Has anyone tried adding rear supports to the OEM Panniers?

[TenereHawk]

I have spent the last week reading everything I can about the different luggage options for the S10. One common theme seems to be that most riders generally like the look of the OEM panniers, but they also share a common concern about their durability. My question is simple. Has anyone tried fabricating a rear cross bar that would attach to the frame and boxes to add additional strength and support to the OEM panniers? It would seem that this would be a logical solution, and one that I have considered myself, but I thought I would check to see if it has been attempted before trying. No sense in reinventing the wheel so to speak.

 

[tomatocity]

I am on my second Tenere and both have the OEM panniers. Broke one of the panniers on the 2012... replaced it. I have decided to use the OEM panniers for road trips and soft luggage for off-road travel/camping. Safety is an issue with hard luggage off-road so the cost of the soft luggage is an investment in good health and riding longevity.

Understand what you are saying but I see no reasonable use for the rear brace.

 

[TenereHawk]

.... Safety is an issue with hard luggage off-road so the cost of the soft luggage is an investment in good health and riding longevity.

I appreciate the feedback. Although this is technically my third Adventure Bike (previously owned a Wee Strom and a KTM 990 Adventure), I never really did any camping or serious off-road riding with either of my first two. Truth is, I am not sure how much I will do with the S10 either, but I certainly want to, so I am planning accordingly. Not to sound like too much of a Newb, but I want to learn as much as I can. Can you please explain the safety concerns of using hard luggage off road? I would have thought just the opposite. It would seem that hard luggage would offer protection in the event I were to drop the bike. Thanks.

 

[Dogdaze]

Here you go....

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=16088.0

 

[Don in Lodi]

Don't think the cross bar would add anything to the durability of the oem boxes. The cross bar prevents any extra wiggle, spreads the load across more hardware in a tip over, it does not keep the box from tearing apart in a rough get-off. In the case of the oem boxes, a cross bar will interfere some what with the easy on-off feature of the boxes.
Let's not have this thread turn into a hard bag vs soft bag debate, he asked a simple question.

 

[markjenn]

I'm don't think additional bracing would solve anything with the OEM panniers. The locks are fragile and the boxes aren't the most rugged, but I don't think bracing would solve either of these issues. If you need more strength from your boxes, go with one of the basic all-aluminum boxes with hardware store attachment and closure systems.

- Mark

 

[TenereHawk]

Thanks for the responses. I had Jesse bags on my Strom, which were very nice. I really like the look of the OEM bags, but the durability issues have scared me off a bit.

 

[markjenn]

I really like the look of the OEM bags, but the durability issues have scared me off a bit.

I actually liked the OEM bags while I owned the bike. You just have to be careful to understand how the locks work, take care not to force the locks, pack light, and not overpack them. Stay within their limitations and they work great. They are very well integrated wthh the bike and look good. They're great light- to medium-duty bags. But if you're the type that likes to do a lot of camping and bring along the kitchen sink - Beverly Hill style - look elsewhere.

- Mark