If you were to buy new panniers...
 

I'll be buying a top box soon, the start of a new set, and I am wondering which to go for. So I am wondering:

If your panniers for some reason were to break - bars, adapter plates and all - which ones would you get? Would you buy the same, or have you had your eye on something else you saw on your last trip? Links appreciated!

My two pence worth is ......dont buy yamaha OE top box.

I have one wich was included in the purchase of my bike......am I glad it was included...yes I am, because it is useful etc.....however would I recomend it.....No I wouldnt.

The locking mech on my box is so dodgey, if you turn it too far one way, the lid opens, to far the other it disconnects it from the rack. You have to get the key slap bang in the middle of the lock otherwise you cant pull the key out.

It scratches eaisly and dents easily as the metal is so thin.

Anyway thats my bit lol

I've had the yamaha panniers since I bought the bike new in 2008. To be honest they've done the job, still on original locks and no major issues (just one lost hinge pin), they're just a bit on the small side. I can't justify replacing them really until they are unserviceable, but if I did I'd probably buy ARD cases and a Holan rack from here...

http://ardcases.co.uk/store/#ecwid:c...roduct=6143541

I use a second hand Trax top case (which I acquired from a mate for free) and to be honest it's crap - it leaks (but silicone fixed it), the lock broke and the catch has gone rusty and the mounting plate's aluminium has worn so much it doesn't lock home properly and rattles! (I've no taken the plate off and its bolted to my TT large rack) I definitely wouldn't part with money for one of these.

I have the Ardcases panniers and topbox with a Holan rack. They look very well made and are not heavy either.

the kriega stuff always gets my vote, ok it may not be hard stuff but it is soooo versatile!

http://www.kriega.com/categories/bike-packs/

I have Metal Mule panniers, only because I got them for my first Ten at a good deal. I wouldn't get them again as they are soooo heavy. The locking mechanism is not so hot and on a small drop one of the panniers bent the locking arm and the pannier came off!
I for one will look at soft panniers when I can afford just so that I'm not carrying so much weight.
The only advantage that the MM paniers have is that you have a seat when taken off!:icon_colors:

I'm with SteveD.

I have and use, and are very good at what they are, TT Zega-Pro's. They aren't as heavy as the MM's, not by a long way! they are nicely shaped for sitting on and bash back into shape really well after a fall. And after numerous falls, and some that deformed the cases, they are still water tight.

For security, in terms of basic security, hard boxes are the way to go, but after having hard boxes for a number of years I would tend to look towards soft luggage now, but with the frames of the hard luggage to keep them in better shape. The TT frames, athough expensive are very good as crash bars and for lifting a fallen bike.

Horses for courses really, sometime you need it hard, other times it's better soft - a metaphor for life!

:what:

In terms of soft luggage, I have and use the Kriega USx stuff. It is very good indeed as anyone who has used Kriega will attest to. But I do like the look of the Wolfman stuff too.

I also have some HG Oxford copies, they are OK and do the job fine as long as you take precautions and bag everything to keep it dry, the 'waterproof covers' ,,aren't !

I used the Yamaha OE ones for an extended trip, and they performed very well, a bit small and you need to be particular with the locks (keep them clean, treat with respect etc), and these do crash well considering the mountings are in odd places and there is no rear stabiliser bar.

Luggage is one of the most emotive subjects in motorcycle forums for some reason, but to be fair, it's down to everyone's own needs, wants and opinions.

Very good point. Before I had pannier frames I found I couldn't lift the Tenere. With the Yamaha frames it's dead easy.

I use SW Motech Trax side panniers and a Givi 46l top case. Pretty happy with those, but I am looking at the Wolfman expedition dry line soft luggage as well.

Enduristan monsoons........genuinely waterproof soft bags. Excellent kit.

Just had a look at these, they look the dogs danglies.

get the info here -> http://www.enduristan.com/en/products/monsoon.html

or buy them here -> http://www.zenoverland.com/soft_pann...n_monsoon.html


Good post.

