Panniers!

[Biker Chick]

Hi All

I'm looking for some panniers for my BMW Dakar in preparation for my upcoming RTW!

I have done my research and am thinking of getting the Touratech aluminium ones. I just wanted to enquire to see if anyone knew of any being sold at the moment or if there was a cheaper option but to the same standard in Dubai?

I will probably buy them new from Gecko but just wanted to see if there was a cheaper option that anyone knew of?

Cheers
Biker Chick

[Simon F]

Hi Biker Chick

Did you get any panniers?

I've got a 2001 Dakar and am looking for some as well. I did get some soft Ortleib ones-but not sure that they are big/secure enough or me.
I narrowed down based on cost/comments:

Toureatech
Zarges-with a TT frame
or possibly Altos one-albeit various comments on this site about these-but are V cheap.
Let me know how you got on if you did!

Thanks

Simon

[Biker Chick]

Hi Simon

I got mine in the end and shipped the touratech ones over which Gecko fitted. They were very expensive (4000dhs!) and I couldn't believe that I was paying so much money for an aluminium box!

However, I freely admit that I don't know much about these things and my partner informed me that they are the best around! I couldn't find any second hand ones here and I was told that probably I could have found someone in Sharjah to make them. However,our RTW is for a year and I wanted to get good ones that will last. I hope it's a safe investment!

Good Luck in your search!
Lou

[Simon F]

Thanks-yes looking most likely for me too-in the cheap is expensive kinda logic!
Have a great trip, am sure the Dakar will prove to be a good choice>
If you havnt see before-quite useful link about RTW trip on GS 650s at:

Short Way Round

Safe riding

Simon

[mcgiggle]

Guys, I should be getting mine this week, made locally to me at about 50% of TT price, the guy who has made them also does work for Aston Martin !
Not sure how much it would cost to ship but I can ask if he fancies making some more ?

Cheers
Pete

[Stephano]

Originally Posted by Biker Chick

I got mine in the end and shipped the touratech ones over which Gecko fitted. They were very expensive (4000dhs!).

I was told that probably I could have found someone in Sharjah to make them.

Lou
I don't know if you ordered from Germany or Wales but did you make sure they removed the VAT (MwSt. on the German site)? They should not charge it if they ship outside the EU.

I'm not sure about saving much money having things done in Sharjah industrial area. If you have a cheap copy with poor workmanship that's one thing but for good quality work prices are not that low. A quite small billet spacer with specific measurements to move my exhaust a couple of centimeters out from the bike cost me Dh500 and I have quite good contacts in the industrial area.

Have a great trip.
Stephan

[Simon F]

Originally Posted by mcgiggle

Guys, I should be getting mine this week, made locally to me at about 50% of TT price, the guy who has made them also does work for Aston Martin !
Not sure how much it would cost to ship but I can ask if he fancies making some more ?

Cheers
Pete

Pete
Sounds interesting-if you can send/post some pics when bolted on
Thanks
Simon

[Dingo]

Hi, this quesstion has been asked countless times on here I think just choose something and go with your decision. I used TT ones but don't really like them at all but its entirely up to you isnt it?
good luck

[quastdog]

Good choice BikerChick.

Mine have lasted 3 years, although
1) you should get the reinforcement piece that goes on the inside. 3rd world roads, and too much weight in the bags, tends to cause stress fractures around the holes the drilled in for the mounting "pucks". And also, the seam.

2) add some additional pop-rivets to the bottom.

Otherwise, they are great. They will distort on crashing, but you can straighten them easy enough. Other cases that are stronger (i.e. Pelican) distort and can't be bent back into shape (ask TedMagnum about that!).

Soft panniers won't last a year on bad roads - the weight, the constant pounding causes stitching to break, the things fall apart, you'll be constantly looking for someone to sew them back up towards the end of your trip.

[Radar_UK]

Originally Posted by Simon F

Pete
Sounds interesting-if you can send/post some pics when bolted on
Thanks
Simon

Likewise - would like to see some pics once you get them

[mcgiggle]

As soon as I get them i'll post up some pics.

Pete

[steved1969]

Are these the ARD Cases built by a guy called Roger? I know he does a load of them for various BMW owners over on UKGSer.com and charges about £325 for a pair, they certainly look decent.

ARDcase - ::. UKGSer.com .::

[mcgiggle]

No there not but pretty much the same, they would be about the same price as well, can't really see any point posting pics etc, it seems ARD have it sorted.
I didn't know boxes were around at that sort of price and thought I might be able to save someone some money One thing that might be of help is that he will make any size, shape ( within reason) shelves, hidey compartments etc

Cheers
Pete

[Dingo]

Have you ever tried Andy Strapz bags? soft luggage and great!!! craps all over the TT Alu boxes!

[Stephano]

Simon
How about these? New on eBay this morning with a reasonable buy-it-now price.

Touratech BMW F650GS Aluminium Zega Panniers F650 GS on eBay, also Luggage Covers, Accessories, Motorcycle Parts Accessories, Cars, Parts Vehicles (end time 26-Apr-09 21:33:23 BST)

Stephan
(no connection with seller)