Now a Zega Query

[Twotter]

I've just been looking at the Touratech site and noticed that the Zega cases can be purchased either with the mounts fitted or without.

I take it this is to enable the buyer to fit the panniers to suit them but my query is do the ones that come with the mounts already fitted impede the rear carrier in any way? (For info I have a Givi 46 ltr top box on the back).

Cheers

 

[Gecko]

I don't know how the prefitted set up is but I'd recommend you do it yourself. It's not difficult and you can be sure of getting it like you want it then. The tops of mine align with the top the tool box cover with the rear seat cushion removed so they run parrallel with the rear sub frame. This works well so that when I put my big stuff bag on it sits nice an secure with most of the weight on the tool box cover where the rear seat is removed and also over the tops of the panniers. Other people have them fitted higher to line up with the top of the seat when it's on and some fit the lower so then can strap stuff onto the lids.....it's very much a question of how you like to load up the bike. By fitting them yourself you can play around with the options until it's just how you want it and then drill the holes. They are aluminium so the drill easily and then you simply screw in the fitting plates - couldn't be easier.

 

[GSPeP]

This is how the 41L sondersystem (with the cutout for the exhaust) is (pre)mounted:

.

 

[Gecko]

Hi Peter, How are you doing ? No more speeding tickets I hope

That's a little bit higher than I have mine. Only a few centimeters but my pannier lid follows the same line as the base of the rear luggage rack - yours looks a bit higher.

 

[Kropotkin]

Anyone have any comments from pillions about how they get on with the Zegas? Most importantly, does the top corner press into their legs, and can they put their feet on the pegs comfortably?

Thanks for any info.

 

[The Foolish Fellow]

cases

dont do anything hasty , that is until you see the civil ones new shamrock desert cases.
I've had a sneak prieview of them, they look good, and they should be a good price.oh and by the way i'am selling my tt specialset + frames very shortly.

 

[GSPeP]

Hi Peter, How are you doing ? No more speeding tickets I hope

That's a little bit higher than I have mine. Only a few centimeters but my pannier lid follows the same line as the base of the rear luggage rack - yours looks a bit higher.

Hi Gecko,

No more speeding tickets since last time

The lids come slightly above the luggage rack

I have no experience from pillions about the corner, but here you can see the distance of the footpeg to the case.

 

[Mick Fagan]

The Zega pannier system if ordered for any of the 1100/50 GS twins as a special, with the left hand pannier exhaust cutout. Will come with the mounts already fitted to the panniers. The reason is that no matter what you do, the exhaust system defines just where the panniers will sit.

If you purchase the special low exhaust kit for the same bikes which is the two 41 litre cases, then touratech will not mount the mounting system as they have no idea just where you require the panniers to be.

You can specify them to leave the mounts off if you so desire. In fact most of their sales to the German public is for straight unmounted panniers and a set of frames for putting onto all sorts of bikes.

Mick.

 

[Kropotkin]

Excellent pics, Peter, thanks! They've cleared up my questions!

 

[Twotter]

Cheers for the info gents.

Almost time to raid the piggy bank

 

[sparkplug]

Pillions and Zega 'Special" (the one with the cutout)

I had no problems on a three week tour of the Arctic two up with tents and sleeping bags lashed to the cases.

I have since changed my Zegas for the Metal Mule system (www.metalmule.com) which are much faster to take on an off and you can carry them without your fingers hurting!

A bike with no luggage attracts fewer thieves! With the Mules you can take your pannier off in the pouring rain without unpacking it (like you have to with the Zega unless you waste space with a liner bag) and take it into your tent (or four star hotel). Only one lock per pannier saves time and frustration without compromising security.

Similar price but built to order in UK with better customer service (search for threads about Touratech!)

I was happy with the Zegas until I discovered the Mules. Now I would never go back.

 

[cookie]

just checked out the metal mule site. they're rather nice but cost even more that the zegas, especially if you want the hard anodising.

i'll certainly be considering them, but would need to see a pair in the flesh first.

BTW they have frames for airheads coming soon [not mentioned on site].

 

[MasterDabber]

just checked out the metal mule site. they're rather nice but cost even more that the zegas, especially if you want the hard anodising.

i'll certainly be considering them, but would need to see a pair in the flesh first.

BTW they have frames for airheads coming soon [not mentioned on site].

I saw the hard anodised ones at the NEC and thought they were worth serious consideration... if you've got a graphitan bike the hard anodised would go with it very well
But fashion considerations apart... the taking on/off apsect does look very good and easy to use.
But I think the price once you add the extras to them makes them fairly pricey.

 

[sparkplug]

Cookie,

If your part of the nanny state brings you near cambridge then let me know and you can have a fiddle with mine (steady now)

Otherwise give Metal Mule Paul a ring and find out what shows he's doing or if he knows someone in your area.

They do cost more but IMHO the extra cost is WELL worth it for ease of use.

 

[cookie]

thanks for the offer, i would like to check them out despite the price.

when the weather warms up a bit i'll prolly nip along to their base in west sussex.

 

[Iain Hogg]

thanks for the offer, i would like to check them out despite the price.

when the weather warms up a bit i'll prolly nip along to their base in west sussex.

Mmmmm, surprisingly close to home, might pop along this afternoon, except that, looking out of the window, it's probably snowing there and will be here soon

Iain

 

[SEGREQ]

Zega/Metal Mule

I too am deciding between TT or MM for panniers, have just got off the phone from MM. Very helpfull.
Panniers for Airheads currently being designed should be available in about a months time.
MM Website being updated tomorrow.
The MM's although more ££'s do appear to be better thought out and constructed, rubber feet, carrying handles on lid and side.
They are also English.
I shall be going for the MM's.

 

[sparkplug]

Good choice Segreq - you won't regret it!

For those of you planning on visiting MM HQ make sure you get good directions and take the phone number with you so you can call en-route if needed.

I got "if you can see the white cottages drive up that road - it looks like it just goes nowhere into a field" but got there in the end!