Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Wolfman Tank Panniers Wolfman Tank Panniers
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
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 Alessio Corradini, on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia, of two locals

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


Photo by Alessio Corradini,
on the Salar de Uyuni, Bolivia,
of two locals



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 21 Aug 2008
Hornet's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Durban, South africa
Posts: 93
Wolfman Tank Panniers
The last piece of equipment I need for my DR 650 is a tank bag / panniers. I quite like the idea of the tank panniers as they are out of the way. I have a large plastic tank on the bike and worry that the tank bag will not sit well and cover the fuel cap.

I have seen the Wolfman Tank Panniers which look like they might do the job. Anyone used these or have an alternative?

Thanks
__________________
Peter

http://peter-onamission.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Aug 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Nicholasville,Ky.U.S.A.
Posts: 93
I have a KLR with a plastic tank and I use a Wolfman Explorer tank bag on it. The bag has four point mounting and does not move around. When needed I use some cloth saddle bags to carry my spare tubes, tent footprint and rain jacket. These were free, came witha parts bike. I modified the center web to fit over the filler neck [made a hole, then stiched fabric tape over the edges where I cut] then I stiched the web double to shorten the length.One strap around the front keeps it from sliding back.

The plastic cap has a fitting for a line. I put a long hose on that and siliconed it so it wouldn't come off. The bag does lay on it ,but I haven't had any venting issues.

I tried to attach a photo but I can't make it work.
__________________
ride,smile,repeat as nessasary
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Halifax, NS
Posts: 5
I use the Wolfman tank panniers on my KLR650. Work a treat. In fact they are the one bag that stays on the bike all the time. They are very basic design, but seem to hold up very well and with some effort, mount very solid and secure.

Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
I am using the Aerostitch ones.



They have some stiff plastic insert in them which keep the the contents reasonably dry even in bad rain - and as the bottom is not waterproof, fluid gets out quickly, too.

But the reason I love them is that the plastic inserts keep the bags rectangular. You don't have to pack the bags carefully - open the lid, throw in your bottle of vodka, close the lid, that's it

(I try to keep them fairly empty in be able to just throw in stuff like grocery without having to think)

Lars
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Hornet's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Durban, South africa
Posts: 93
Thanks for the replies. I have two questions on the tank panniers:

- Do they make the bike unstable - is the weight in the wrong place?
- Do they interfere with the riding position - I worry they might knock against my knees?
__________________
Peter

http://peter-onamission.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Aug 2008
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2004
Location: Germany
Posts: 241
Since you'll have most of your luggage behind you and even behind the axle of the rear wheel, weight within the tank panniers should actually improve handling.

I heard riders complain about tank panniers rubbing on their knees. I wonder why they do not shift the panniers towards the front wheel?

Personally, I don't have that problem.

Lars
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Aug 2008
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: Halifax, NS
Posts: 5
I have quite long legs (35" inseam) and rubbing was an issue for me. After a little creative mounting, I came up with an arrangement for my KLR that provides me adequate knee clearance (as you can see in the pic).
Reply With Quote
Reply

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

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
Wolfman Explorer Tank Bag loxsmith Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 17 14 Dec 2008 11:16
Petrol tank bag/panniers paultol Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 4 21 Jul 2008 21:56
Tank bag/panniers michaeltharme Equipment Reviews 2 20 Jan 2008 13:08
Tenere Tank Bag+Tank Panniers Fish TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 7 Dec 2003 08:17
Tank Panniers and tank bag Jode Suzuki Tech 1 22 Nov 2002 16:14

 
 

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!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

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 13:12.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top