Non-Ali panniers

[JohnnySilvers]

Hi All

I am about to purchase a GS12 and would like advice/experiences of non-Ali panniers.

I am never going to go round the world on the bike but regularly head off for the weekend with the g/f on pillion. I quite like the bmw panniers but 800 quid is a lot of cash! I'm not sure I need (or even like) to large ali cases on the side of the bike but do not know what else is available.

Any other recommendations?

cheers

 

[nadeem]

The standard bmw panniers aren't 800 quid...price inc. the top box and two panniers, locks , etc is about 700 quid...the panniers on their own is about 400 as I recall - if your dealer won't discount them - give me a shout and I'll ask mine for a price.

I have the same and have found them to be pretty good for weekends away, etc, totally waterproof and easily fitted / removed.

 

[GSmonkey]

Nadeems right, the BMW system is a lot cheaper.

The best thing is that you can travel with them in their 'small' position - then when parked up, expand them to fit your gear in.

 

[ktmmark]

I found the best setup for me was the two BMW side box's then got a givi rack & box for the back

 

[Shep]

Hi

I agree with the above, they are good. versatile, panniers. Whilst in their narrow setting they are narrower than the bars, so tend not to restrict filtering, when expanded they carry a reasonable bit of kit as well, without the rear rack and rear seat fitted it produces a large flat area which is great for carrying awkward boxes etc.

Pricewise, I managed to negociate a discount when I purchased the bike, about 10-12% I think.

Regards Shep

PS the LHS pannier is a bit small when at its smallest setting!!

 

[JohnnySilvers]

Haggling required

Thanks all, the dealer nearest me said "A full set of panniers will see you with change from £800" so I guess I need to question how much change

The negotions (battle?) are set for Friday so I'll let you know what happens and if he insists on being pricey I'll take Nadeem up on his offer!

cheers

 

[John Armstrong]

Hi

PS the LHS pannier is a bit small when at its smallest setting!!

Smaller than a small thing, on a small day. And the OEM inner bags don't fill it, and because they're not in "big" mode waste even more room. The problem AFAICS is the space above the exhaust, which the inner bags don't seem to use. I'd have a look at the Mane event inners, as they seem to be able to make use of all the space that's available on the 11xx BMW panniers (big lids or not).

 

[Tim Cullis]

If you become a member of the GSClub, you'll get 10% off on all accessories without a battle from dealers such as SLM, SPC, etc., see http://gsclubuk.org/phpBB2/viewforum.php?f=45

Tim

 

[TheJoker]

I've also got the BMW panniers (no topbox) and I don't have the inner bags. I'd like to but I'm cheap. I also got the panniers 2nd hand so they were definately not £800!
If you're travelling solo then you can remove the luggage rack and the pillion seat which will see you with a completely flat surface onto which you can strap other luggage - perfect! (Future GSA owners won't be able to do that )

The BMW panniers are also large enough to accommodate a lot of junk for a long w/e away and if I want I can expand them and get a few beers with me home!

 

[John Gates]

Buy the BMW panniers and a completely waterproof black and silver 37 ltr tote bag from Hein Gericke for £20 to complete the ensemble. This latter is a little known bit of luhggage which is probably the best value around. Go and see one and convince yourself BEFORE you lash out on expensive carriers and hard top boxes.

 

[nadeem]

Thanks all, the dealer nearest me said "A full set of panniers will see you with change from £800" so I guess I need to question how much change

The negotions (battle?) are set for Friday so I'll let you know what happens and if he insists on being pricey I'll take Nadeem up on his offer!

cheers

Send me an e-mail mate at nadeemb AT mac.com and I'll send you over the price - just asked for a discounted rate...that way you can either ask your dealer to match or if they won't - you'll have a choice...

 

[lkyphl]

If you want to consider something other than aluminium panniers, these :

http://www.andystrapz.com/expedition_panniers.htm

strike a good balance in volume between a topbox and ally panniers. The velcro-sealed roll tops allow for adjustable volume, they're completely waterproof and bloody tough. They have a good reputation here in Oz, and having used 'em for the last five days (Melbourne cup long weekend ) I would recommend 'em as an alternative. They would be even better with inner liners.
(no affiliation, blah blah)

Phil

 

[Hector]

Just an observation. During recent Continental trip had a minor impact at a set of lights with my mates RS.My left hand pannier front lug broken! his O.K. My fault, misjudged width of expanded unit.Not too impressed with strength of the fitment however and the locating piece has also "sprung" Glued this back and am trusting the remaining lug and the s.s.support pin. Seems that this could be a weak point.Pity it's not a replacable item.(not that I plan to do it again!)
In other respects,the panniers with inner bags did the job well, through at one stage a heavy downpour

 

[JayGee]

I found the best setup for me was the two BMW side box's then got a givi rack & box for the back

I'd agree with that. BMW side cases (panniers) are reasonable and when off the bike there is very little mounting brackets etc so the bike still looks OK. Givi side cases have more space but their mounting brackets are pig ugly (IMHO) as are most of the Alli case mounting systems. Don't bother with BMW inner bags they waste loads of space, if you need inner bags get them from Maine Event (cheaper and less bulky than the BMW ones).
If you need a top box, I reckon the Givi ones are better than the BMW one and it fits better.
Personally, I think the BMW expanding pannier system is a triumph of design over function as the expander mechanism takes too much space and they are too wide when expanded but they look good on or off the bike. It's just a pitty BMW didn't make a simple non expanding case with more space inside and for less money.

 

[Mr K]

My BMW cases survived a 5,300 mile foray into Eastern Europe this year. The roads in Roamania varied between poor and non-existant. The panniers were waterproof and didn't fall off - Recommended

 

[Big_Mark_gs1200]

i agree, get the BMW ones, i ride with them on all the time, doesnt cause any problems with filtering, they havnt leaked, small size when you want and large when she who must be listened jumps on board.. lol.. they been round europe-coped with all the crap my missus could get in them and still they go on. well worth the price i think.