Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

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


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 8 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Question Soft bag or panniers? Best bag system for XT 600 E ? !

Hi All,

I bought a 2003 mod. XT600 E and I will need a bag system.
Panniers don't look nice and I think panniers looks and fits better for XT.

* What do you recommend soft bags or panniers, which is better for XT?
* About soft one, which brand is good?

Thanks for contributions.
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 9 Aug 2010
MountaineerWV's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Virginia, United States
Posts: 90
There doesn't seem to be a right answer.

I prefer soft luggage (Wolfman) b/c of weight, size, and cost. You may be sacrificing some security, I more proscribe to the fact that if someone wants your stuff bad enough soft or hard bags won't matter. Hell, they might even take the entire bike!
__________________
West Virginia University 2006
Beta Theta Pi - Beta Psi
Ride Report: TAT...and Beyond
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 9 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Edinburgh
Posts: 235
TT Panniers

You might want to look at this video of me in the Congo bashing the heck out of my TT panniers on my XT, sorry about the expletives on it but it goes to show I'm having soft panniers next time I buy!!

YouTube - ‪Lovely Day in the Congo‬‎

I chuckle every time I watch it!!
__________________
Geoffshing

'Security is a product of one's own imagination, it does not exist in nature as a rule, life is either a daring adventure or nothing.'
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 9 Aug 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
I had a 2003 XT600E. Used it for South America..

If you want the advice of someone who bought hard panniers for this bike then swapped them to softbags as soon as he could, i'd say keep the bike as light as possible by using soft bags. That way you also don't need a heavier pannier frame too.

Big heavy panniers belong on big heavy bikes. It's as simple as that !!

Its not the type of bike that takes heavy panniers well. The suspension and brakes are crap as it is...

Theres some further XT mods on my website if you're interested.

Regards, Ted
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 9 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2009
Location: Dorset UK
Posts: 395
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post

Also -- if you moved back a couple of yards, you'd of been in the shade of that tree
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 9 Aug 2010
Redboots's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
* What do you recommend soft bags or panniers, which is better for XT?
* About soft one, which brand is good?.
I have never used these but the look like a neat idea...

Giant Loop™ Moto: Saddlebags for Motorcycles | Giant Loop™ Performance Motorcycle Gear

John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 9 Aug 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
You might want to look at this video of me in the Congo bashing the heck out of my TT panniers on my XT, sorry about the expletives on it but it goes to show I'm having soft panniers next time I buy!!

YouTube - ‪Lovely Day in the Congo‬‎

I chuckle every time I watch it!!

AHHH Geoff ! Your XT was the clone of mine.... Even down to the bash plate and white tank..

I kept the standard shock though.


Sorry to hear your woes with the boxes. Same thing happened to me with my Metal Mules. Alwasy breaking, bending etc !!

I guess your a soft bag convert now ?? ? lol
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 9 Aug 2010
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Quote:
Originally Posted by geoffshing View Post
sorry about the expletives on it but it goes to show I'm having soft panniers next time I buy!! YouTube - ‪Lovely Day in the Congo‬‎ I chuckle every time I watch it!!
made me ROTF Hehe only problem now got to look at all the others .

I quite agree i would suggest soft panners as lighter
Attached Thumbnails
Soft bag or panniers? Best bag system for XT 600 E ? !-susan-bike.jpg  

__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 9 Aug 2010
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: I S T
Posts: 655
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
I had a 2003 XT600E. Used it for South America..

If you want the advice of someone who bought hard panniers for this bike then swapped them to softbags as soon as he could, i'd say keep the bike as light as possible by using soft bags. That way you also don't need a heavier pannier frame too.

Big heavy panniers belong on big heavy bikes. It's as simple as that !!

Its not the type of bike that takes heavy panniers well. The suspension and brakes are crap as it is...

Theres some further XT mods on my website if you're interested.

Regards, Ted
* * *

Are they really crap? Does it need to be changed/modified?

Ok soft bags but which brand especially?
__________________
"where the traveller goes, nobody knows ! "
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 10 Aug 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Samy View Post
* * *

Are they really crap? Does it need to be changed/modified?

Ok soft bags but which brand especially?
Don't get me wrong.. The suspension is adequate. It is budget though. It's non adjustable but it will get your through and do the job as long as you don't expect it to be a desert racer.

You can stiffen up the front with different progressive springs or oil weight

Just promise me you will keep the weight down.. lol.

