Sertao with TT panniers advice

[qcridgerunner]

I decided to go with TT panniers. Does the Sertao handle the 38 L panniers well, performance wise and (ahum) style wise ? This will be to travel in Europe 2 up next summer. I understand that the total width will be 40 inches or 1000 mm. I am planning to span a dry bag across the panniers over the tail rack to carry the tent and two Thermarest pads. A tank bag completes the kit. Any thought and comments appreciated.
Ride safe.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

Hi qcridgerunner and welcome to UKGSer.com

I've just used the standard 35L Zegas when i had my F650GS(same back end as the G') and Mrs P uses the much narrower 29L Zegas on her 2011 G650GS/FL and they suit the bike very well and keep the width and weight down to the minimum as the G650 is quite wide with two exhausts.

I like the look new Zega Pro's but still like the function over form look of the iconic Zegas(which translates into........ i can't afford the new Pro's for my GSA30 yet)

Either pannier suits the bike and carrying the thermarests, tents on top of the pannier lids in roll top bags or across the rear rack works well and you can easily lift off the lids for pannier access. I converted a 1200GSA alloy pannier into a 'cut down' topbox for Mrs P's G for extra secure storage space.

Check out www.F650.co.uk for more model specififc information and there's some photos on there of our G pannier/topbox setup!

FP.

 

[qcridgerunner]

Thanks for your input. When you say, much narrower, I think we are talking only 3 inches, right ? But the 31 L would probably "feel" narrower and I could top them with the TT expandable pannier soft bags. Decisions, decisions... I'm just afraid that I would regret buying the 31L panniers. Anybody ?

 

[Dansin]

Don't know how much stuff you need to take, but the wife and I have toured France for 3 weeks using 2x 30 litre panniers and a tank bag between us.

 

[qcridgerunner]

Thanks Dansin. But camping ?

 

[Dansin]

Thanks Dansin. But camping ?

Hell no. But the more space you give yourself, the more crap you'll take! I guess there's no hard and fast rule but I pretty much guarantee you'll take more than you'll need.

The 650 is the underrated but very capable gs. You'll have a ball.

 

[qcridgerunner]

Here is my ride with the 31L Zega Pro panniers :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/qcridgerunner/7555638060/in/photostream
I am plenty happy with my choice.

 

[Farmer Palmer]

Here is my ride with the 31L Zega Pro panniers :
http://www.flickr.com/photos/qcridgerunner/7555638060/in/photostream
I am plenty happy with my choice.

Looks good especially in the black

FP.

 

[qcridgerunner]

Thanks FP
Couple more views here:
https://picasaweb.google.com/107947173440570319085/Sertao