Soft Pannier Racks that mount to OEM pannier racks.

[Happy Snapper]

Well. I love the OEM panniers.. but recently I went down on some wet clay in outback Australia and smashed the right hand pannier to pieces. So I decided for really rough outback rides.. soft pannier bags would be good. Then.. I came up with the idea of fabricating soft pannier racks that will mount onto the OEM pannier racks. Save unbolting them and changing them over. The idea is that they would fit over the top OEM rail and then have an extension down to the OEM mounting foot on the pillion peg. Before I start cutting, folding etc.. has anybody thought or tried this idea?

 

[tomatocity]

I have not but that is a good idea. Looking to see the end result.

Almost three years ago I did the same as you. Kept the crashed side case just in case someone needed a part or two. Was getting ready to toss it out when I discovered a local rider needed a plastic piece from a deer attack. We had a good time taking one apart and saved as many pieces as possible. Then took his apart to replace the plastic part. I kept the outside aluminum skin for wall art.

*** Keep as many pieces as you can. This might save you or another rider money in the future.***

 

[Happy Snapper]

Mate I was a long way out in the sticks.. case got binned as I had to buy a duffle bag to ride over 1000 kilometres home etc.

The top lock mount part just shattered into a zillion pieces on impact with the ground.

 

[tomatocity]

Mate I was a long way out in the sticks.. case got binned as I had to buy a duffle bag to ride over 1000 kilometres home etc.

The top lock mount part just shattered into a zillion pieces on impact with the ground.

Ouch!!! that had to hurt.

 

[Happy Snapper]

Yep.. still have a very sore right knee!

Read all about it!

http://snapshotsfrommark.blogspot.com.au/search?updated-min=2016-01-01T00:00:00%2B10:00&updated-max=2017-01-01T00:00:00%2B10:00&max-results=2

 

[RCinNC]

A few years ago I had a V-Strom, and put soft bags on it. I didn't like the way they were slung over the seat (it interfered with the passenger's comfort) so I developed a method of using the soft bags on a Happy Trail rack system designed for panniers. I used Nelson Rigg soft saddlebags (I can't recall the exact model number, CL850 comes to mind). The pictures I attached show some of how the system was constructed. The bags were designed to be easily removable (in this earlier version, removal required an allen wrench; later refined versions used a threaded knob). I've redesigned this quick release mounting system several times over the years, and now use it on my S10 with Duratool hard cases.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

 

[RCinNC]

.....and, the last couple photos.