ANY quality softbags will do. I'm currently using a set of £30 pattern 58 Army canvas bags on my DRZ..

You will probably need to buy/build an exhaust shield for the bags but it will cost a fraction of the price of hard luggage.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 12 Aug 2010
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
ANY quality softbags will do. I'm currently using a set of £30 pattern 58 Army canvas bags on my DRZ.
You will probably need to buy/build an exhaust shield for the bags but it will cost a fraction of the price of hard luggage.
So you are using what 2 back packs, one either side?
Vince recommend them as well, my comment would be to remind that 58 pattern is not & never was waterproof once wet stays wet for ages & shrinks once dry and slowly stretch back to size.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 12 Aug 2010
*Touring Ted*'s Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,673
Quote:
Originally Posted by Selous View Post
So you are using what 2 back packs, one either side?
Vince recommend them as well, my comment would be to remind that 58 pattern is not & never was waterproof once wet stays wet for ages & shrinks once dry and slowly stretch back to size.
Not sure if they're backpacks. I'm not familiar with the 58 gear. I've just posted a pic on the other "silvermans" thread.



Can you identify them for me Sealous ????? (or anyone)


I knew they wern't waterproof so I've sealed them with multipurpose waterproofer (£15 for 4L but only needed 1.5L for a dousing), using a £2 spray gun.

I tested them with the hose and the water beads off... Still, all my gear is kept in waterproof roll bags anyway. I can recommend these to anyone if they're looking for a cheap, waterproof softbag "inner bag"



They cost about £5 each. I bought 4 on ebay. When full, each 58 pannier fits 2.

I also love the side pockets, straps, and hangers on my 58 stuff.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.

Last edited by *Touring Ted*; 12 Aug 2010 at 21:44.
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 12 Aug 2010
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2008
Posts: 619
Large Packs.

Hi Ted, they look like "Large Packs", that's large compared to their sister "Small Packs". The '58 webbing consisted of a web belt onto which a shoulder yoke clipped. Two ammo pouches clipped to the front waist and one large pack was hung from the yoke and could be removed quickly. They're not battery acid proof either. Lindsay.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Aug 2010
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Quote:
Originally Posted by *Touring Ted* View Post
Not sure if they're backpacks. I'm not familiar with the 58 gear. I've just posted a pic on the other "silvermans" thread.



Can you identify them for me Sealous ????? (or anyone)


I knew they wern't waterproof so I've sealed them with multipurpose waterproofer (£15 for 4L but only needed 1.5L for a dousing), using a £2 spray gun.

I tested them with the hose and the water beads off... Still, all my gear is kept in waterproof roll bags anyway. I can recommend these to anyone if they're looking for a cheap, waterproof softbag "inner bag"



They cost about £5 each. I bought 4 on ebay. When full, each 58 pannier fits 2.

I also love the side pockets, straps, and hangers on my 58 stuff.
Hi Ted, yep the 1 on the right as we can see it is a 58 back pack.
On the other side (of the pack) you would have 2 metal hooks one on either side & 2 clips these would go over the yoke on to D rings just at tit level the hooks round the side the yoke was worn with a belt & 2 ammo pouches in front 2 kidney pouches a water bottle pouch as well and a poncho roll just below your bum! if like me you where 5 ft 5 lol. on the yoke as on the back pack as a small bit of webbing that is for a entrenching tool (pitch fork or spade) clip on there.

FYI I still have my 58 belt order, with yoke we would then remove the kidney pouches and put more pouches instead & in certain, operations we would just have belt order minus yoke as well
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 13 Aug 2010
Selous's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
Quote:
Originally Posted by Linzi View Post
Hi Ted, they look like "Large Packs", that's large compared to their sister "Small Packs". The '58 webbing consisted of a web belt onto which a shoulder yoke clipped. Two ammo pouches clipped to the front waist and one large pack was hung from the yoke and could be removed quickly. They're not battery acid proof either. Lindsay.
you missed out kidney pouches water bottle and poncho roll.
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
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
Soft Panniers/luggage Wheeee Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 11 10 Jan 2014 19:55
metal panniers v/s soft panniers zaplaje Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 40 18 Jun 2011 16:11
DIY soft panniers pauldelft Equipment Reviews 20 2 Apr 2010 06:44
panniers / luggage system for scrambler miketwin Triumph Tech 1 18 Apr 2008 02:46
BMW System panniers question... bernardv BMW Tech 1 15 Dec 2001 14:49

 
 

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

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. 11-15
  • 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 05:25.