Panniers - Hard or Soft?

[NickG]

For my first few trips would it be better to use the more mobile,easier to transport soft panniers or are hard panniers better whatever the trip and distance?
Any thoughts would be appreciated.

[Mick O'Malley]

Nick

If you click on "Bike Stuff" in the left hand margin, you'll find everything you need to know. Chris Smith's "Adventure Motorcycling Handbook" also has an informative section comparing the relative merits of hard and soft luggage.

Mick

[NickG]

Much appreciated.
I'll get the navigation right one of these days!

[thehondas]

hi nick like you me and the wife are planning trips to morroco .we are planning to go in may and also in september we are going on a st1100 which has built on hard lugage .i dont know if you are interested and you getting soft luggage i have got a brand new pair of oxford expanding throw overs in black for £40 which i bought for my blackbird but now have another st1100 and im only near rochdale .

[wallsts]

Nick, Go with hard cases- for the following reasons.



1. when you get hit by a truck, the bags will likely take the damage, not your legs.

2. when you spill your bike, the cases will suffer some but your bike very little.

I was sponsored by Givi this last year and walked away from numerous spills (including a head on with a Peruvian truck- not recommended).

The cases were bombproof, virtually waterproof and very secure despite the shady company that pondered their contents.

I got some links to some website photos to help you see what i'm talkin about. Play it safe! Go with the plastics.

Steve


www.BikersWithoutBorders.org


HONDURAS- http://www.bikerswithoutborders.org/...mall/HO115.jpg


PERU- http://www.bikerswithoutborders.org/...-small/PR1.jpg

[NickG]

Thanks very much for the suggestions.
Thanks for the offer,hondas,but I think I'm going with hard luggage!
This is because of the (hopefully)long term use that they're going to get,but thank you for the offer.

Wallsts,your comments make sense and having seen your pictures I can certainly understand what you mean!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Many thanks to both of you.