Only had a quick scan through (my eyes struggle to open at this time of the day) but it looks like a great adventure, you should write a book.:scooter:

Every great adventure needs a bit of romance:thumbup1:

i traveled with these army surplus bags for about a year, with a plastic flap and a trash bin inside each one. when i needed to squeeze through a doorway i just emptied them. i use thin, metal panniers now (homemade) but i'll probably mount military bags on my XL350 ...if i ever go home :-)

http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jmPImthkHjo/TG...0/IMGP5185.JPG
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_jmPImthkHjo/TG...0/IMGP8824.JPG

Yes Silvermans, is well known to ppl like me who used to be 'in the trade'
them bas where used with the old army Bikes they had tuber frame on each side of the rear wheel Like all army 58 pattern webbing a bin bag was requirement
for any part of the webbing.
Most Army surplus might have them in, or just get 2 58 pattern back packs 1 either side.

FYI I joined 1979 @ 16 & left 2003, to repair 58 pattern, them you can use any old bits of canvas or the top flaps (inside with a eyelet) we used to cut them up & make a pouch (still used now) for man's Knife folding, for the use of GP as suggested the top straps are for fart sack/green maggot (sleeping bag)

Mine in action:

http://www.touringted.com/_gallery_/...serialNumber=2

Like suggested , I sewed velcrom onto the side straps and have also put some press-studs in the corners to stop flapping.. (not in picture)

I use small waterproof bags to organise my gear which works well !

I'm happy with mine (for now).... Lets see how they cope with Africa.

Ted What bike you on?
Canx my last just read it on your site
good luck on your trip look forward to updates

That's a 2003 Suzuki DRZ400-S !!

And cheers :thumbup1:

After 3 pages in this thread...
 

Ed you decided to not even use the panniers. I reckon you should do the panniers justice and take them to africa now that you've written 3 pages on this forum about them. :P

I still may Neil ! I have a week to decide lol !

Well, as this trouble maker has said, i've decided to use my smaller Cortech Tribags. Not because the military bags aren't any good. I'm just not sure they're AS GOOD as my modern cortechs. My Cortechs are smaller which is what I want. These 58's make it too easy to bring more stuff than I really need and I promised myself I wouldnt do that (again).

Zips, waterproof covers, velcro adjusters and made especially for bikes is also hard to leave on the shelf for 1950's adapted army bags.

I do like them, and I WILL use them..But I dont think on this trip !

Hi T/Ted,
That'll be the day that Silverman's sells anything at a fair price. Sorry you got stung like that. Ouch!!
:stormy::rain:

[quote=Caminando;302184]Hi T/Ted,
That'll be the day that Silverman's sells anything at a fair price. Sorry you got stung like that. Ouch!!
:stormy::rain:[/quote

It was very much an impulse buy. I knew you could get them cheaper but I was just in one of those "payday" moods.

It's all gravy !

you earn too much!!

[quote=*Touring Ted*;302239]Hi Tour/Ted

I've got an old helmet for sale - damaged a bit. I can offer you this helmet for £890.50p. Also for sale, a non functioning battery charger, could be fixed....at a special price to you, £600. Cant say fairer than that! I know you could get them cheaper, but...........

[quote=Caminando;302565]Deal ..... Just PM me your bank account details and i'll the money with you in no time !

Unless of course you'd prefer Western Union. Free Nigerian Lottery win with every use !

:D:scooter: