Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Hendi Kaf, in Cambodia

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Hendi Kaf,
in Cambodia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 1 Sep 2011
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Aluminum panniers for GS 1150 ADV

I don't know if I'm posting in the right section, but if wrong mods can move it wherever they think it's better.

After 60,000 happy miles thru Europe, Middle East, the Caucasus and Central Asia, I am going to trade my 1998 H-D Electra Glide in for a BMW GS 1150 ADVENTURE, and my first buy will be the aluminium panniers.

Over the past days, I have already been searching the web for a set of good panniers and found many brands: the famous Touratech of course, but also Hepco and Becker, Trax and so on...
What's really necessary to me is that they must be detachable easily: in my box I don't have so much space beside my car and I'll always need to remove one of the two boxes before parking the future GS.

Seen that Hepco and Becker produce the ALU STANDARD line that can be easily removed according to their importer in my Country, nevertheless I found more than one bimmer on Italian forums say that they are solid and very well made, but they are tall so not comfortable to the passenger: to me this is a problem, because 90% of my rides (including the big summer ride ) is with my girl.

I've also seen Trax aluminum panniers, but I don't like the "cut" corners so much.

Do you have some other brands to suggest me having the "quickly detachable" feature, not obstacling the passenger's legs and not costing like half of the motorcycle?


Thanks to you all!
Nick
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Sep 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Sep 2011
Posts: 1
Hi Nick

Aluminium panniers sure look the business but have you considered Andy Strapz? They will squash out the way when empty and won't rip your leg open when you come off...

Cheers

Jules
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Sep 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 217
bmw r1150gsa

hi i thought the r1150 gsa came with it own aluminium panniers see here 2004 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure specifications and pictures
hope this helps steve
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by ssbon View Post
hi i thought the r1150 gsa came with it own aluminium panniers see here 2004 BMW R 1150 GS Adventure specifications and pictures
hope this helps steve

Hey, Steve.
Yes, I know, but I was looking for a set of "detachable" panniers, I don't have so much space inside my box and I'm sure I'll have to remove at least one pannier every time I come back from a ride.
This is the reason I need something that can be easily removed from the rack.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julian Faber View Post
Hi Nick

Aluminium panniers sure look the business but have you considered Andy Strapz? They will squash out the way when empty and won't rip your leg open when you come off...

Cheers

Jules

This would be a good solution, but I was looking for something stronger and with a safe lock since many times I leave my fully loaded bike unattended.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: London
Posts: 20
Quote:
Originally Posted by Julian Faber View Post
Hi Nick
...have you considered Andy Strapz? They will squash out the way when empty and won't rip your leg open when you come off...
Even better, buy a pedal tricycle - less likely to come off and your speed will be much lower when you do!

I've had Metal Mule panniers (symmetrical fat mules with the custom exhaust) on my GSA for the last 34,000 miles and love them. But they're a bit pricey now compared to when I bought them. Nevertheless I would highly recommend them. They're very easy to detach, to open, to carry and to lock - way better than the BMW equivalents which I had before.
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Quote:
Originally Posted by motorbaker View Post
Even better, buy a pedal tricycle - less likely to come off and your speed will be much lower when you do!

I've had Metal Mule panniers (symmetrical fat mules with the custom exhaust) on my GSA for the last 34,000 miles and love them. But they're a bit pricey now compared to when I bought them. Nevertheless I would highly recommend them. They're very easy to detach, to open, to carry and to lock - way better than the BMW equivalents which I had before.

This is a good suggestion, thanks, I forgot this brand.
Well, unfortunately they are really pricey, actually, the final calculations is really high for me... but they seem to be really good and suitable for my needs.
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 2 Sep 2011
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: uk
Posts: 217
gsa panniers

hi the bmw panniers are detachable you can mix them around so use a bigger pannier as a top box ,the panniers lock on or off and then you swing the pannier under frame up no problems, they are very nicly made moulded aluminium boxes try and find a gsa with its bmw panniers to have a good look im sure you wont be dissappointed thanks steve
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Sep 2011
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 20
Gsa 1150 panniers

Hi there

i have Trax side panniers and a BMW top bow fitted to my GSA, the trax panniers are rubbish and you get what you pay for they leak and have a poor build quality too them , my two cents of input
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Sep 2011
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2011
Posts: 16
Caja Sahel panniers

I am looking for new panniers for my r12oo G.S also and found Caja Sahel but I tried to email them and recieved no reply.Anyone no anything about them.
Cheers
Barry1616
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 7 Sep 2011
Knight of the Holy Graal's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: Mantova, Italy
Posts: 566
Thanks heaps for your replies!!
__________________
Nick and his 2010 Yamaha XT1200Z Super Ténéré
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Self made aluminum panniers & top case yellowbirdrs Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 12 3 Jan 2012 01:09
Aluminum 36 litre panniers Midgy TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 29 Aug 2011 21:00
For Sale: Aluminum Panniers & KLR Rack NateDenay TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 5 18 Nov 2007 04:45
FYI aluminum panniers daerr 95 euros each bubba45chris Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 14 7 Aug 2007 15:02
Wanted: Aluminum Panniers StephenRivett TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 0 23 Feb 2004 06:36

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

25 years of HU Events
Be sure to join us for this huge milestone!

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

Virginia: April 24-27 2025
Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
CanWest: July 10-13 2025
Switzerland: Date TBC
Ecuador: Date TBC
Romania: Date TBC
Austria: Sept. 11-14
California: September 18-21
France: September 19-21 2025
Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 17:00.