Howdy funklab,
I've got an XR650L as well, am three months away from leaving for Australia and hopefully South America after that.

I've decided to use soft luggage, after a fair bit of deliberation I might add. Basically I see the argument like this, alloy panniers are great for touring because you can lock them, they're bigger and basically indestructible. But being bigger and indestructible are bad things if you're planning to do alot of off-road work and that's why you've got an XR650, right?

The main danger with alloy panniers is getting your leg caught between them and the ground and SNAP, end of your trip. Also they transfer alot more load onto your subframe. Fine if you've got a Beemer but different on the XRL frame, even with reinforcement. Also, they stick out the sides alot.

Soft luggage will move enough under impact to prevent leg breakages, and it's easier to take off and carry if you have to get across an extremly knarly section. But there isn't much security. Well, none really. As long as you can accept this, I'd go with soft luggage, especially if you want to get the most out of your machine.

I've personally half solved the security problem by carrying my gear in roll-top bags inside my saddlebags. That means when I stay the night somewhere I can uplift all the gear from my saddlebags and carry it inside. I also carry a Pac-safe that I can put over my soft gear while on the road.

Now, as far as soft luggage goes, forget just strapping a duffel bag to the top of your bike. Been there, done that. For starters you can't carry much gear and secondly it's real bad for stability to have all your mass up high. Get a set of soft saddlebags and use a duffel bag on the top for your light, bulky stuff.

I made my own racks, and got saddlebags made to suit but if that's not your cup of tea then the following is the best off-the-shelf options I've found:

Dirt-bagz have a decent soft pannier system. I don't like the zips on the side, but they'd do the job. They even have an XR650L as their demonstration model on their website!
http://moto-sportpanniers.com/dirtbagz/index.html

For slightly more capacity and durability, I'd recommend getting a happy-trails side and top rack and fitting a set of Andy Strapz expedition pannierz. This is the setup that one of my mates is using for our Australian trip.
http://www.happy-trail.com/productin...12&startpage=1
http://www.andystrapz.com/expedition_panniers.htm

For what some other people have done, check out these threads on Advrider:
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=114834
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=71857

And that's about what I know on the subject, hopefully that's given you something to think on. If you want to check out what I've done, my website is www.yonder.orcon.net.nz/aussie2006.htm The bike setup shown isn't actually what I went with and I haven't posted my new saddlebags either but that should change soon. Feel free to email me if you want more info.

Cheers,
Matt

[This message has been edited by mattmbishop (edited 31 March 2006).]

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