 |
|
10 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 21
|
|
|
A Wide Load? Pannier Width
I'm soon to be the proud owner of a new (to me) 2008 DR 650. My intention for this bike is traveling through Latin America and if the money works, maybe Africa. Point being, a long trip.
I'm looking at getting a set of the Happy Trails Teton Panniers (unless someone wants to dissuade me.) They come in 2 sizes. A 7.5 inch, 33L design and a 9 inch, 38L design. From what I've read, the 7.5 comes out to be about the same width as the bars. However, it's my inclination to get the larger size with the greater storage capacity, but it really concerns me having something wider than the bars. I live in NYC and it would really be tricky to get used to lane splitting with a setup like that. . .
Also, from years of motorcycle touring, bicycle touring and backpacking, I know, if you have it, you WILL fill it up. Generally with something heavy that you didn't need anyway.
Thoughts? Would the capacity really be worth it in the end?
|
10 May 2010
|
 |
Moderated Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: California
Posts: 501
|
|
I'd go with the smaller panniers. You can always add a huge duffle bag across the back if you need more storage. Also, tank panniers work OK on the DR.
I would not worry so much about width, rather I'd worry more about WEIGHT. Hard boxes add a lot of weight. If you stay strictly on road then no prob but if you go exploring off road at all, then plenty of dirt roads ... which sometimes get nasty can be found. This especially true in Peru' and Bolivia where some main routes are dirt.
I went from hard bags to soft bags on my DR650. Much better off road. I went from carrying 100 lbs. down to 65 lbs. 22 lbs. was panniers, racks and hardware. So true what you say about "... if you have the space, you will fill it".
Using soft bags I've been forced to really cut back on what I carry. I rarely camp. Much of Latin America is really NOT good camping. Research this and you will find many who wished they'd left camping gear at home.
There are several feisty threads here about Hard vs. Soft bags, look around, you'll find them.
Good travels. 
|
10 May 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2005
Posts: 1,187
|
|
|
Have a look at Andy Strapz or equivalent soft bags on simple metal side racks. If you're worried about security, you can fit Pacsafes to the panniers, think the 55L ones worked fine.
I wished I'd had just a bit more capacity on my DR so have a look for a decent sized rear rack so you can add to your dry bag behind you when you need to.
|
10 May 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Mickey D
There are several feisty threads here about Hard vs. Soft bags, look around, you'll find them.
|
Looks like someone is trying to turn this threads into one of them 
Edit:
On a longish trip I wouldn't bothered much about the lane splitting problem.
I would have used the smallest boxes that fit my need.
Last edited by AliBaba; 10 May 2010 at 12:16.
Reason: Back to topic
|
10 May 2010
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,903
|
|
|
To get back to the subject of the thread: narrow panniers--the width of your handlbars--will be adequate for your needs and will indeed make lane splitting much easier. There are also lots of other situations where you'll be squeezing between one thing and another; the toll-bypass motorcycle lanes in most South American countries come to mind. Some of these are very narrow, and some have high curbs which have been known to take riders down. Then there's the eternal struggle to fit the bike through gates and doorways for overnight security, which is way more convenient if you don't have to dismount and remount panniers each time.
I'm riding a KLR with the narrow Happy Trails boxes, and I'm carrying everything anyone could ever imagine plus some other stuff that most people can't. Plus, contrary to advice given above, the bike has gone wherever I've pointed it, including some remarkably difficult roads. So far.
Hope that helps.
Mark
(from someplace off the beaten track in Bahia, where I will very shortly venture out in search of a rear tire to replace the entirely-smooth MT-60 I bought 9000 miles ago in Puerto Montt)
|
10 May 2010
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
|
|
|
Mike:
Keep the bags less than the width of the bars - that way, if the bars fit between a line of cars/buses/trucks, you'll be fine on the bags. Otherwise, you'll likely be clipping a few vehicles (you'll likely clip a few anyway, with smaller bags). And as Markharf says, fitting the bike through portals is a problem when bags are wider than the bars.
And the folks touting soft bags likely haven't used soft bags on a long-duration trip. The stitching at all the stress/load points on the bags will start to break due to the rough road conditions. They'll be fine for a few months, but then?
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
|
10 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 21
|
|
|
Chuck, good to hear from you!
I've traveled with hard and soft luggage and I def prefer hard, waterproof, secure luggage.
I really appreciate everyone's input. It seems like the 7 inch is the way to go.
This of course leaves the question Happy Trails VS Pelican. . .
|
10 May 2010
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,903
|
|
|
That's an easy one (for me, anyway). Pelicans are fine (I've got a pair up front and a topbox), but for main panniers the side-loading doesn't really work. Plus, if you look at the relationship of internal volume to external size they come up way short compared to welded aluminum.
FWIW, my Happy Trails have been pretty flawless and their rack has taken only one small weld (77k miles and counting). One of my Pelican's has suffered broken latches, and this seems common--fine if you're somewhere it can be replaced under warranty, not so good if you're not. Both seem to survive drops, scrapes and being squashed by converging traffic easily enough.
