Home made panniers, what are some ideas

[autoteach]

Hey all,
I am looking at making some panniers this winter and I am interested in your input on the design. I have the factory cases right now, but I know that they don't have the capacity that I will need in the case of a major journey (month long). Lets think of this as a "if I could order exactly what I want in a pannier" dialog. And lets keep it short! bullet points for some of you. next thing you know (names left out) will have a 5 page white paper on pannier design and development. Thanks in advance.


All final designs will be creative commons.

 

[Ramseybella]

Depends on where are you planning on going for a month?

I try to think of it as what would I pack in a backpack for a month long trip if I hiked it in, sort of fits in with Motorcycle touring as well don't you think?
I was a bit more conservative and space creative when I had smaller Panniers and weather proof duffel bag.
When I got larger Panniers I was spoiled to the point I took to much stuff and not bring what was going to work for the trip.

Just saying!! :

I have a pair of these sitting in my shed and want to get a frame to mount them to and use my OB duffel.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/231023350232?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1438.l2649

 

[snakebitten]

I'm probably the wrong guy for a "wishlist" on panniers.

There are several reasons.
First and foremost is it is one of the few items that do not HAVE to look great.
I don't mean that it's ok to be ugly, but they don't need to flow with the lines, if you know what I mean.

And here is why: I'm not gonna leave them on the bike. They certainly ain't riding around with them not loaded. Just like I wouldn't leave an empty trailer hooked to my truck when I'm not using it. Make sense?

So, you will usually only see them on the bike when I'm "heading out". In fact, when they are attached, I'm likely to have a big Tail-bag, sleeping bags, and other such cargo. At that point, the bike has a completely different "look" and the panniers are only part of it.

So, with ALL that preface, if I were going to actually fabricate my own panniers, to tell you the truth, they would end up being very similar to what I have.

Happy trails. The closest thing to home-made aluminum boxes there are. Built rugged, functional, and a real bargain to boot! And you don't have a heart attack if you did fall on them.

And finally, all panniers require a rack to hang them on. That rack is as much, or more important, in my mind. And again, Happy Trails makes a basic, no nonsense rugged rack. Not the sleekest looking thing. But I haven't seen a rack that enhances the look of a bike. Necessary evil.

You asked.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

 

[tomatocity]

Before you get too far into a pannier build... how much do you want to spend?

Mounting brackets can be expensive to buy or build and can weigh too much. The mounting latches on the OEM side cases are light and compact. I just replaced a damaged OEM side case and find them expensive for what you get and as you mentioned do not have a large volume.

If I have to replace the OEM side cases I will spend the $1500 and get the Jesse bags. I like the 9" (33" wide) Safari II bags rigged for tying bags on top of them.

Here are my considerations...
... cost
... weight
... width... I split lanes in traffic so this matters
... volume... how much do the bags really hold... Jesse bags have storage in the easy access lid
... strength... will they withstand a crash / tipover with what damage
... easy on and off
... easy to carry... into the motel or your house
... looks... yes it matters if you pay a lot of money

Like the idea of riders building their own accessories but... so what can you do without and how much do you want to spend?

 

[twinrider]

These hold more than Jessie cases... ::024::

 

[Ramseybella]

These hold more than Jessie cases... ::024::

"Now Thats watcha call Red Neck".

 

[autoteach]

I'm probably the wrong guy for a "wishlist" on panniers.

There are several reasons.
First and foremost is it is one of the few items that do not HAVE to look great.
I don't mean that it's ok to be ugly, but they don't need to flow with the lines, if you know what I mean.

And here is why: I'm not gonna leave them on the bike. They certainly ain't riding around with them not loaded. Just like I wouldn't leave an empty trailer hooked to my truck when I'm not using it. Make sense?

So, you will usually only see them on the bike when I'm "heading out". In fact, when they are attached, I'm likely to have a big Tail-bag, sleeping bags, and other such cargo. At that point, the bike has a completely different "look" and the panniers are only part of it.

So, with ALL that preface, if I were going to actually fabricate my own panniers, to tell you the truth, they would end up being very similar to what I have.

Happy trails. The closest thing to home-made aluminum boxes there are. Built rugged, functional, and a real bargain to boot! And you don't have a heart attack if you did fall on them.

And finally, all panniers require a rack to hang them on. That rack is as much, or more important, in my mind. And again, Happy Trails makes a basic, no nonsense rugged rack. Not the sleekest looking thing. But I haven't seen a rack that enhances the look of a bike. Necessary evil.

You asked.


Sent from my iPad using Tapatalk HD

So, there are no features that you would add to your happy trails? good just as they are? there is nothing bolted to them ?

 

[autoteach]

Before you get too far into a pannier build... how much do you want to spend?

Mounting brackets can be expensive to buy or build and can weigh too much. The mounting latches on the OEM side cases are light and compact. I just replaced a damaged OEM side case and find them expensive for what you get and as you mentioned do not have a large volume.

If I have to replace the OEM side cases I will spend the $1500 and get the Jesse bags. I like the 9" (33" wide) Safari II bags rigged for tying bags on top of them.

