Anyone with experience of Metal Mule panniers? I'm considering getting a pair for an 1150GS and had a few queries. Is there plenty of room for a pillion? I was thinking about the "balanced system" and wondered if this restricted the space. Also, this system requires the Metal Mule/Scorpion can which lengthens the exhaust. How does this affect running?
Metal Mule
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DavidHale
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I've got the Metal Mule exhaust and indicator shortners fitted to my bike, and my panniers should be here any day now.
The exhaust has made no noticable difference to the running of the bike (I had a Remus + Y-peice on it previously). I'm sure someone more knowledgable on this site will let us know if my plugs are going to foul with this can fitted
!
The can comes with a removable baffle; fitted it is slightly louder than stock but street legal, removed it is louder than than the Remus and definatly not street legal - I may have to screw the baffle back in .
Quality of all the components is as good as anything else I've used, so no worries there.
HTH
David
The exhaust has made no noticable difference to the running of the bike (I had a Remus + Y-peice on it previously). I'm sure someone more knowledgable on this site will let us know if my plugs are going to foul with this can fitted
! The can comes with a removable baffle; fitted it is slightly louder than stock but street legal, removed it is louder than than the Remus and definatly not street legal - I may have to screw the baffle back in
.Quality of all the components is as good as anything else I've used, so no worries there.
HTH
David
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Hi Gav,
I don't have the balance system (it didn't exist when I got mine
) but I think the "unbalanced" system is the same width.
All my touring is 2up and the Mules leave plenty of comfort for pillion even with tents and stuff lashed to the lids.
Don't know how the exhaust affects things as I've never ridden with it.
I'm very happy with mine.
I don't have the balance system (it didn't exist when I got mine
) but I think the "unbalanced" system is the same width.All my touring is 2up and the Mules leave plenty of comfort for pillion even with tents and stuff lashed to the lids.
Don't know how the exhaust affects things as I've never ridden with it.
I'm very happy with mine.
Thanks David, do you still have a Y-piece fitted along with the new can? If so, which one? Wasn't sure if the M.M./Scorpion one is able to take the sensor. Just out of curiosity, what size of panniers have you plumped for? Was thinking of the 38l jobs as the 45l ones looked enormous when I saw them.
Schiannini- hello again. Yes, I'm still banging on about panniers. I've found an 1150 now so have to make sure about which luggage to go for. I would have thought there might be less space for a pillion with the balanced system due to the narrower space between the panniers.
Schiannini- hello again. Yes, I'm still banging on about panniers. I've found an 1150 now so have to make sure about which luggage to go for. I would have thought there might be less space for a pillion with the balanced system due to the narrower space between the panniers.
DavidHale
Registered user
Hi Gav,
It's the y-piece I got when I fitted the Remus system - they all seem to fit the same. My technical knowledge doesn't extend to sensors I'm afraid...
I've ordered the big ones, the 45ltr in powder coated dark grey. Just to make sure I can fit in the kitchen sink as well...
David
It's the y-piece I got when I fitted the Remus system - they all seem to fit the same. My technical knowledge doesn't extend to sensors I'm afraid...
I've ordered the big ones, the 45ltr in powder coated dark grey. Just to make sure I can fit in the kitchen sink as well...
David
John Smith
Registered user
Panniers
Do have a good look at caja shiel (the civil one). I have just bought a set and it should be said they are fine, solid as a rock.
John
Do have a good look at caja shiel (the civil one). I have just bought a set and it should be said they are fine, solid as a rock.
John
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Hi Gav,
The reduced space between pannier and bike is only on one side and it really won't affect your pillion at all. As I say I usually travel with stuff strapped on top so the space disappears anyway.
As for sensors etc. I know that the balance system works with the Remus Y piece (because I was looking at one at the BMF show) and MM also do their own Y piece to fit, and both take the lambda sensor so no problems there.
The reduced space between pannier and bike is only on one side and it really won't affect your pillion at all. As I say I usually travel with stuff strapped on top so the space disappears anyway.
As for sensors etc. I know that the balance system works with the Remus Y piece (because I was looking at one at the BMF show) and MM also do their own Y piece to fit, and both take the lambda sensor so no problems there.
stevec
Guest
Would it be possible for someone with the MM panniers fitted to measure the overall width of the bike when they are on?
I've been looking at both the 38L and 45L versions but can't seem to get any dimensions out of MM.
Thanks
Steve
I've been looking at both the 38L and 45L versions but can't seem to get any dimensions out of MM.
Thanks
Steve
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Schiannini,
Can you tell me if the Touratech system you had allowed for fore & aft adjustment: back to give more clearance to a pillion when 2-up and forward to give better balance. The M.M. ones appear to have no scope for adjusting position. Do they sit further back than the T.T.s?
May bend your ear another time about route through Norway and time taken to complete sections.
