Recommendations for panniers/mounting systems

Gareengodiablo

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Greetings,
I am looking for panniers for my brand spanking new 2012 Super Tenere. I have read and seen negative things about the yamaha factory cases and am looking at alternatives. I have been doing some research and came up with some ideas, but I wanted to get your opinions.

I have read the debate about hard vs. soft with respect to varied leg fractures and dont want to get into that--I need something where I can lock some stuff and keep it dry.

I have narrowed the list to the following:

Tra-- Evo Alu-Box
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/708/
Happy-Trail-- Denali
http://www.happy-trail.com/Yamaha-XT...li-Tenere.aspx
Caribou—Pelican based luggage
http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=...=i&item=000360
Jesse Luggage-- Odyssey II
http://www.jesseluggage.com/yamaha.html
Touratech-- ZEGA PRO Pannier System
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/P...Z-Super-Tenere
SW-MOTECH Quick-Lock Sidecarrier
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade...ctview/4858/92

For people who are riding rough roads/gravel, I would be particularly interested in any panniers AND mounting systems you recommend. I have read some reviews from some RTW types that talk about the mounting frames cracking and otherwise being rendered unusable. Some mounting systems allege to be field repairable where they have breakaway components.

I am also curious about the aluminum cases and how those sharp corners fare when they are being ground down into gravel--some have replaceable corner guards that seem to be a good idea--how are people repairing any holes put in the aluminum? Is anyone putting removable aftermarket corner guards on aluminum panniers not initially designed with that?

All in my list are aluminum, with the exception of the Caribou pelican mounting system. I'm no so keen on the sideways opening style of the Pelican vs. the top-down of the others, but am wondering if they may withstand a little more abuse than the aluminum.


Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance

RC
 

stevepsd

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I researched for many months before choosing the Jesse Odyssey II's.

All bags are compromises. I wanted bags that were stout, as narrow as possible but have alot of room in them, be easy to put on and take-off, have mounts that are strong and unobtrusive when the bags are removed, be waterproof and lightweight and not cost a fortune.

Due to their design. flanged openings, multi angles, etc they are hell for stout. Look on Adv rider for plenty of crash pics and see how well the Jesse's hold up. The bags, such as Trax, etc that really do not have a heavy, flanged opening are more susceptible to bending.

The Jesse mounts, while not super attractive (they could loose the silly '1200' cut into the support and it would be better), are simple, tucked in and stout. They ar emade of steel and are easily repairable if they get bent. They are not easily removable as the SW-Motech units, but they are stronger. Plus the Jesse mount design allows you to move the bags forward/backward around 5", so you can adjust them depending on the load your are carrying, with/without passenger and the type of riding you are doing (you want the bags much further rearward if riding off-road so if you have to stab your foot down you will not hit or break you leg if it contacts a hard-point like saddlebags).

I am extremely happy with mine.
 

MikeBear

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I hear so much how crappy OEM cases are, but good luck finding mounting brackets for them. I decided , that OEM cases are most attractive and have smallest profile to them. Very little hardware left when cases are off the bike. I'm not planing on a lot of offroad use so OEMs are good for me. I was also looking at jesse 9" safari 2 cases, but they are pricey.
 

zdmj02

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I've got the Givi Trekkers, both side cases and top case and have been very happy. I make weekly trips to the grocery store and load the side cases up pretty good. I try to leave the top case empty or full of something light. They all remove very easily, which is good. Don't think I want to try offload with the top case. I have made some short trips (40 to 70 miles) off road with the side cases only and been satisfied with them. There may be better options, I really can't say because this is all I have tried on the S10.
 

Spider

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Ditto on the Jesses. I have the Safaris, but the only difference from the Odyssey IIs is cosmetic, I think. Super well made, sturdy, excellent in every way.

Good luck!
 

stevepsd

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Spider said:
Ditto on the Jesses. I have the Safaris, but the only difference from the Odyssey IIs is cosmetic, I think. Super well made, sturdy, excellent in every way.

Good luck!
Cosmetic differences really, rounded corners on the Safari's. The Safari's do have a sloped opening as well. Both store a huge amount of stuff in the lids.
 

lewisclarke

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I just purchased and installed the Jesse Odyssey II's. Have not ridden with them yet, but couple of my BMW friends swear by them.

They seem pretty nice sitting in the garage. ;)
 

rem

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Gareengodiablo said:
Greetings,
I am looking for panniers
RC

Greetings yourself, Gareengodiablo from Alaska. Looks like you got some good responses. I have Micatechs and like them a lot.


Please post under Member Intros so the rest of the folks can find you and welcome you. OH, and Welcome On. ::004:: R ::022::
 

Z06

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I use Pelican cases with modified Jesse mounts. Very durable, 65 liters each side and inexpensive.
 

