which are the best panniers for gsa1150

[Terry NW]

I'm looking at buying a set of Aluminium panniers and from my quick look see the are two types?
which are the best ones and does anyone have an idea what i should pay for a set second hand?

cheers
terry

 

[darkhorse]

Jesse's

 

[MikeP]

Have look at the Pannier section in the FAQ section.

Lots of info there but some makes still missing from the list.

 

[Dickieboy]

I've just ordered and paid for a set off 'The Civil One' Caja Sahels, after deciding I would rather pay a site member than say Touratech or Bmw etc, then today I realised I'd forgot to check 'Vern's' out, he based in Worcester and I could have had a ride out up to him, both Vern and The Civil One make bespoke sets by hand, what could be better.

 

[IainMac]

I used to have Jesse's on my GSA1150 (circa 2002) They did the job , but the're not perfect. The locks on mine were small and fiddly the waterproof seal on the lids kept comming adrift, and the mounting system frames looks like a bit of farmyard engineering, that and the powder coating (on the frames) fell off after a uk winter.
They are strong! narrow and look pretty good (imho) they arent cheap though (new that is) .
The locks and seal have alledgedly been improved but having not seen the updated version I cant comment.

 

[Spikehammer]

I've got a set of Alpos and really like the fact that you can take them and most of the rack off really quickly, thereby leaving very little showing on the bike tiself. Oh and their as good but cheaper than most others.
I would have had a set of Civil's if my bike hadn't been loaded with Alpos when I got it.

 

[Steptoe]

?
which are the best ones and does anyone have an idea what i should pay for a set second hand?

cheers
terry

How and what are you going to use them for.

How much do you want to pay .


Two questions that only you can answer .

 

[Terry NW]

How and what are you going to use them for.

How much do you want to pay .


Two questions that only you can answer .

Money not an issue.
and i know i'll need Aluminium panniers, not plastic ones

So thats both question answered

 

[Steptoe]

.
and i know i'll need Aluminium panniers, not plastic ones

So thats both question answered

Aluminum panniers - more questions than answers try a search for all the others that have asked the same "simple" questions

 

[the civil one]

My kinda customer !

Money not an issue.

Well How often do ye hear tha !
If its true , i can build you whatever you want.
I can make it as heavy or light , i can give you angles or Curves
Hell , i can even put wee Bells on it for ye !
You Name it boy , i can do !

Clickety click on the Link below , and all will be revealed

 

[Terry NW]

Aluminum panniers - more questions than answers try a search for all the others that have asked the same "simple" questions

yes it was pointed out to me after asking the simple question, that many others have asked the same... so i've started reading it
i only open this thread again just to read what spikehammer had put down and answer your question old boy

 

[Dickieboy]

Well How often do ye hear tha !
If its true , i can build you whatever you want.
I can make it as heavy or light , i can give you angles or Curves
Hell , i can even put wee Bells on it for ye !
You Name it boy , i can do !

Clickety click on the Link below , and all will be revealed

Works for me Phil

 

[Jon]

and i know i'll need Aluminium panniers, not plastic ones

So lots of off-road then? I personally wouldn't buy quick release then. I'd want something sturdy.

Steer clear of the BMW ones. the frames are over-engineered and weigh a lot for no positive reason. They also look shit after a drop, wheareas the Touratech ones just get added character.

I have Touratech at the moment - however I bought them as I have a contact in Germany who got them cheap and I know I can sell them if need be

If I was buying now, I think I'd look at Civils or Verns...........

 

[Terry NW]

So lots of off-road then? I personally wouldn't buy quick release then. I'd want something sturdy.

Steer clear of the BMW ones. the frames are over-engineered and weigh a lot for no positive reason. They also look shit after a drop, wheareas the Touratech ones just get added character.

I have Touratech at the moment - however I bought them as I have a contact in Germany who got them cheap and I know I can sell them if need be

If I was buying now, I think I'd look at Civils or Verns...........

Cheers Jon
i've done some reading on them in the panniers section ..following your comments about the BMW ones you mean these ones ??
the is no write up on these on here ,,does anyone else own them and agree with JON ?

 

[Jon]

you mean these ones

Yep - very Gucci tho , just whats needed for the overland trip to London or if you're staying on the road

 

[Mutley]

Cheers Jon
i've done some reading on them in the panniers section ..following your comments about the BMW ones you mean these ones ??
the is no write up on these on here ,,does anyone else own them and agree with JON ?

I've got them and I like them:

1. they look smart and integrated
2. one key locks everything and starts the bike
3. waterproof
4. you can fit a full face or a Tour-X into each one or the top box
5. you can use a pannier as a large top box
6. the frames are weaker than the sub frame so dropping it only bends the frame

but:

1. When the panniers aren't on, the fold up racks look ugly
2. they are 'spensive
3. you need the retaining straps for the lids and the 'off road' securing kit for proper touring with weight in them
4. haven't seen them dropped but i suspect they won't look good
5. boy are they W-I-D-E

I like the 'Gucci' look for my commute into London

 

[Big Al Litch]

Had the GSA ones for 3-years now and don't regret getting them for one minute.
Ditto most of the above points but the retaining straps for the lids came as standard from 2003 onwards and although I have the securing kit I just haven't got around to using them yet!
The main reason I bought them (apart from the fact they do everything I want and I just like the look of them) is that they can be fitted/removed in just a couple of seconds. As I use the bike and at least one pannier everyday but can't get the bike into the garage with the panniers on (any panniers, not just the GSA ones) the OD feature is most important to me.

 

[ovenpaa]

The main reason I bought them (apart from the fact they do everything I want and I just like the look of them) is that they can be fitted/removed in just a couple of seconds. As I use the bike and at least one pannier everyday but can't get the bike into the garage with the panniers on (any panniers, not just the GSA ones) the OD feature is most important to me.

I agree, they can be removed in seconds (we use them to sit on by the tent) they have a good volume and are well engineered, they also stand up to abuse quite well including a low speed bin and a couple of car wing mirrors. Also my wife has adapted to fitting all her gear in the left hand one.

Down sides are they are bloody wide and the frames are heavy, I often think about ripping half the bracketry off as it seems a waste of time but never get around to it..

But most importantly for me, my dealer threw in the panniers (not frames) to clinch the deal.

 

[Terry NW]

I agree, they can be removed in seconds (we use them to sit on by the tent) they have a good volume and are well engineered, they also stand up to abuse quite well including a low speed bin and a couple of car wing mirrors. Also my wife has adapted to fitting all her gear in the left hand one.

Down sides are they are bloody wide and the frames are heavy, I often think about ripping half the bracketry off as it seems a waste of time but never get around to it..

But most importantly for me, my dealer threw in the panniers (not frames) to clinch the deal.

weight seems to be an issue..

did you say you can site on them?? how much do you weigh ??
i'm 15 stone with all my kit on would these be able to take that?

 

[ovenpaa]

weight seems to be an issue..

did you say you can site on them?? how much do you weigh ??
i'm 15 stone with all my kit on would these be able to take that?

Easily - a mate who is closer to 20 stone sat on one for a couple of beers one evening and it was fine, my wife and I also have sat back to back on them without issues. I have removed one equipment loop from each (front inner) to make it a tad more comfortable for bigger pillions and sitting on but that is all.