Panniers

[Murph]

Brand new GS'er and I've scanned threads but cannot seem to find one that answers my question. I have a givi top box, but now want to look at buying panniers..... what's my best bet, and where is the best place to buy them ?

I don't need custom made etc, just something decent size for the odd trip.

 

[richie]

Murph I reckon the BM ones are pretty crap, however for around 230 pounds you should be able to pick up a pair.
Otherwise for more space and travel possibilities your looking at 670 euros for some touratech alu jobbies. Much better for carrying stuff. There are others but they are more expensive. There was a guy here called Vern (come back please) who used to make some cool ones but he is off line at the moment.

I have the BM ones and rarely use them (thank god) as they are very tiny when it gets down to travelling with them. On your own O.K. but two up a bit of a squeeze.

 

[NeilF]

Agree with Richie. The WMB ones are 15 and 25 litre capacity, I believe.

I have these, and apart from melting one "due to having the Cat removed" they are OK at sub-£500 cost - but do get some liners (from an Outdoor shop such as Cotswold) to ensure your stuff stays dry.

Oh, and don't try to cram stuff in them - they don't like it!

Cheers,


Neil.

 

[Abelrider]

I have the BM ones and rarely use them (thank god) as they are very tiny when it gets down to travelling with them. On your own O.K. but two up a bit of a squeeze.

You sound like they should be up for sale.

 

[richie]

You sound like they should be up for sale.

No they are not for sale as I "rarely use them" but I do use them..

My tuppence worth is they are crap, but mine are paid for and for the use they get they will do. I strap a bag on the back more than use the panniers...

 

[rocks]

I use mine..

I use my standard BMW ones.. the so called.. " system cases ".. and though i havent done any proper weekend trips wth careful planning / packin you can get the essentials in for shortish trips ie about a week at most..

They are a bit limited but for weekend trips out, to hold the spare jumper and flask of coffee.. then they are ok and probably a good way to start..

But the zega ones sold be Touratech are very good.. and the most weather proof of the Alimium panniers so i am told. I am looking to trade up to these.. however they are not as easy to take on and off as the system cases.. and i have a narrow entrance to the garage to get through so panniers come off.. recently purchased top box second hand.. and that stays on...

My suggestions. pop a wanted add on the forsale section.. someone will have a scratched pair for £150.. and i am sure "the civil one" will have a set for £230..or more...

Good luck..

 

[MikeP]

Touratech Zega. I opted for the 41 litre because I'm going on a long trip next year.

I can't vouch for the removal of the current BMW System cases but the Zegas are no more difficult to remove than the older versions of BMW Touring cases or Krausers. The Zegas have a steel tube frame that is like the old Krauser system and isn't too obtrusive when the cases are off unlike the BMW Adventure luggage fittings.

So far the Zegas have proved very water-proof. They are removed by loosening two large knurled discs inside the case, the locking bars then swing down and the case is simply pulled away from the frame at the top and lifted upwards.

The drawbacks are that you need to open the cases to remove them and at least partially unload them too before you can access the knurled discs. They do not come with key locks as standard and fitting them is a bit fiddly and extra cost. You need to either modify the rear indicators as already mentioned or get the mini indicators in the package, again more cost.

If you do go for Zegas, I'd suggest the Sondersystem. It is the most expensive option but it is also the most compact fitting and includes the indicators and exhaust extension and uses 18mm diameter powder coated frames.

Probably the biggest downside is the cost but they are very robust and yet light. I was really surprised at how little the whole system weighed when I opened the boxes. Have a look at the TT website. You can pick and mix by ordering the individual components or opt for a complete kit.

Here's mine with the ally toned down a bit.

 

[sparkplug]

Much as I like the Zega Sondersystem (which I have on my bike) if I was buying now I would seriously consider Metal Mule
www.metalmule.co.uk.

The Zega cases are very good, extremely well built etc but:
1) The "integral" locks aren't. You have to drill and file and saw holes into the hinges to make them fit. Your alternative is two padlocks per pannier

2) If you want to take them off (and use them as seats when camping!) then you have to unpack the pannier before you get to the release mechanism.

