer system. It can be found through a number of outlets including M & P; Hein Gericke etc. Although not hard luggage it has great capacity, easy to put on off etc and keeps the bike 'slim'. Also carries the weight above the rear wheel instead of outboard. Only downside is the bags are not waterproof, but you can either purchase the cover or pack everything in plastic bags!

 

[sparkplug]

Hi Armadillo,

I have used various types of luggage and have settled on the Metal Mules as the best solution.

For my personal opinions in detail click here

 

[~Stef~]

Hi All,
I hope you can help me.

I have just taken the plunge, sold my Triumph Daytona 600 and bought a new (almost) R1150GS.

After years of sports bikes this has been a real revelation, and I am thinking about taking the bike for a long run to Spain later this year.

So help me out, I need your recomendations on luggage, please.

Cheers

Depends you much you want to spend and how often your planning on using them, ive the BMW placcy panniers and a Nonfango topbox which i find fine for touring. I fancied an ally set but decided as i only use them one or twice a year it wasnt worth the cost.

 

[armadillo]

Hard Luggage

Thanks for the link, It would appear that the Metal Mule system is the way to go then........................?

Well, I'll have to rule out the Ventura, as i do have the my better half to think about. and I never got on with strapping loose "waterproof" covers on, they always cause grief and I end up forgetting them !

I am sold on the rugged looks of the Metal Mule, they look like they will give old folks driving Volvo's a scare or two, also I do like to get off the bike and potter about, they do look secure enough to withstand a casual thief.

Do any of you use them day in day out, the cost is not an issue, I just want to get an bit more feedback before handing over my cash.

Thanks

 

[notadrop]

...just a point.
I use the BM panniers I have had since '96 [transferred bike to bike] They have never leaked [and I have been in a few down pours!] and the advantage is they open like a suitcase. They also have a suitcase type folding handle for taking off and carrying single handed. Where as the metal panniers have a lid at the top and you have to dig around for gear lower down also no easy single handed lift off and carry around ability.

 

[the civil one]

CaJa Sahel

Hi Armidilo
Have you looked at the CaJa Sahel Tourenkoffer.
A set made by a GS, er For GS,ers.
They are on the Innovators and vendors section.

 

[the celt]

Hi Armadilo,
I have used touratech in the past and seen Verns in attack, but I am very interested in Caja Sahel panniers on offer at the moment by Civil, I hope to see them up close and personal on Saturday and will post a honest account after, if they up for the job I will use them on me next adventure to India, but I really need to see them up close to get a better picture.
regards
joe

 

[ozrockrat]

Check out Jesse Bags

I have had B MW, Touratech, homemade and Jesse panniers. Out of them all I would have the Jesse's and liner bags as my system of choise anytime. www.jesseluggage.com . If you want something you can take off and into a hotel room I would suggest the BM jobs. There are a couple of sets getting around London if you need to see them in person.

 

[ozrockrat]

kiwi bob

Sorry just found the European dealer http://www.kiwibob.de/eng/Jesse_Luggage/jesse_luggage.html .
I have heard he is good to deal with and you do not have to worry about VAT.

 

[sparkplug]

Armadillo,

I use the Mules all year round (out today in the snow and ice!) I've had them in 35 degree heat and -5 cold. Motorway riding in rain so hard you couldn't see the road markings (Newcastle to Cambridge took 7hrs instead of 4!) I've never had any problem with them. None. Nothing. They just work.

I know from other people that have used these off road that sand doesn't get in to them and World Record holders Kevin & Julia Sanders (www.globebusters.com) use them for their Argentina to Alaska tours. This is very serious kit.

I know Bristol is a long way away, but if you would like to come over Cambridge way you would be more than welcome to have a proper look at mine.

The only maintenance I do is an occasional squirt of oil into the locks, I've never had to oil the hinges yet. Apart from that you can forget about them and just fill them with stuff!

 

[sparkplug]

and the advantage is they open like a suitcase.

Personally I find this a disadvantage as everything falls out when you open the suitcase type unless you use space wasting inner bags.

They also have a suitcase type folding handle for taking off and carrying single handed. Where as the metal panniers have a lid at the top and you have to dig around for gear lower down also no easy single handed lift off and carry around ability.

Again I disagree (sorry notadrop - nothing personal just a difference of opinion ) The BMW, Touratech, Vern, CaJa Sahel and Jesse don't have carrying handles (which I agree IS a pain in the asre) BUT Metal Mule do! and they have side handles as well as top handles so you can still pick them up with tents or whatever still lashed to the top.

 

[Steve B]

Jesse don't have carrying handles

I believe they have two. One either side near the top so are easy to carry. Apparently they have had a recent makeover to improve them and in my opinion are the best out there for long distance travelling.

Steve B

 

[Vern]

And just as a matter of interest,mine do as well,all you have to do is ask

 

[littleredrooster]

And just as a matter of interest,mine do as well,all you have to do is ask

Vern

Where's the link to your website gone? A lot of newbies may not know that you MAKE the bloody things!! Your above reply may sound like you just OWN a set of panniers with handles.

Let 'em know!!

 

[sparkplug]

I stand corrected then - apologies to Vern and the Jesse fans.

All the examples I have seen had no handles.

You learn something new every day.

I still prefer the Mules though