It's a bit hard to see, but I'm thinking any slipon would melt them, though
http://www.enduristan.com/en/product...html#yamxt660z

For those of you looking at the Wolfman Expedition dry saddlebags - where can you buy the racks for the ten?

I have looked at the Enduristan Monsoons but felt they were too wide.

The Wolfman expidition dry can be installed on any rack where the distance between top and bottom bars of the rack are no more than (if I remember correctly) 9in apart. I am not sure they have a dedicated rack for the XTZ yet.

I actually think the Yamaha stuff is alright, but then mine was kinda free to me (came with the bike).

Would I actually go out and pay RRP for it? Possibly for the top box - I've had a lot of use out of mine, it only gets taken off if I'm going trail riding - but probably not for the panniers.

TBH I'm trying to get away from actually needing panniers. I never use them if I'm just away for the weekend, but once or twice a year they're really useful - two weeks away with Mrs Uberthumper and her not-very-luggageable bike, or going to the beach and being able to lock two people's complete riding gear away.

Here's my 2c worth: My OE panniers are fine for softer work, eg dirt roads and mild trail not loaded too heavily, but for anything really serious I would buy one of the many excellent soft luggage options. Be good to have both. I like the Yamaha stuff for everyday use as it's very convenient to use. Like others have said, it's maybe a little small and the locks are dirt-unfriendly, but with some patience it all seems to work out.

Thanks for all the opinions guys,
I'm planning a cross Africa trip in 2015. I often see OE topboxes for sale on ebay, is it worth forking GBP100 out for a OE topbox? I've read mixed reviews here and I'm not sure if it will survive the hard overlanding?

check these out , half the price of everywhere else http://konvoi.ro/

waiting for my delivery of ortleib motorcycle panniers they say 100% waterproof. should have had them on friday that would of tested them

The OE topbox is OK, not brilliant nor rubbish. It does need a sympathetic rider though. They are susceptible to sand and grit and the locking mechanism is a little temperamental.

I would say no, don't get one for an overland, especially Africa. I would keep an eye on ebay and look for an old Zega box, they come up now and then and are pretty bulletproof. I would fix the top box with nuts and bolts and put a drain hole in it, then use a waterproof inner bag that you can carry around.

Soft bags all the way for me... When yer get to where yer going
just lift them off... If yer fall off , untie them..lift the bike & put them back on.. if yer don't need them they are not there...And lighter than any hard system.

Probably a dumb question, but are there any decent soft pannier options that can be locked up on the bike ? (yeah, I know it'd only take a knife to get in, but it might deter the casual opportunist)

I was going to set up with the Metal Mule hard system, but after trolling these forums, it's looking like a soft setup could be the go.

Yet mine still works :D

You might want to take a look at these, which Adventure Spec have just brought out...

http://www.adventure-spec.com/defaul...-panniers.html

Supposedly waterproof, lockable, slash-proof, abrasion proof, etc (and if you've read any of Colebatch's ride reports on ADVrider or the HUBB you might conclude that if he says it works, it probably does).

Not cheap, and you still need racks, but would still probably come in cheaper than a brand-name hard luggage setup.

See, now that's why I hang out in forums like this. Thanks Uberthumper, this is exactly the sort of thing I'm thinking of. looks like it's incredibly tough & the dry bag inner is brilliant. Seems a very well conceived bit of kit.

Now I just have to suss out th rack & I'm sorted. cheers.

ScottyD, I have actually seen these panniers and wanted a pair but they are in the process of making some modifications to the original design, improvements I might add.

I do have a full set of Metal Mule panniers and frames, in actual fact the first set ever made as they used my bike for the original jigging. They are good and robust / waterproof, but just tooo heavy.

