Tank Panniers on a budget

[DrAlf]

Like a lot of you, I’ve seen the Aerostitch tank panniers that the ADVrider’s use and although I really wanted a set, once you’ve added customs duty, VAT and postage they work out to be pretty pricey. I saw a mate a few weeks ago who was using some ex army bags as tank panniers and thought they looked pretty good so I tracked a set down for myself. They arrived this morning – I have just fitted them but still need a bit of work to get them spot on. It slashed it down on my first test ride and they do a great job of keeping your legs dry. Not bad for £15.

For anyone interested, they are S10 respirator cases.

 

[(RIP) Yosi]

To avoid scratches on the tank, you can use "antiskid" mats sold by DIY for woodworkers.
Got mine from the local machinemart shop...

 

[Roge]

The bags are Mk6 or 10 gas mask bags

 

[DrAlf]

To avoid scratches on the tank, you can use "antiskid" mats sold by DIY for woodworkers.

Thanks for the tip Yosi - I was thinking of getting a baglux to protect the tank but I'll check out the DIY stores tomorrow.

 

[Clive]

Top tip

I was so impressed I have just got a couple of S6 models for £5 each (all I could find locally) for my 1200

 

[Gecko]

What material are they made of ? Would they maybe dye black - I was thinking of that 'DYLON' washing machine dye you can get in the supermarkets ????

 

[Clive]

Why would you want to dye a washing machine ?

I suspect the dye wouldn't take - mine are actually a mismatched pair, they both appear to be some sort of heavy duty nylon (or similar) - one covered with some sort of rubberised looking substance, the other looks like it is impregnated with a waterproofing "waxoil"

 

[Duncan]

Been looking for a solution like this for some time..........Great to have somebody find the size for me!

Clive,

I live fairly local to you where did you get yours?

 

[Clive]

I think mine (S6 pouches) are a little smaller than DrAlf's (at least from the photos above).

I had the last two (Olive Green) in the shop (Storms Army Store - 15-16, Bristol & West Arcade, Friar St, Reading, Berkshire RG1 1JL)

However, as I am working in Bath tomorrow I'm hoping to pop into StrikeForce Army Supplies (http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/index.php?page=contact)
to see if what they have are bigger/better/whatever
e.g. http://www.strikeforcesupplies.co.uk/stock.php?page=bigpic&item=9029

 

[DrAlf]

The material is thick cordura type material, basically the same stuff that good quality rucksacks are made out of. I reckon you could dye them pretty easily.

 

[DrAlf]

Mine came from an ebay seller - details here. He has a few more for sale if anyone else is interested. You'll want a pair of S10's - make sure you ask for the straps to be complete.

Clive, I'd be interested in seeing pix of your smaller panniers fitted to the bike if possible.

 

[Clive]

Hopefully similar angles

One...

 

[Clive]

Two...

 

[Clive]

Three...

 

[Clive]

Actually, comparing the photos they don't look that much smaller after all.

They come with a long length of string attached in a small pocket at the base. This ties on to the top of the crash bars but doesn't seem too strong (without a proper test ride anyway) so I may have to do something about that.

For me, they would supplement the standard BMW tank bag to keep heavy camping stuff lower down, tins of beans, beer, milk etc so they may not need tying down anyway. The tank bag front "hook" would stop them moving back and forth, although I have just realised that perhaps BMW made the 1200 tank "panels" with that front slot and D rings on the dzus fasteners just for tie down/strapping purposes

 

[Geordie Foote]

DRAlf

Fifteen Quid.....
You could have got them for free........
if you'd joined the Army!!

However,

They dont fasten all that securely, one press stud and a bit of velcro.
Another option would be a pair of rocket pouches, which are made out of the same material, but are closure is via a heavy duty zip with a rain flap. They also have alot more options to attach them onto the bike.
These also make excellent tail rack bags. Just the right size for the standard rack.
I can post photos if anyone is interested.

Regards

Geordie

 

[Clive]

Re: DRAlf

I can post photos if anyone is interested.

Yes please

 

[Geordie Foote]

Photo's

They will have to wait until Monday.
I'm on leave at the moment, off to Protarus for the weekend. Will post on my return.

Geordie

 

[Fanum]

Clive...don't underestimate the flapping power of panniers like this.....Lucy had a pair of tank panniers in Europe and we had to stop several times to cable tie them down when a strap broke.......even with some weight in them they can flap up violently and bear in mind they could well interfere with your handlebars.

 

[Clive]

BMW have obviously thought about the "flapping tank pannier" problem by providing a front bungee point and removable tank panels