Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Danielle Murdoch, riding to Uganda - Kenya border

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Danielle Murdoch,
riding to Uganda - Kenya border



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 Jan 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
What Panniers

I have a BMW 1200 GS Adventure, I have a BMW top box, I am not sure about buying panniers. BMW want £720 for a complete pair inc rack. has anyone fitted the latest Givi luggage to the above bike (silver) if so, do you like them. It would be great if was possible to see a pic.

Tourman
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Feb 2009
klaus's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Ehime-ken, Japan
Posts: 273
Panniers ...

Hi there!

Lots of questions were asked concerning this topic - lots of answers were given.

My personal experience: I am using the Hepco&Becker junior panniers - more than satisfied, even though next time I would go for "top-loaders"! Mine are 100% water-tight, I can fit all the stuff I need in there and the price was good, too, especially since I am living in Japan and something equivalent would have cost me 2 to 3 times as much.

So I ordered my stuff here: MML-Motorradzubehör Gepäcksysteme. Including the airmail fee it still came much cheaper. So, why don't you check out their web-site and see?!?! Again, I am NOT connected to this company, DON'T get any paybacks or other privileges - just trying to help. Still you might want to mention my name when or if you get with them, maybe you can come up with a (minor) discount!?!?!

Safe riding!!!
__________________
Klaus D. Orth
A German in Japan
1992 Honda TA
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Stourbridge England
Posts: 27
Try ::::.ProjectVND.com.:::: absolute work of art huge capacity but small footprint so to speak.

Give Vern a call and you wont look back.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Feb 2009
strikingviking's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Posts: 115
Although Al Jesse is one of my corporate sponsors, I still would recommend Jesse Bags anyway because I believe that they are better than anything else on the market. Several companies have offered me free panniers, including BMW, but because of their solid construction, durability and physical strength, Jesse's are the best. Even after numerous low-speed crashes around the world when those rectangular aluminum boxes became trapezoids, several times, creative body-men pounded mine back into shape.

The top lid folds open to not only provide space for items needed quickly like gloves and cold weather gear--but also serve as useful shelves when organizing contents.

This is now a reliable international network.
__________________
EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
Panniers

Thanks for all the information, not sure what to do, but this info will help.

Tourman
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Vern

Another vote for Vern panniers. Apparently not many people know about those panniers.

I see you're from Scotland - if possible go and visit Vern's workshop personally in UK and see the level of his workmaniship. Tell him about your personal requirements in detail and see what he has to offer whether from the stock or create from the scratch.

Couple of pics of Verns on my 1100:







No welds on the frames - less prone to break down:





Exhaust cut-out making them very narrow per their size - i.e. mine are over 45 liters each (I reckon one is close to 50 liters) and they are 98cm wide - less than a meter.



We've ridden over 26 000km now on our RTW expedition currently in South-America, lot of abuse, vibratons, potholes, corrugations, loads of low speed falls, even couple of high-speed crashes and they're up for the job - simply bomb proof!





From my experiences with them I can highly recommend them.

Ride safe, Margus
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Thumbs up Go soft.....

Mine's a vote for Andy Strapz panniers.

They will absorb more punishment then hard bags, AND don't pass the shock load to the frame of the bike (and your leg.....) if you have an accident.
Waterproof, very light.

Regards

Nigel in NZ
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Soft bags

Soft bags definitely have their good side (i.e. I'd use them on a full-offroad oriented bikes)

But couple of things I must point out:

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
AND don't pass the shock load to the frame of the bike (and your leg.....) if you have an accident.

(pic courtesy of Caja Sahel web)

Having done through this 100kph crash, with bike doing saltos and over 400kg bike rolling over me and my girlfriend, I can say with 99% certainty that with soft-, or plastic- or quick-releasable alu bags our leg bones would have been into 10 pieces! Plastic bags would had been simply "waporized" into thousand pieces, quick-relase alu panniers just ripped off and soft bags soft enough to expose our legs to the 100kph approaching ground from the side. It was the sturdy alu bags and boxer cylinders that kept us away from the worst. Right aluminium boxes are very good if not excellent crash shock absorbers from my experiences - the frame of the bike was perfect, only the front forks ripped off and rear toolbox compartment bent which was amazing after such a crash.