Here are my considerations...
... cost
... weight
... width... I split lanes in traffic so this matters
... volume... how much do the bags really hold... Jesse bags have storage in the easy access lid
... strength... will they withstand a crash / tipover with what damage
... easy on and off
... easy to carry... into the motel or your house
... looks... yes it matters if you pay a lot of money

Like the idea of riders building their own accessories but... so what can you do without and how much do you want to spend?

How much volume? I am not paying "a lot", I am making some. What should they look like?


For everyone: The only bags made specifically for the xt1200z are the yamaha's, imagine that you could change something about your current non yamaha bags. What would that change be? Now also imagine that you can add features that no one makes available... would that be a built in reserve tank or just a tank mount? Tool storage that doesn't require digging all your items out... i.e. it is accessible via another route. Think of this as a blank engineering sheet where we get to consider all ideas.

 

[Ramseybella]

I had one of these mounted to the front of my large Trax Pannier, came in handy so many times like when my friend forgets to turn the reserve off after he filled his tank.
Started charging him double for the can of gas that fixed his forgetfulness. ::025::

http://www.amazon.com/Kolpin-Fuel-Pack-Junior-Mount/dp/B003UZ05CA/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1376497259&sr=8-2&keywords=atv+fuel+pack

 

[Ironhand]

If I was building a set, I would look at the Touratech Zega Pros.
-aluminum
-top loading
-waterproof
-look like they belong on the bike (IMO)

 

[Bigbore4]

Pretty content with my Twisted Throttle mounted Pelican Storms. Water tight, durable etc. Deeper would be nice, but then the bike gets wider.

If I was going to fab anything, it would be a clean mounting system to mount whatever bags to the OE mounts. When you remove the OE bags, there is not much left on the bike. Then whatever you had, fabbed, any “off the shelf” cases, or whatever, easy on and off. Clean when off.

If you end up fabbing up something, the right side case should have a separate built in compartment accessible from the rear for tool kit, pump, all the stuff you need for a roadside repair. More than you can get in a tool tube, low in the side case.

 

[snakebitten]

So, there are no features that you would add to your happy trails? good just as they are? there is nothing bolted to them ?

They came with key locks on top. 4 of those "tie-to" thingys on each lid. And simple lid latches on each end. With the lid open, you can see a well functioning rubber seal. These panniers are dry. And they mount with 2 robust knobbed screws from inside.

Minor complaint could be made for the space the knobs take up on the inside of the pannier. But you could sort that by using bolts instead. But would require a wrench and more time to put on\off.

The racks are symmetrical, therefore there is extra space on the non-exhaust side.
Happy trails sells a "shelf" that can be mounted in that space to store something. Like a toolbox?

I mounted a tooltube instead. Seen here.

This is how the bike looks most of the time. (Panniers not needed)

I've grown fond of the bare-rack look after a while. I consider the look to resemble an F350 with Ranch Hand Bumpers, grills, and headache racks.

 

[autoteach]

ok, so a different way to mount that doesn't involve hand screws on the inside..

 

[snakebitten]

ok, so a different way to mount that doesn't involve hand screws on the inside..

Yep, could be improved, I agree.
But for me, nothing too cute or clever. Instead, stay with the Happy Trail "no nonsense" theme. Basic, straightforward, and functionally reliable. I find that appealing on the Tenere.

 

[Karson]

Yep, could be improved, I agree.
But for me, nothing too cute or clever. Instead, stay with the Happy Trail "no nonsense" theme. Basic, straightforward, and functionally reliable. I find that appealing on the Tenere.

thanks for the pics hombre. i've got the givi trekkers top & side cases, but I'm one legit spill loaded down from those grenading being plastic and all. will keep the Happy Trails in mind along with the rack. I like the price considering they're not plastic

 

[twinrider]

Fwiw I have read a few stories of HTs breaking in crashes that Jesses withstood but no pannier is perfect.

The old school Givis are pretty damn tough (E45s, E36s, etc).

I'm running top loading Givi E21s on a daily basis and swapping to B36N cases on long tours. Haven't dumped the bike yet so can't report on the toughness...

 

[snakebitten]

I don't doubt the Jessie can withstand a bigger hit than a Happy Trail.
You can see that with your own eyes.

Similar to the Altrider Crash Bar compared to the Givi's.

But in both examples, you can easily afford the replacement.
And if you are incredibly jinxed and trash one again!?
You can afford yet another replacement.

 

[Freewheeling]

For what its worth if you got something in the shop you don't need make it work.

 

[Wolf]

I have been looking at the Happy Trail Denali and Cascade myself. Deep for low center of gravity and narrow design of the pannier itself. However that seems to be negated by an unnecessary wide mounting rack. Would love to hear some comments from owners of those racks and panniers. Would also be useful information for the person that started this thread.

 

[twinrider]

I have been looking at the Happy Trail Denali and Cascade myself. Deep for low center of gravity and narrow design of the pannier itself. However that seems to be negated by an unnecessary wide mounting rack. Would love to hear some comments from owners of those racks and panniers. Would also be useful information for the person that started this thread.

I thought the same thing myself, and I need to lane-split. If I went for metal panniers my first choice would be Holans.