If you choose not to sew have a good scrub with some sandpaper or scotch pad and clean up really well after. Better to see still though.

I'll have a look around the outdoor shops here, to see what I can find with the seam sealer. There is only really one that would have anything imported from the USA.

Sent from my A898 Duo using Tapatalk 2

It doesn't have to seamgrip but it would be the best. Superglie works as well. But you've highlight the problem with relying on the shell for waterproofing. A good slide down the road and you really lots waterproofing. Poly or PVC coated nylon isn't famous for abrasion resistance.

I'd get roll closure bags for the stuff that really can't get wet, like fabrics, electronics and down gear, whilst you can.

Soft panniers
 

panniers 50+ litres mounted to racks made from lorry tilt

Nice job. How's the seam constructed ?

Seam glued then stitched together covered with binding then sewn with 2 more rows of stitching . So far water tight,used most weekends camping etc.

Chris, from reading the reports of your recent US trip it appears that you tweaked your Magadans but I'm not certain how. If you've got the time could you explain what you've done?

Hi Alex, all I did was rivet some attachment tabs (not very well) to the two bottom inner corners to help locate the bags against a rack.
I suggested this to Walter and he said future versions may incorporate the idea even though on ASpec the rationale for not doing this was they'd rip off.
Very unlikely if it was like the rest of the sewing and the bag was held on with the horizontal strap as well.

Below; attached with an elastic 'ball bungy' to a rack. (The semi-demountable rack became part of the bag, but that's another story).

I just looked back through my SWUSA reports - what a great trip that was!

I enjoyed reading it, even if you did have a bike with too many cc's. I'm intrigued by the rack too.

I know this is an old thread, but I did want to add Mosko Moto soft panniers to the list.

They mount on a rack (in my case TT) with a back plate, so come off QD (handy if the bike is on its side and you need to quickly lighten it) and are made of very tough materials with a removable dry sac liner. No straps either over or under the seat- something I was keen to avoid!

I tested them on a recent trip to France and Spain and they were completely waterproof through some utterly shite weather in the UK. They are not as light as true soft panniers but are a deal lighter than ally boxes. There is no way they can burn on the pipe and no stray straps to tangle up in the wheel or whatever. Anyway, I'm pleased with them.

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...227v2small.jpg

Handy flap for temporary storage..

http://i648.photobucket.com/albums/u...50179small.jpg

No connection, justy a happy customer. One warning though- they are quite pricey for soft bags, but they are very 'technical' bags.

Nice looking bags Reg. Pricey like you say but that comes with the nifty slip-on & clip-on feature. Like the baguette sleeve too - or should I call it 'beavertail' + the outside pocket + Molle straps.

Do they sell them in the UK?

Wrt my previous post above - as we all know, the latest MkII Magadans now feature lower tabs for fixing to the bike or rack to limit movement.

Used some recently in Morocco and no complaints: simple but study system.
Most nights I left the bags on and took the inners inside, but in a foreign city I can see the value of removing the bags entirely even if they're empty, to make the bike less noticeable.

https://adventuremotorcyclinghandboo...mitaspiste.jpg

No, and when you import them you get stung with VAT.:frown: They should perhaps be viewed as an alternative to good quality hard boxes, not as a cheaper option. Still way cheaper than MM though!

There is a smaller option and a 'rackless' bag is on the way for real hardcore lightweight afficianados.

21 Brothers
 

Spotted another option.
21 Bros from Poland - 150 quidish.
Review here: Panniers on the xCountry | Defylife Adventure

Wow, how have I missed this thread.

That's my general overview of the 21 brothers panniers in the link above.

Nothing bad to say about them yet (one or two small niggles), but then I've only used them in the UK so far. They will get a proper test on my Moroccan tour in April.

When sports bike throw over panniers can cost as little of £30, I just can't bring myself to spend £300+ on "Adventure" panniers, no matter how well made they are, so these were a compromise. I use that term loosely as the only compromise (for me) is that they don't come with their own inner dry bags for quick removal, but they are 100% waterproof.

I'm in the process of setting up my Wolfman Expedition Dry Panniers on my bike. I had a Giant Loop Great Basin and didn't care for the zip system and all in one compartment. It's also not waterproof. So these Wolfman bags are yet to be tested but seem like very high quality.

Attachment 14570