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Quote:

Originally Posted by Skunkmoto (Post 122043)

They don't look much different to the Oxford 'sports' panniers I bought years ago. I've used these on the Ten with no problems. Bit of a faff to get em on but nothing difficult. I put everything in bags to keep dry.

Only trouble with this stuff is if you expand them and pack loads of gear in, they tend to hang inwards under their own weight, but I can pack in enough for a wkends camping no problems.

If you want to carry loads of gear then probly better off with some panniers/cases, though I just hate the look too LWR for me (though tempted by those ARD cases), for travelling light and �30 sounds good.

I agree, sold my alu panniers and only use throw-overs and pack-rolls now. The pivot problem is fixed with extra straps on top, needed anyway if going offroad. The soft panniers are more flexible, cheaper and adds less weight then the boxes, looks better too. When I pack I always try to keep the balance of the bike and that's easier with these.

Quote:

Originally Posted by enduro374 (Post 122170)

How many stories have we heard about the soft panniers getting into the rear wheel sending the bike and rider down the road?

Well I could believe this happening, my mate used same on his XJ, but they were expanded and crammed full of stuff and were only kept off the rear wheel by the cans, we were taking bets on him reaching Assen.

I've never unzipped the 'expansion' things to double the size coz never needed to, I can pack in sleeping bag/mat, shoes and jeans etc enough for a few days and tent goes on top. How securely you fit them to the bike is down to you and common sense, but I've never felt they were loose or in danger of coming off.

Like I say pack light and OK, if you want to lug more stuff then look elsewhere.

I agree on the weight - even empty the Ally boxes and frame affect the handling..

However they are rock solid, lockable and you can just take out the overnight kit and leave tools etc there..

Each solution is a compromise and please be sure to not get them in your wheels gents!!

Just got an Email......

I had zegas on my GS and I wouldn't bother with them again. Hugely over priced and not that great if your going to ride trails loaded up. I dropped the 1150 on a trail fully loaded and the TT frame was fine but the Ali box dented around it very easily. You then have a lid that doesn't fit properly and lets in the rain. Whatever the new bike is, XTZ or XR I will be sticking with throwovers and roll bags. I have to admit to being almost embarrassed when asked by a none biking mate and his wife how much two metal boxes had cost me.

I have similar bags and they work great.
http://lh6.ggpht.com/_ccnZ8O9XU-4/S_...0/IMG_3612.JPG

Hi Niek,

I had a similar set up on mt R on a recent trip to Portugal and it worked very well (see travel logs section). The tank panniers were particularly good as it keeps the weight more even front to back so helps the on road handling and they can be moved to the rear for and tricky stuff like sand to keep the weight rearwards.

Are your tank panniers by wolfman ? How strong are they ?

My wife uses Oxford first time panniers on her Bandit and has had no problems at all, pretty robust for the money.
Or, have a look at these

http://www.silvermans.co.uk/ProductDetails/tabid/89/Department/Motorcycle/Category/ACCESSORIES/Description/GREEN+MOTORCYCLE+PANNIERS/ItemId/6890/CurrentPage/0/Default.aspx

I have a set that I've had for years and find them really good, a bit of hard plastic/hardboard fitted to the back of them helps and they've got loads of straps for tying on roll mats, tents etc.
My local army surplus store (Lanark) was selling them for �8 a pair a few years ago as they didn't know what the were!!! Quite a few of my mates bought some and still use them. Mind you they're not waterproof but nickwax and poly bags help a lot.

The army bags are 58 pattern large packs, you can get them cheaper here if your interested.

http://www.surplusandoutdoors.com/sh...58-535332.html

Ian