Leaky pannier

[Eddie Deguello]

I've discovered that the exhaust-side pannier lets water in. Seems like it's rain rather than spray, as it collected this amount when sat outside our "hotel" for a weekend in Most, CZ. The other pannier and top-box were both completely dry inside.

Is this a known problem, and is there a cure?

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I've discovered that the exhaust-side pannier lets water in. Seems like it's rain rather than spray, as it collected this amount when sat outside our "hotel" for a weekend in Most, CZ. The other pannier and top-box were both completely dry inside.

Is this a known problem, and is there a cure?

They’re not guaranteed waterproof
BMW state that in their small print of the their accessory catalogue

 

[Curzon]

I've discovered that the exhaust-side pannier lets water in. Seems like it's rain rather than spray, as it collected this amount when sat outside our "hotel" for a weekend in Most, CZ. The other pannier and top-box were both completely dry inside.

Is this a known problem, and is there a cure?

Drill a hole in that corner to allow the water to drain out. You could also go as far as to fit the BMW approved on way rubber reed from the drive shaft tunnel to make it a propper job.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

They’re not guaranteed waterproof

Which is the reason why BMW sell waterproof pannier liner bags

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

Which is the reason why BMW sell waterproof pannier liner bags

Very true

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

And a pannier set of genuine liner bags just SOLD for £75 on this very forum

 

[Eddie Deguello]

And a pannier set of genuine liner bags just SOLD for £75 on this very forum

I've got a set of Kriega bags from another forum member, which seemed to be waterproof enough.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've got a set of Kriega bags from another forum member, which seemed to be waterproof enough.

Was this for putting inside your panniers?

 

[Eddie Deguello]

Was this for putting inside your panniers?

Yes, a pair of these for £100: https://kriega.com/adventure/ks40
(Mind, I haven't paid him for them yet )

 

[Zanussi]

You could try and put a little grease along the rubber seal on the pannier and the lid which will help form a seal. Has worked for me in the past.

 

[Eddie Deguello]

You could try and put a little grease along the rubber seal on the pannier and the lid which will help form a seal. Has worked for me in the past.

Nice idea. I think I've got something suitable lurking in the garage.

 

[richardbd]

Yes, a pair of these for £100: https://kriega.com/adventure/ks40
(Mind, I haven't paid him for them yet )

Good deal at £100 for the pair but they are deffo not waterproof…

 

[Poncherello]

I did a couple of days with the same panniers in Scotland… biblical rain, lots of miles and zero leaks. So…can only assume that any leak, in the absence of damage, is minimal but enough to let some water in- it doesn’t take a big defect over a few hours to let water in. BMW won’t guarantee waterproof as it sells inners and the odd one won’t be 100%. I looked at mine today when I was washing the bike and I am pretty sure that a small/ thin line of silicone - the stuff you seal showers with- would resolve. Start with a tiny amount and test it, building it up as you go. Put it on the door rathe than the main body. You have to balance the ability to close it with the amount you put on to seal it so don’t overdo it.

 

[Oldrat]

I’ve had BMW ally panniers on several bikes and my only leak was recent and my theory is that the lids /bodies distort if you overload them and force the lid to fit closed which I did this time.

That ruins the way they seal, I’ve never had ally panniers that leak from the off.

 

[The Other PaulG]

Do these have carry handles, tie downs or corner protectors that are rivetted into place? A surprising amount of water can leech past a rivet that's not 100% sealed.

When I fitted tie down hoops onto the lids of my old panniers I smeared some of the silicon bath sealant referred to above on the underside of the rivets and they have never leaked. Might be worth checking, or even just doing as a precaution.

 

[Eddie Deguello]

Good deal at £100 for the pair but they are deffo not waterproof…

Yeah, didn't think they would be, but enough to deal with the small amount that got in while we were travelling. There was a *lot* more rain while it was parked up outside our detention centre.

 

[Eddie Deguello]

I’ve had BMW ally panniers on several bikes and my only leak was recent and my theory is that the lids /bodies distort if you overload them and force the lid to fit closed which I did this time.

That ruins the way they seal, I’ve never had ally panniers that leak from the off.

Yeah, these came with the bike so I don't know what they've been subjected to in the past. I was careful when loading them not to overfill them, but obviously when it was parked up they were empty.

 

[Eddie Deguello]

Do these have carry handles, tie downs or corner protectors that are rivetted into place? A surprising amount of water can leech past a rivet that's not 100% sealed.

When I fitted tie down hoops onto the lids of my old panniers I smeared some of the silicon bath sealant referred to above on the underside of the rivets and they have never leaked. Might be worth checking, or even just doing as a precaution.

That's a good point. They've got tie-down brackets riveted on top. Maybe I should give it a good soak with the hose to see if it's obvious.

 

[Oldrat]

That's a good point. They've got tie-down brackets riveted on top. Maybe I should give it a good soak with the hose to see if it's obvious.

Do it the other way around. Fill up an empty paneer with a hose.

 

[Oldrat]

I did it the other way around, and filled the empty panniers with a hose.