Cheers for now.
Can you tell me if the Touratech system you had allowed for fore & aft adjustment: back to give more clearance to a pillion when 2-up and forward to give better balance. The M.M. ones appear to have no scope for adjusting position. Do they sit further back than the T.T.s?
May bend your ear another time about route through Norway and time taken to complete sections.
Cheers for now.
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Gav,
No, neither the TT nor the MM allows for 'on the fly' adjustment, although I think you could buy either system without the mountings fitted (so no holes drilled) and drill the holes yourself but to be honest unless your pillion has out of the ordinary requirements I think you are worrying more than you need to.
I have had tall people, short people and a range of weights on the back with the Mules and no one has ever complained they were uncomfortable.
The weight distribution in the panniers is not a big problem. As long as you keep the heaviest stuff at the bottom of the panniers and out of your top box you'll be fine whatever system you end up choosing. The GS has all the power you need to carry the bike, rider, pillion and luggage over mountain passes so don't worry too much about it.
You are more than welcome to pester me about the route - If I start to suggest coming along as a guide it's just because I've got carried away and am itching to go back.
No, neither the TT nor the MM allows for 'on the fly' adjustment, although I think you could buy either system without the mountings fitted (so no holes drilled) and drill the holes yourself but to be honest unless your pillion has out of the ordinary requirements I think you are worrying more than you need to.
I have had tall people, short people and a range of weights on the back with the Mules and no one has ever complained they were uncomfortable.
The weight distribution in the panniers is not a big problem. As long as you keep the heaviest stuff at the bottom of the panniers and out of your top box you'll be fine whatever system you end up choosing. The GS has all the power you need to carry the bike, rider, pillion and luggage over mountain passes so don't worry too much about it.
You are more than welcome to pester me about the route - If I start to suggest coming along as a guide it's just because I've got carried away and am itching to go back.
Hi Schiannini,
Do you have the topbox as well?
I've just had my quote through from M.M. for balanced system with 2x38l (anodised) with feet, etc., can & y-piece and topbox....1400quid inc. carriage. Hmm....their stuff does look nice but the Touratech Sondersystem is much cheaper although perhaps not as functional. I take it you were mightily impressed with M.M. to deliberately make the change.
Oh, on another note. Would you say that a heated vest on a trip to northern Norway in July is a necessity or an expensive luxury?
Cheers for noo
Gav
Do you have the topbox as well?
I've just had my quote through from M.M. for balanced system with 2x38l (anodised) with feet, etc., can & y-piece and topbox....1400quid inc. carriage. Hmm....their stuff does look nice but the Touratech Sondersystem is much cheaper although perhaps not as functional. I take it you were mightily impressed with M.M. to deliberately make the change.
Oh, on another note. Would you say that a heated vest on a trip to northern Norway in July is a necessity or an expensive luxury?
Cheers for noo
Gav
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Hi Gav,
Yes I have the top box too. They've brought out a neat looking compact one now but I use mine to store my crash helmet so I'd still go for the full size one.
The TT are a good pannier and certainly cheaper, especially as you don't need to replace the exhaust but it was worth it for me. My TTs were still in very good condition and after a good polish were mint. Selling them wasn't a problem so the change didn't hurt too much.
From my experience save the money on the heated vest and put it towards the extra on the MM. When we went (last two weeks of July and first week in August) the weather was fantastic usually 20 degrees C - if the weather gets bad it will drop but I'm guessing it wouldn't go down below 10 degrees. Do a bit of a search on the climate there but you should be pleasantly surprised. I had never thought to take swimming kit but there were a couple of times I wished I had. As long as you've got a few layers (thermals + T-shirt + fleece) and a waterproof jacket and trousers (because when it rains it RAINS!) you should be covered for all eventualities.
It was warmer in the Arctic than some of the summers I spent in Longniddry in my youth!
Yes I have the top box too. They've brought out a neat looking compact one now but I use mine to store my crash helmet so I'd still go for the full size one.
The TT are a good pannier and certainly cheaper, especially as you don't need to replace the exhaust but it was worth it for me. My TTs were still in very good condition and after a good polish were mint. Selling them wasn't a problem so the change didn't hurt too much.
From my experience save the money on the heated vest and put it towards the extra on the MM. When we went (last two weeks of July and first week in August) the weather was fantastic usually 20 degrees C - if the weather gets bad it will drop but I'm guessing it wouldn't go down below 10 degrees. Do a bit of a search on the climate there but you should be pleasantly surprised. I had never thought to take swimming kit but there were a couple of times I wished I had. As long as you've got a few layers (thermals + T-shirt + fleece) and a waterproof jacket and trousers (because when it rains it RAINS!) you should be covered for all eventualities.
It was warmer in the Arctic than some of the summers I spent in Longniddry in my youth!
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