BMW OE Panniers.
 

Hi,
I have a R1200GS Adv, with the original aluminium panniers; however, I think TT make them!
Now, as I have them and they are paid for, I am keen to use them.
So, has anyone out there got any long term experience of them compared to say the TT pro panniers? I have only used them on smooth roads and short runs, so do not really know how they will cope with a long trip.

Welcome to the Hubb Ulsterman.
I use the old Touratech Ally cases which seem to take all kinds of abuse. I have seen the BMW Vario ones up close and they do seem to be more delicate in all respects and I have heard of issues with the lid retaining wire breaking off. Like anything, there will be differing opinions on quality and durabilty as shown in this discussion over at UKGSER. But your panniers are better than no panniers so I wouldn't worry yourself - just don't overload them and enjoy your trip. If someting breaks remeber duct tape and zipties will fix anything...almost :thumbup1:

Thanks for replying.
My lid retaining wire just falls off it's hook, so never stays on long enough to break! I must bodge it sometime.
As I have these boxes, I will use them, and fix things that break along the way.
My plan is to take as little as possible; if I debate over taking something, I will leave it behind.
It's amazing just how little one really needs.

So do you need to cart those big boxes about everywhere?
Heavy, wide and cumbersome - but ideal for displaying stickers down at the pub!

I did once (see link below) - they were a heavy, inconvenient liability that came very close to costing me my life several times!

Soft 'throwover' bags and tank bag for me from now on if venturing far, supplemented with a roll bag when necessary.

Their aparent lack of security can be overcome.

Quite.
My plan is to be as far away ffrom "the pub" as possible.
I think I will do a "Ted Simon" and just let them gradually leave the bike over the trip.
I do not want to sound over cautious, but I will be doing the trip on my own, so feel happier keeping my worldly possessions out of sight in boxes, even when walking about towns for a few hours.
Probably as the trip progresses, I will either get more of a feel for my level of security or more careless.
Or maybe there will just be less left to steal!
Anyways, thanks for the advice.

Hi Ulster,

I did the Pan-American with a few diversions back in 2007 with a standard 1200GS equiped with the Adventure Panniers, you are correct they are made by Touratech.

If you are using them for your RTW you will have no problems. I can testify that they are very durable, and the good thing about the aluminium is with a hammer you can put them back into shape. I squashed them a few times and still use them today. The way they attach to the bike is very cleaver with the slide on and lock mechanism, this was much better than the way the Touratech Zega system worked at the time.

The one draw back of them is once you drop the bike on them a few times you will not get the seals to line up perfectly again.. hence they will not always be waterproof. hence i recommend you bring waterproof inner bags..and maybe drill a drainage hole in the bottem of the pannier (that is after you smash them up a bit). bier

Best of luck with the trip.