3) They are really uncomfortable/painful to carry when full as they have no carrying handle

The Metal Mules have a very effective release system that takes seconds and doesn't need you to unpack the pannier.

The integral locks, are integral and you only need one per pannier. Faster and just as secure

They come with spring loaded (so they don't bang around on the move) handles for carrying

Worth a look.

 

[Steve]

The Metal Mules have a very effective release system that takes seconds and doesn't need you to unpack the pannier.

The integral locks, are integral and you only need one per pannier. Faster and just as secure

They come with spring loaded (so they don't bang around on the move) handles for carrying

Worth a look.

.......and they're made of tin foil. so you can knock any dents out with a french stick.

 

[Sergeant Pluck]

On the other hand - if you can get a pair of the BMW systems cases nice and cheap - they are completely fine.

Of course the full-on alu panniers are 'better' in every department apart from cost, but I've done a 2 weeker camping trip to Greece and back and god knows how many long weekends away - france, camping, glastonbury etc with my knackered-looking bog standard panniers and topbox and they've been totally fine. I've even dropped my bike fully loaded on top them (more than once ) and they've never popped. Mine even appear to be waterproof. I also like the fact that they detach from the bike very easily once unlocked - turning them into very useful suitcases if you're B&Bing it.

One downside of the standard panniers is that they are not 'cool', lacking RTW chic, but thats another story and it makes them cheap s/h.

So basically, buy what you can afford. Alu panniers are better but you certainly don't *need*them, unless you do serious travellage, or want people to think you do, - otherwise the basic ones are just fine.

pr0ne

 

[Droopy Dick]

I have the BMW System cases but with the optional 'deeper' lids. They increase the capacity by some 5 litres or so, and with a 52 litre Givi top box give me oodles of space.

IMHO those aluminium boxes, whilst they may hold loads of gear, look like some sort of gash crap I knocked up in my shed on a rainy Sunday afternoon 'cos I couldn't afford anything that had 'style'.

OK, I know I'm gonna get slaughtered for saying that, not least 'cos the GS ain't exactly a beauty itself.

But then I have a blue/white GS, so many people would say that I lack good taste anyway!

 

[the civil one]

Civil callin

I have all the above for sale second hand
See the for sale section or P.M. me.

 

[sparkplug]

.......and they're made of tin foil. so you can knock any dents out with a french stick.

At the risk of offending - that's Boll***s

Metal Mule = 2mm aluminium
Touratech (Zega) = 1.5 mm

Very good crash survivability but if they do split you just need a rivet gun to put them back together, now if your Zegas go you need to find someone who does aluminum welding.


And the plastic cases just break and can't be fixed.

I've never seen a Metal Mule that's been dropped, but I have seen Zegas that have bounced down the road and have had low speed drops on the bike on gravel and they only had scratches but no visible dents.

I think you need to have a pretty big crash before you hurt these and then the panniers are probably the least of your worries.

 

[silverfox]

Ally Boxes

Surprised noones mentioned H&B expedition panniers , a mate and i bought two complete sets from motobins at a discount, top box 32lt and two 45lt side boxes, integrated locks single key, rimmed edges in case of drops, cool design, support frame double walled tubing, panniers actually go on and off easier than system panniers and dont have the stupid red flag.
they were excellent on the Biker Meeting trip still got over 45mpg over 1700 miles

 

[Fanum]

I heard a whisper this morning that a certain gentleman is starting up production of his worldbeaters again at the end of the month......

Well actually, Vern Himself said so......although I'm not sure if that's just for orders outstanding or new ones as well......

I'm going to be speaking to him very soon so I'll pass on what I find out.....but i think there are a lot of people who will agree that it would be a major shame if project vernatech stopped altogether.....


Watch this space

 

[Big Lad]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=7910463009&ssPageName=STRK:MEWA:IT

Saw these on ebay. ( Not mine...etc !!)