Since then I'm only using non-quick release aluminiums with sturdy fixture.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
Waterproof,
Unfortunately not for long even if you've done a smaller crash into some sharper rocks.

I'd say depends what do you do, how you travel. I'd use soft bags myself if riding solo with some small-light 250-450cc enduro bike, it's relatively pointless to put heavyer alu bags on those small bikes IMHO. But for big loads, huge distances, long term abuse - it's aluminiums for me.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 5 Feb 2009
strikingviking's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Mazatlan, Mexico
Posts: 115
Quote:
Originally Posted by Nigel Marx View Post
Mine's a vote for Andy Strapz panniers.

They will absorb more punishment then hard bags, AND don't pass the shock load to the frame of the bike (and your leg.....) if you have an accident.
Waterproof, very light.

Regards

Nigel in NZ

That's a significant decision amigo, soft bags or aluminum cases. The latter being more appropriate for mainly asphalt with occasional security needs and the former, more able to withstand the predictable tumbles while off-road. But aluminum cases do function as crash bars also.

Gobi Desert






Jordan



Forgot the name of this place




Borneo



Jesse luggage can be pounded back into shape many times.



Being waterproof is helpful




And everyone loves what's original!

__________________
EARTH RIDE!
Understanding the world through adventure travel.
www.strikingviking.net

Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Nigel Marx's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: South Island, New Zealand
Posts: 798
Al Jesse's boxes

Yes, I owned a bike with Jesse boxes on it for nearly 7 years, and they are really very good, my first choice for sure if I was going to use hard panniers. But I think RTW quality (I hate that really, it should be Around The World), soft bags are often over-looked. I know plenty of people who have changed to soft bags, including Ted Simon on his last trip. As to a sharp rock puncturing Andy Strapz bags, then I suggest the gentleman probably hasn't had a good look at Andy's bags. YMMV, no corporate links, etc..


Nigel in NZ

Quote:
Originally Posted by strikingviking View Post
Although Al Jesse is one of my corporate sponsors, I still would recommend Jesse Bags anyway because I believe that they are better than anything else on the market. Several companies have offered me free panniers, including BMW, but because of their solid construction, durability and physical strength, Jesse's are the best. Even after numerous low-speed crashes around the world when those rectangular aluminum boxes became trapezoids, several times, creative body-men pounded mine back into shape.

The top lid folds open to not only provide space for items needed quickly like gloves and cold weather gear--but also serve as useful shelves when organizing contents.

This is now a reliable international network.
__________________
The mouth of a perfectly contented man is filled with . -- 2200 BC Egyptian inscription

Last edited by Nigel Marx; 5 Feb 2009 at 08:31. Reason: spelling
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Feb 2009
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
Thumbs up

Quote:
Originally Posted by tsbnoise View Post
Try ::::.ProjectVND.com.:::: absolute work of art huge capacity but small footprint so to speak.

Give Vern a call and you wont look back.

Seconded. We had these for our trip on our R1150GS. Spacious, well thought-through and so sturdy.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 16 Feb 2009
kebabtomten's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: sweden
Posts: 79
good stuff
__________________
www.uk2sydney.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 19 Feb 2009
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2008
Location: Scotland
Posts: 50
Panniers

Thanks again for all the help & Pics, great site - made great by the people who help each other.

Tourman
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
metal panniers v/s soft panniers zaplaje Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 40 18 Jun 2011 15:11
alu Panniers reinier and anne Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 1 12 Oct 2007 10:37
Panniers trand TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 1 24 Jun 2007 19:04
Givi panniers v aluminium panniers simonandmags Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 13 Mar 2004 01:09

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
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.

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.

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!



Five books by Graham Field!

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.

Susan and Grant Johnson 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.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 03:49.