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Rasher

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Happy with my Trax:-

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=4943.msg88006#msg88006

Not planning on going around the world, or regularly (ever) crashing with them on so did not consider how they will fare in such a situation (I am sure I will break before the bike / luggage anyway)

Compared to luggage I have had on sportsbikes (Givi V35's) and my old GS (BMW Vario's) they are bigger and sturdier, look good, load easily and go on / off nicely.
 

imrubicon

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I wasnt sure about the panniers when I started looking ,
Holy :'( the price was more than a little out there for panniers and the rack systems.
I started a topic on the narrowest racks and the Givi won by over a inch .
So I did a mismatch of the Givi quick release side racks and will add them to the bike this weekend.
I bought the Pak-Meister Expedition on Ebay as when I asked about the prettier ones or these he said these are much stronger by far. I was going to by the other ones at over $500 to my door , instead he was honest (or I think so ) and sold me the less costly ones for $350
Im very happy with them as stout and I have already stood on them and Im not a smallish man
Mounting will be a little harder as I have to drill the holes but then I can also put them where I want them.
Im thinking Im going to be close to the 39 inch mark with 36L bags as the Givi racks are close to 19.5 and 18 for panniers.
I will post on how they work together but Im sure if I can get enough answers to my topic where to mount them
High low or front to rear Im thinking I wont really be off roading through the tundra too often so low and close to center may be the best for 96 , 5 riding
 

illustratedman

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Touratechs are great very easy mounting and secure. The frames for the s10 are stainless steel though which is not easy to weld in the back of beyond if you do break em. I had them on my gs and they were very good waterproof and strong. Dropped the bike at slow speed with them and they saved the bike from serious damage. The older square shape zega boxes would be easy to rivet if you did break them the new rounded shape not so easy i would suspect. If you are using them for primarily road work they are superb but pricey. I'm saving to get a set. ::008:: The appear to be about $300 cheaper in the states than the uk as well. The other thing with them is you can buy the racks and mounts separately so you could mount whatever cases you want on them.
 

Checkswrecks

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Gareengodiablo said:
Greetings,
I am looking for panniers for my brand spanking new 2012 Super Tenere. I have read and seen negative things about the yamaha factory cases and am looking at alternatives. I have been doing some research and came up with some ideas, but I wanted to get your opinions.

I have read the debate about hard vs. soft with respect to varied leg fractures and dont want to get into that--I need something where I can lock some stuff and keep it dry.

I have narrowed the list to the following:

Tra-- Evo Alu-Box
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/708/
Happy-Trail-- Denali
http://www.happy-trail.com/Yamaha-XT...li-Tenere.aspx
Caribou—Pelican based luggage
http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=...=i&item=000360
Jesse Luggage-- Odyssey II
http://www.jesseluggage.com/yamaha.html
Touratech-- ZEGA PRO Pannier System
http://www.touratech-usa.com/Store/P...Z-Super-Tenere
SW-MOTECH Quick-Lock Sidecarrier
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade...ctview/4858/92

For people who are riding rough roads/gravel, I would be particularly interested in any panniers AND mounting systems you recommend. I have read some reviews from some RTW types that talk about the mounting frames cracking and otherwise being rendered unusable. Some mounting systems allege to be field repairable where they have breakaway components.

I am also curious about the aluminum cases and how those sharp corners fare when they are being ground down into gravel--some have replaceable corner guards that seem to be a good idea--how are people repairing any holes put in the aluminum? Is anyone putting removable aftermarket corner guards on aluminum panniers not initially designed with that?

All in my list are aluminum, with the exception of the Caribou pelican mounting system. I'm no so keen on the sideways opening style of the Pelican vs. the top-down of the others, but am wondering if they may withstand a little more abuse than the aluminum.


Your thoughts?

Thanks in advance

RC

Add Muffintops. The price is hard to beat for the size and how stout they are. Price and details are here: http://muffintopindustries.com/


These are brick shithouse tough, welded by a small outfit in South Dakota. I have mine mounted on the SW-Motech racks and they've been down lots of gravel and washboard dirt.


 

MEROST

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Weight of Jesse Bags

I'm leaning towards the Jesse bags. I was just wondering if they are noticeably heavier than other luggage sets given the fact they are constructed of steel.
 

Don in Lodi

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Re: Weight of Jesse Bags

MEROST said:
I'm leaning towards the Jesse bags. I was just wondering if they are noticeably heavier than other luggage sets given the fact they are constructed of steel.
Jesse's are not magnetic. I'm pretty sure they're aluminum. The racks are steel, making them re-weldable should a worst case scenario occur.
 

talonboy

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Springtown Texas
Like most every new ST owner, I am looking at bags. There are many choices, but I have yet to find the answer to this question, which hard bags will hold a medium full face helmet? I like the idea of locking up my expensive helmet when stopping around town. I know many of the trunks will hold a helmet, but I like the idea of just using bags for everyday use.
 

ThatsLife

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I think I have seen a full face in a Micatech side case? I have Jesse so not 100% but I'm sure a Micatech owner could confirm this.
 

Don in Lodi

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Almost any side bag that is eleven inches wide will do it. Mica, Jesse, Carabou, etc. Honey, do these bags make my ass look phat? That's why folks go with a trunk usually. Adding more than 22" (bags and hardware) of over-all width for every day riding is tough.
 
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