Pannier Question for you ?

I've owned a set of Verns panniers for almost 4 years and still think they're great. The looks are subjective - just like any other set of panniers but I don't really worry about looks - practicality is more important for me. If going on an extended trip, bigger is better and facing facts, all panniers are a pain in the arse and hinder progress. I can't see the point of having a small set of panniers. My bike has fallen over countless times with my panniers attached and they have taken the abuse.

I've seen your panniers and must say they are very well made. If I didn't already own panniers, I would probably of bought a set. I would find different fitting kits for the same panniers very tempting. I'm not sure if you already offer this ( ie with the correct fitting kit, 1 set of your panniers would fit my 1100, 1150, 1200... and HP2 :) - like the GIVI system ). Security, strength, fitting, water tightness are also important but your panniers already seem to have that covered.

Customer service is very important. It's important to know that once you've ordered the product, how long it will take to arrive. I had to borrow a set as mine didn't arrive in time for a planned trip. Also a web site showing clearly all the variations and options would be useful.

Good luck in your business :thumb2 :beerjug:
 
* water resistance
* top loading
* fitting system strong enough to give you the confidence that they're not going to come off accidentally, but quickly demountable.
* no part of the fitting system protruding internally so you can shove kit in without snagging your waterproof bags.
* some kind of system (per the previous comment) so you can add your own mods (water bottle holders, oil bottle holder, lashing eyes...) without drilling and turning them into large sieves... like mine!
* locks that offer something more than 30-seconds-with-screwdriver security
* single key

Paul G
 
I want quick release from the frames.

I want the same key for the lids to unlock the quick release.

I want a flat lid with tie down points and handles to pick up the panniers.

I want the lids to have a rubber non slip covering thats also not too cold to sit on when off the bike.

I want the opening to be as large as the pannier (no inner lip)

I want a way of dividing the pannier inside thats adjustable. A panel that slots in. The panels could be used to span the two panniers when they're off the bike to create a decent sized camping table.

I want a separate section at the bottom of each pannier, the same width and length as the pannier, like a 3" deep tool tray that un-clips off the bottom or slides out. For tools and cooking kit.

I want to know how much all these options are going to cost me. And to know that I can buy them separately if I need to replace them.

I don't want much do I :D
 
I want quick release from the frames.

I want the same key for the lids to unlock the quick release.

I want a flat lid with tie down points and handles to pick up the panniers.

I want the lids to have a rubber non slip covering thats also not too cold to sit on when off the bike.

I want the opening to be as large as the pannier (no inner lip)

I want a way of dividing the pannier inside thats adjustable. A panel that slots in. The panels could be used to span the two panniers when they're off the bike to create a decent sized camping table.

I want a separate section at the bottom of each pannier, the same width and length as the pannier, like a 3" deep tool tray that un-clips off the bottom or slides out. For tools and cooking kit.

I want to know how much all these options are going to cost me. And to know that I can buy them separately if I need to replace them.

I don't want much do I :D

No, but you have obviously thought long and hard about it, and have managed to come up with almost exactly what I would want "IF" I was to be so enamoured with the forthcoming trip that I wish to go on further jaunts. "IF" that were to be the case, and "IF" my system panniers were found to be lacking, then I would be looking for a set of panniers just as you described (maybe without the picnic table option):D :thumb
Mark
 
The Big one ?.
What do you want from a set of Panniers.

Bang for the buck, thats why I bought a set of Därr aluminium cases that ran me about £60 each.

I also use BMW System cases...a lot more civilized looking.

All styles have their advantages and disadvantages. As convenient as "top loading" is at times, it isn't when you need to get to the bottom of things.
 
I can't work out how to attatch a picture to a pm.

What finish are these. Would they be grey powder coated?
 

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Anyone speak German?
What frames do they mount too?

Yup, fluently. What do you need translated?

Just about any mount with a flat loop. I have my Därr cases mouted to a set of Happy Trail SU racks on my KLR 650. Rock solid!!! And I used TT mounting kits, although other options are available.

The bracket attached to the pannier pictured on the Därr link is not included with the pannier. Those brackets are for the H&B mounts.

Tested on 660 miles of pot-holed gravel road with no issues...
0351.jpg
 
The main thing i looked for was easy loading of the boxes via the top, easy to get on and off, watertight, and relatively cheap, which is probably why i ended up with a secandhand pair of TT zegas

But like Mr Whatton says, would of liked all the options he has suggested, and a clear pricing guide of all the different option, ability to add different combinations of options, and to be able to ugrade or add stuff at a later date

I want quick release from the frames.

I want the same key for the lids to unlock the quick release.

I want a flat lid with tie down points and handles to pick up the panniers.

I want the lids to have a rubber non slip covering thats also not too cold to sit on when off the bike.

