Panniers

[dongleplonk]

I recently received my new GSA. Great machine, very happy.

But I wish the panniers looked a little less agricultural - dare I say it, more like a Multistrada! Arrrgh, I know that isn't what GS's are about but I wonder if someone made colour coded panniers (shaped, a bit like on the 1200RT perhaps) if they would sell?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

If they did I wouldn't buy em

 

[Neil W]

Everyone I know who bought bikes with colour coded panniers all regretted it when they started to get a bit scratched and battered ( Triumph Tiger, R1150 RT, K1100 etc, VFR800 ).

They all looked really tatty really quickly

 

[Glyno]

Had a K100 and 3 K1100 LT,s. All had colour coded panniers. When I parted with each the panniers were mint, not even any flies or boot scuff marks and yes they were all well travelled. Depends how you look after them I suppose.

 

[WindyChuffer]

Buy some Givi luggage....

 

[STUBBS]

stickers

 

[Deleted account 210516001]

I would like the option of a more durable finish like these but nothing fancier.

 

[Mutley]

I think you've bought the wrong bike

 

[Dainese Brave]

I agree about them having a more durable finish....but as for the styling I think they're spot on for an adventure bike.

 

[dongleplonk]

I think you've bought the wrong bike

Nah - no chance. I love the machine. Don't get me wrong - I like the Panniers but like Bennysdad I wondered about something similar but a little less *shouty*. I'm not really the shouty type you see?

 

[lunc]

I don't really use the panniers but I have a vario top box which is great. I really like the "vario" part, as unexpended is fine for most days but expanded can be really useful especially for a lid (my BMW enduro helmet does not fit in there however which is very annoying. My old Arai in the same size did).

I wouldn't pay extra for colour coded ones as I think black plastic is fine. A guy painted his to match his fancy paint job and the result it not at all nice (sorry can't find the ebay link now).

The Adventure panniers are hideous monstrosities - if you need that much stuff with you you should get a van.

 

[Mr K]

Wow! You can vote for as many options as you want!

 

[dongleplonk]

Wow! You can vote for as many options as you want!

True. I figured that setting was good considering the questions being asked.

 

[Sgt Bilco]

You could buy a set of Verns and he'll powder coat them any colour you like of let Paddy dakar have them to vinyl wrap

 

[VAL. H.]

I would like the option of a more durable finish like these but nothing fancier.

Be interesting to know why you think the Trax panniers have a more durable finish? Do you mean, an anodised finish? or painted black?

The GSA panniers should have been clear anodised IMO. This would prevent the corrosion issue they have.

With a black or colour finnish, all you need is one little scratch and it stands out like a sore thumb. With a clear anodised finnish scratches won't impair the look of the panniers at all.

My GS is fitted with a pair of Caja Sehals (Civils) finnished in black. I love the look of the black panniers on the 1200. However the powder coat finnish is comming away in places, leaving the raw alli exposed, making it glareingly obvious they have suffered some damage.

Personaly I'm not fussed, as I'm not much of a cleaner and prefer the rugged well used look. But for those who are into keeing their bike in top condition, this would surly be a heart breaker.


Val.

 

[bosleyman2]

Great Panniers!

I've had Pan Euro's FJR's a Blackbird with Givi's but nothing comes close to the GSA side panniers! Why? because they are top loading - so no straining the flimsey side opening lids, loads of room for all manner of stuff! (Kitchen sink and wifes cosmetics) They also double as seats or a table and because they are flat on top you can strap on even more duty free stuff from the ferry - bloody brilliant!! Top case is shite though, a Givi is a much better option.

 

[Roymondo]

It would be nice if there was another option for the GS Adventure - something smaller/sleeker for commuting etc when loads are much smaller/lighter. Something along the lines of the "sports cases" available for the F800ST and K1300S. I had these on my ST and they simply shrugged off the odd scuff and scrape on the black plastic "bumpers".

But leave the big ally panniers as they are - they are very much in keeping with the style of the bike, as well as being immensely practical.

 

[Deleted account 210516001]

Be interesting to know why you think the Trax panniers have a more durable finish? Do you mean, an anodised finish? or painted black?

The GSA panniers should have been clear anodised IMO. This would prevent the corrosion issue they have.

With a black or colour finnish, all you need is one little scratch and it stands out like a sore thumb. With a clear anodised finnish scratches won't impair the look of the panniers at all.

My GS is fitted with a pair of Caja Sehals (Civils) finnished in black. I love the look of the black panniers on the 1200. However the powder coat finnish is comming away in places, leaving the raw alli exposed, making it glareingly obvious they have suffered some damage.

Personaly I'm not fussed, as I'm not much of a cleaner and prefer the rugged well used look. But for those who are into keeing their bike in top condition, this would surly be a heart breaker.


Val.

Before I bought my GSA I entered into an email dialogue with BMW UK to ask about the problem of corrosion on untreated alli panniers. I was assured that there was no problem so long as I washed them after every trip in the wet. What they should have said is washed them and buffed them dry as any spots of water left to dry on the panniers results in ugly blemishes that will not wash off. They do polish out with autosolve but you are then left with polished spots amidst the oxidised aluminium and end up polishing the whole box.

I agree about the black finish being very difficult to maintain but a clear anodised or silver anodised finish would IMHO be easier to maintain and more durable without spoiling the overall look.

 

[dongleplonk]

I have to say - I'm getting much more used to them now. Finding them less ugly and more useful every day.

 

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