soft bags on bmw r 80 G/S

**Giacomo** · #1 20 Apr 2005

I'm getting to like the idea of using soft bags on my bike...such as the ones i just saw on the website of a german chain of bike gear shops..(louis.de) .the kind that goes over the seat,

Only problem I'm trying to figure out is how to stop them from frying on the high mounted exhaust, any suggestions..?

Thanks..

Antonio

**simmo** · #2 20 Apr 2005

Antonio

I was also thinking the same thing. I intend to keep the original pannier frames in place to stop the bags touching the exhaust. I am thinking of andystrapz bags.

http://www.andystrapz.com

these seem pretty tough compared to some of the others I have seen.

cheers

alec

**omar mansour** · #3 20 Apr 2005

hi bikers
try oxford bags ,its good ,light ,and cheap
and you can make a simple rack to keep it away from the exhaust,i did the same in my c/s 80
cheers

**Frank Warner** · #4 20 Apr 2005

I found an aluminium heat sheild between the exhaust and bag helps reduce the heat. Mount it on the bike side of your frame. That way you should have two air gaps between the exhasut and your luggage.

On the pannier frame you can go two ways -

Strong - may brake due to vibration and/or falls - 20 mm square tube is ok.

Flexiable - will bend when (not if) you fall on it. Bend it back and ride off. Mild steel rod about 8 mm diameter is cheap and flexiable enough.

**vincent danna** · #5 28 Apr 2005

hello,

something different, maybe an alternative to think about :

On my trip, i used The North Face Base Camp Duffel bag 90 liters and was very very happy with it : extremely strong, waterproof, extremely easy to attach on the bike : there are many places on the bag where you can put your straps around/attach it to the bike. Usually people use it on trekkings to attach it to the horses, mules, yaks …

Some friends bought it since and really appreciate it too.

http://www.thenorthface.com/opencms/...productId=1687

“the bag in action” during my trip :
http://vincent.danna.free.fr/surlaro...4/janvier.html
http://vincent.danna.free.fr/surlaroute/2004/avril.html

happy travels

**Mr. Ron** · #6 29 Apr 2005

Hello.
Check out these frome Riders Warehouse:http://www.aerostich.com/product.php...cat=256&page=1

**Universalcat** · #7 10 May 2005

Hi,

Ive handsewn the saddlebags for my r100t out of very strong oiled leather. Riveted the leather into rawhide as a backing, and riveted hooks into the rawhide to attach to the panier frame. Constructed a sytem on the back to cinch the bags down tight. (I copied this system from the back of some heavy duty Jandd bicycle paniers)

I use high quality waterproof kayaking bags for inside the leather, but i've oiled it so heavily that it takes a loooong time to get damp.

It doesnt take too long, its not too expensive (about $100 in supplies) and its handsome as hell.
I made them incredibly strong, i doubt any factory could make them as strong as the guy relying on them.....

Another bonus is its completely custom, so i have perfect sizing, and pockets exactly where I need them.

g

[This message has been edited by Universalcat (edited 10 May 2005).]