On bike luggage. What is the best combination?

[virco]

Looking at the pictures of the enduro-touring motorcycles people are using on their (longer) trips I have noticed something that I can’t quite figure out.
On most of them I have seen fitted the ubiquitous two hard side-panniers (of various makes) but very seldom a hard top-case on the back. People seem more willing to use a tank-bag (which I personally always found uncomfortable and in the way) and/or some sort of large(er) soft bag strapped in the back instead of the hard top-case.
Is this because top-cases are not that easy to securely fit in place (I have heard stories about some models detaching while riding, especially when on less than smooth surfaces) or is it because a “sailor’s” bag strapped on the back of the bike can hold (significantly) more stuff (tent, mattress, ...) than the rigid top-case?
Thank you for your opinions on the matter, and for all tips and advice on the general subject of fitting luggage on a GS1200 for a longer on-road trip.

Cheers, Virgil

 

[D6]

a soft bag can hold more odd shaped things,

 

[cookie]

or is it because a “sailor’s” bag strapped on the back of the bike can hold (significantly) more stuff (tent, mattress, ...) than the rigid top-case?

that's what i find. top box needs to come off for 2 up camping.

 

[rocks]

Top boxes and bags..

I have the standard TT aluminium panniers on my bike, but started out with system cases and then a bmw top box.. the top box was nice for odd weekend trips, and just fitted my lid.

But for my big trip around france and spain I went with larger panniers, the TT's (35/45ltr) and two medium sized (PD350)ortlieb roll top bags, one with tent and camp chair converter in it and one with jacket liners, shoes etc.. straped down length ways on top of the TT panniers. This was a great combo as it left the rear seat and rack for a small roll bag with spare oil and space still to carry pillion or in mycase stick a 6x2ltr pack of water bottles.. as it was flaming hot..

Now I use my tt's but have an ortlieb rackpack (I sell em so have a couple of sizes), that goes across the passanger seat.. its big, opens wide so easily fits my tent, roll bag and is totally water proof. Easy to load, unload.. if i am only away for weekend, i go with the two roll bags on the panniers at times..

The top box is still in the garage gathering dust. For me it is the flexability the bags offer. Short weekend trips away in a hotel, i ditch the panniers and just take a ortlieb rackpack. So it really depends I think on what you plan to carry.

I also ride with a guy who uses soft panniers and swears by them, as they are not 100% rigid like my TT's so squeezing in shoes etc is a bit easier at times. And they are pretty tough..