Ok, so about that tire I was going to go looking for.....
|
11 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 21
|
|
|
Does anyone have any thoughts about getting a 7 inch for one side and a 9 inch for the other? I'll have to try to research how it relates to bar width, but since the pipe gets in the way, one side sticks out more than the other anyway.
I guess you'd just have to make sure and load all your heavy stuff that can get hot in the 7 inch case. . .
|
11 May 2010
|
|
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2007
Location: Bellingham, WA, USA
Posts: 3,903
|
|
|
I don't have a DR, but I've got narrow Happy Trails boxes on their mounting frames on both a KLR and a V-Strom. On both, the boxes extend out from the bike the same distance on each side. That's because the mounting frames extend the same distance, leaving an empty space on the side without a silencer. There are various schemes for what one might do with such a space, including Neduro's KTM-specific fuel tanks, but mine remains wasted space.
Call Happy Trails and talk to them, if in doubt.
Mark
|
11 May 2010
|
 |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,656
|
|
Best advice is to just keep the luggage the same width or less than the bars. For exactly the same reasons Quasdog posted.
Not starting anything, but soft bags are a winner for me after touring South America with heavy hard cases.
Like the others have said too. The more space you have, the more junk you find to fill it.
The key to overlanding happiness is a lightweight bike. 
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
13 May 2010
|
 |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
|
Hi my 10p worth
I would suggest as others the panniers no wider than the bars.
As for soft or hard, I have used both, I would suggest you conceder the type of terrain you would mostly be riding on, & bear in mind if off road you will drop it at some point. if hard it will be safe if soft whatever will may get squashed.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
13 May 2010
|
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Chiangmai, Thailand
Posts: 509
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
Not starting anything, but soft bags are a winner for me after touring South America with heavy hard cases.
|
Yeah, but you only road with the soft bags from Argentina up to Venezuela - like 2 months or so on the road, wasn't it?
BTW: I'm using some Ortleib bags on my KLR - so I'll let you know end of summer what I think of soft bags.
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted*
The key to overlanding happiness is a lightweight bike. |
Amen.
__________________
quastdog
Chiang Mai, Thailand
|
13 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: Brooklyn, NY, USA
Posts: 21
|
|
|
Unfortunately, at the last second the DR got pulled from under me. Now I'm back to hunting for another. . .
(Anyone have one in the Northeast USA?)
When I do find one again, it seems like hard bags are the ticket. I know that bicycle touring i spent an awful lot of time worrying about people swiping stuff from my soft panniers. Something I can really lock is appealing.
|
20 May 2010
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2007
Location: Black Forest
Posts: 171
|
|
Hi
... and what about front bags, check this on my XRV 650
Miles-to-ride==
custom made from truck tarp by a friend, which is a professional sewer
bike is more balanced with the weight in front of you 
Thomas
|
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...
2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.
"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)
Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.
Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.
Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!
What others say about HU...
"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia
"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK
"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia
"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA
"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada
"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa
"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia
"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany
Lots more comments here!
Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook
"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.
Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!
New to Horizons Unlimited?
New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!
Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.
Read more about Grant & Susan's story
Membership - help keep us going!
Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.
You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.
|
|
|
helps answer the question - Why Go? Inspirational stories by veteran travellers Greg Frazier (5 times RTW), Peter and Kay Forwood (193 countries), Tiffany Coates (Mongolia Mayhem) and Rene Cormier (University of Gravel Roads).
Get Ready! covers planning, paperwork, medical and many other topics! "Inspirational and Awesome!" See the trailer here!
What stuff do I need - riding gear, clothing, camping gear, first aid kit, tires, maps and GPS? What don't I need? How do I pack it all in? Lots of opinions from over 150 travellers!
break down language barriers, overcome culture shock, ship the bike and deal with breakdowns and emergencies."Just makes me want to pack up and go!" See the trailer here!
Grant demystifies the black art of Tire Changing and Repair to help you STAY on the road! "Very informative and practical." See the trailer here!
Ladies on the Loose! For the first time ever, a motorcycle travel DVD made for women, by women! These intrepid women share their tips to help you plan your own motorcycle adventure. They also answer the women-only questions, and entertain you with amazing tales from the road! Presented by Lois Pryce, veteran solo traveller through South America and Africa and author of 'Lois on the Loose', and 'Red Tape and White Knuckles.'
Cotton or synth sweat-wicking t-shirts with the cool Horizons Unlimited graphic on the front and a snappy slogan (changing every year) on the back.
Show your route on your panniers. Great conversation starter when you meet people on the road!
Motorcycle and travel books to inspire and inform you!
The definitive guide to planning your motorcycle adventure! This insanely ambitious 2-year project has produced an informative and entertaining 5-part, 18 hour video series. "The ultimate round the world rider's how-to!" MCN UK.
Linear Mode
