What size panniers for R80GS Basic

[Mad Hatter]

Got some big trips planned this year so I’m fitting panniers to my R80GS Basic. A set of Hepco and Becker pannier frames are on their way but I’m undecided on which panniers to fit and what size to go for. I’m currently thinking either H&B aluminium standard panniers or H&B junior panniers, both of which have pros and cons…. Also not sure what size to buy, 2 x 30L, 1 x 30L and 1 x 40L, or 2 x 40L…..I tend to travel light so I’m currently thinking 2 x 30L but not sure if that results in an asymmetric bike.

Any thoughts? What do you guys have fitted?

 

[mikeyboy]

Depends on the type of trips?
I’d go for mosko soft luggage or magadan bags,
More flexibility on packing and unclip the lot,throw it over your shoulder and up to the hotel room that always seems to be as far from the reception as possible.

 

[scooter paul]

Depends on the type of trips?
I’d go for mosko soft luggage or magadan bags,
More flexibility on packing and unclip the lot,throw it over your shoulder and up to the hotel room that always seems to be as far from the reception as possible.

I agree. Soft luggage for me and I especially like the Magadan panniers. Big, alloy panniers do have some advantages like doubling up as a seat and offer some more security but they are a liability manoeuvring in traffic.

 

[Mad Hatter]

I use kriega bike bags a lot but not the soft panniers because they always look like they droop a lot and hang off the bike. I’ll have a look at the Mosko/Magadan kit though

 

[tuftywhite]

I've got H&B frames on my G/S with some lovely Rimowa panniers that they don't do any more.

These are great, 40L on one side and 35L on the other, for mooching about and going shopping etc. but if I'm going on a trip I'll use my Adventure Spec Magadans. These have been improved by AS since I bought mine, and work well with the frames. They also suit the look of the bike, whereas on my other bikes I use the Mosko Moto Reckless 40.

The bike's got to look right too.

 

[Bubb]

Kreiga soft panniers.

Well made, British. Buy the plastic plates to fit your pannier frames, then strap the kreiga bags on.
You can use the same panniers on multiple bikes… waterproof, well made, suit the looks of an adventure bike, lightweight when not filled with cr*p.
Metal panniers are a pain. They may be more secure, but the weigh more, if the bike falls over on you they can break legs, they make you look like you are trying to be Ewan & Charley …..

Go soft, you know it makes sense.

 

[ThreeDawg]

You've got a light bike, keep it that way, go soft. My Moskos are still going strong after many years.

 

[robertotoole]

I found the handling was messed up with big metal panniers, sometimes with dangerous weaving. They are also dangerous in an accident. People have had their legs broken by them. That happened to Ted Simon.

It's not just the weight, but also the aerodynamics. Soft panniers, mounted closer to the bike, are the best.

 

[Mad Hatter]

I think I’m off the idea of metal panniers now, but H&B juniors are still appealing, I’ve used them before on rental bikes and they are indestructible. Not sure if I would need two different sizes to make it symmetrical or both the same?

 

[SIM]

Old thread, but if going metal buy Jesse panniers, they are designed to be no wider than handlebars so great for filtering and easy to take off the bike, did thousands of miles with mine good solid kit and when I did fall off, the bike only fell over 3/4 of the way so easier to pick up.The one drawback I had was they could not fit a lid in the ones I had. I now prefer the standard BMW ones that come with the airhead, means you don’t over pack and just use a roll bag for a tent etc

 

[Mad Hatter]

I ended up with BMW OEM ones in the end. I think they look good on the bike

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

I ended up with BMW OEM ones in the end. I think they look good on the bike
View attachment 449265

BMW make good panniers