Original VStrom Panniers?

[jed1]

Hi everyone,

Firstly, Im sorry to bring up a subject that has probably been beaten to death already, but I cant quite find an answer to this question.
Basically, Im planning a 6 month Europe/Balkans/Rissian trip next year and I plan on purchasing an earlier model VStrom 650 from the UK (I cant afford and later model) for the trip. I see on the UK auto-trader websites that there a quite a few VStroms that are fitted with the original factory panniers. Im just wondering what those panniers are like? Good/poor quailty and durability? Would I be better of finding a bike with after-market panniers fitted?

Many thanks for your advice. Jed.

[g6snl]

Personaly i think they are great for a trip to the local coffee shop. Anything more........ NO. I have them and they are in the loft.
Not a good shape, one fell off on a pothole, they dont stand up when on the ground, even empty!

sent with tapatalk.

[jed1]

g6snl, many thanks for the prompt reply, I really appreaciate it.
I guess Ill keep my eye out for a bike already fitted with some decent after-market panniers.

[Two wheels good]

I have a set - Kappa brand re-badged Suzuki. They fit to a standard Givi monokey rack. Fitting to a such a common rack is an advantage if it was necessary to find a replacement pannier.

I wouldn't have any hesitation to use them on a European road trip. They seem sturdy enough. Further east and on un-sealed roads maybe not. Maybe fibreglass repair materials be available?
They are quite wide when on the bike.

[Ali in Austria]

The original VStrom luggage was rubbish. As g6snl said they are an odd shape and mine would open on the move of their own accord. The Top Box also mounted to far forward making it cramped for a pillion and impossible to remove the seat with the Box in place. Many owners had the rack extended to move the box back.

The Suzuki branded Kappa luggage is much better. Personally I ditched it and use a 52Litre Givi Box with Trax metal panniers. Ugly and wide but far more practical.