I want the opening to be as large as the pannier (no inner lip)

I want a way of dividing the pannier inside thats adjustable. A panel that slots in. The panels could be used to span the two panniers when they're off the bike to create a decent sized camping table.

I want a separate section at the bottom of each pannier, the same width and length as the pannier, like a 3" deep tool tray that un-clips off the bottom or slides out. For tools and cooking kit.

I want to know how much all these options are going to cost me. And to know that I can buy them separately if I need to replace them.

I don't want much do I :D
 
The Gauntlet !

Not having to pay for them



Well Heres it to ye.
The Pannier Profile cuttin is Carried out in
The Powder coat is carried out in

the answer is N.Ireland , a particualr part of N.Ireland

If either of you would chance tellin the Boys in Either Workshop they
are not British , then a Pannier set to each of ye !
 
WE HAVE ALL BEEN HYPNOTISED. NO PANNIERS LOOK GOOD.

Big metal boxes bolted to the back of a motorcycle are ugly.
We have just got so used to them, that we dont realise how they detract from the overall look of motorcycles.
If designers produced a bike with big square tubular frames bolted to the back, we would all hacksaw them off.
Therefore. Panniers should only be used when all that luggage space is required.
On holiday, or extended trip.
If you require to have them on all the time, you should have a car.

So ... my requirements are.
Panniers with frames or mounting points attatched to the box itself. When removed NOTHING is left on the bike.
Able to be sat on when camping.
Decent bags with shoulder straps.

Please take time to look objectively at your bike with panniers on. IT DOES NOT LOOK GOOD.
Panniers should not have to look good or stylish, or have nice paint.
They should say to others .. 'I am on holiday, I dont like to have these things spoiling my bike, but for this fortnight I am prepared to suffer them'.

Thats why I have TT street boxes which fit onto the standard plastic rails.
And before you all shout out at once 'they will never survive offroad' Ive altered them so I think that they would. or at least as well as the 1200 ones which litter europes hard shoulders
 
Therefore. Panniers should only be used when all that luggage space is required.
On holiday, or extended trip.
If you require to have them on all the time, you should have a car.
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Rubbish mate.

I bet you usually ride solo don't you Den?

I often go for little short jaunts with the better half and when I do I almost always fit at least my offside system case. Why? Because when you get to where you are going we can chuck all the riding gear into the side case and the Givi top case (permanently fitted) and walk around unhindered by heavy bike clobber.

With just the offside case filtering past traffic is never even a consideration.

What surprises me is how many people comment " Why have you only got one case fitted? ". - Like they MUST be only fitted in pairs. :confused: :rolleyes:
 
If I was going to go for metal boxes, I would want,
Water proof,
coated inside, to stop stuff getting aluminium grey;)
easy removeable, like metal mule not TT.
tie down loops on the lids.
a tidy frame so that when the boxes are off it does not look like a pile of scaffolding.
no wider than BM System cases.
one key for all locks.

Thats for starters, I am sure I could expand this list.
 
If I was going to go for metal boxes, I would want,
Water proof,
coated inside, to stop stuff getting aluminium grey;)
easy removeable, like metal mule not TT.
tie down loops on the lids.
a tidy frame so that when the boxes are off it does not look like a pile of scaffolding.
no wider than BM System cases.
one key for all locks.

Thats for starters, I am sure I could expand this list.


never seen any that fit the bill.

system cases?
 
Panniers

Depends on the panniers of course, but I think a GS with a nice set of ally panniers looks the biz! That's what they're meant to look like, and as Rushy has said, having your panniers on means you've always got storage space for gear; shopping; picnic; or whatever......

Desirable points in my opinion are as follows:

Panniers that are not wider than your bars! I've got a Vern's narrower set, and they're bloody fantastic in my opinion. If they're narrower than your bars/engine bars, then they have no effect on your progress..... it's a real essential feature in my opinion.

I like bolt on systems as they're the most rigid, and most resistant to damage in an off.

One key for all is very desirable

A box without a lip, where the opening was as big as the pannier (as Whatton said) would be great, but I don't see that being easily or neatly achievable and without compromising rigidity.

Light weight alloy and definately welded. This gives strength, and means you can bash 'em straight if you dent 'em.

Anodising is best finish. Plain alloy turns everything black, and paint powder coating will always chip and come off eventually.

A quick connect set of indicators fixed to the panniers would be a nice option, I did that DIY on my own, as the originals are a bit hidden when two big panniers are fitted.

For me top loading is far better than side loading. Yes it's sometimes a pain to get something from the bottom, but not as much a pain as opening a side lid and your digi camera or clean shirt falling in the mud!

Hinged lids preferable for me too. My brother John has a set of yours Civil and great though they are, I don't like the lift of lids as much as my Vern's hinged type, but that is just personal preference I suppose.

That's all I can think of at the mo.

Will Statt
 
Indicators

I've forgotten how to upload pictures.......... can someone remind me please?

Will
 


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