I will be getting some of these soft panniers as soon as they have some of the new ones in. They had an original batch of ten which sold very quickly but I do not know when the new ones will be available.
I recon any frames will do as they just need to be supported from swinging into the rear wheel. Try calling Roger at ARD CASES as he gets some good frames from somewhere in Europe at a good price............and yes I have seen some of his frames, they are just a generic of the more 'badged' products around but cheaper.

Hope this helps.

SteveD

Hey SteveD, thanks mate. Interesting to hear these things are already being improved. Hope the newer revisions are available soon. I've sent a query about rack suggestions for the Tenere, but haven't heard back yet. Presumably they'll give an update on progress on the new bags when they do.

I'll check out those racks from ARD Cases, and have a closer look at the 'Carrier Rack' thread as well. Good to hear from experience about the weight of the MMs. The more I think about it, the more I'm convinced I want to go soft (so to speak:laughing6:).

I want to get set up asap (kind of climbing the walls at the moment - I pick up my new Tenere in about a week or so :happy3:).

Thanks guys, will keep you posted.

Just in case you blokes are interested, here's the latest info on those soft lockable panniers from adventure-spec.......

Scott,

The versions we have arriving tomorrow are the new bags. Shipping to anywhere in Aus will be �291.00 for the panniers (we remove EU sales tax) and �50.00 postage.

Hope that helps,

Dave

I just came across this comparison:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...adv-spec-65899

Interesting, although worth noting his price for the Kriega setup is wrong, RRP is �489.

True uberthumper, however if you click on one of the luggage systems links, you will be redirected to his website (Chris Scott's website that is, whom I guess I do not have to introduce)) where you can find more detailed reviews of all of the systems.
Cheers, G

Addendum...

I've queried this with Chris on the HUBB, and he's clarified the �600 is for a setup with 3x 15l bags plus two Rotopax containers and all the mounting hardware, not the 4x15l bag setup which is �489. Rotopax stuff isn't cheap.


I'm planning on putting together a 'Ghettolander' version of the Kriega setup at some point to use my existing collection of US-XX packs and some cheaper fuel/water containers. Will post up when I eventually get round to it.

I have ordered the Magadans. Might still take some time before they arrive, but as soon as I have some experience with them I will post up a review.

These were delivered today by DHL:

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...9-03225805.jpg

I must admit, despite already high expectations they feel even sturdier than expected. The quality of the stitchings is absolutely impeccable. Can't wait to put these to use.

Looking forward to hearing your feedback (& photos) on these. I'm planning on getting a set as soon as I can afford them. Still sussing out frames too, so appreciate the suggestions so far. :ninja:

tried them on the bike today. 1 bag fits a 3 person tent, 2 sleeping bags, 2 inner liners for the sleeping bags, 2 air beds, 2 air pillows and a hand pump. so plenty of storage room.

they fit the Tenere nicely. front strap goes under the seat, rear strap under the Givi top plate.

ideally I would like to move it further forward as I will not be riding with a pillion. But that would require some serious modifications to the rack.

http://i294.photobucket.com/albums/m...9-08102101.jpg

Very nice. BTW, what tank bag base it that you're running?

It is the base from the Famsa tank bag for the Tenere. I had the zipper replaced to fit the generic Famsa enduro tank bag I still had lying around.
The bag specific for the Ten is slightly different as it has a bit of an indentation at the front, making it easier to get to the key.

Hmmm, ok, that's a new one for me. I didn't know there were proper Tenere tank bags (I don't like those ones that stick out with a flat base). I'm not real sure about tank bags, but I am curious, & I was wondering if I should be looking to put even a bit of weight forward, just to offset the weight of the Magadans slightly.

Think its time for a bit of research. :read2:

Thanks for that.

Good day all!!!

On my XT660X I have fitted a pair of GIVI TREKKER aluminium cases and on a recent 1000km tour of Sardinia they proved to be excellent. I have also removed the top box and the bike is more stable at touring speeds without the topbox. Link follows:
http://www.givi.it/Valigie-laterali/...TRK33N-TREKKER