Want2
Active Member
Well I do appreciate your input! I’m now changing my mind. I don’t need a super tough case as my days of bouncing off trees are no longer. I don’t bounce off the ground anymore, it more like a thud……. Thanks
Looking for your wisdom on panniers
- Thread starter Want2
- Start date
Yeah, it seems odd that Yamaha would put as much effort into the nearly invisible mounting hardware and basic design of the box . . . . and then drop the ball with the locks/latches. And it's actually the latches. They are plastic, and unless you push down on the lid while locking/unlocking they feel very flimsy. I like mine, but only use them occasionally. It would be great if the latches were more like the FJR's.
The new version still uses the OE key system but has a better latch. But the mounting hardware will be very visible when the boxes off. But if you keep them mounted, that's not an issue.
The new version still uses the OE key system but has a better latch. But the mounting hardware will be very visible when the boxes off. But if you keep them mounted, that's not an issue.
Want2
Active Member
Thanks for all your help.
robp
Active Member
I've got Bumots - hard to imagine anything being built any better. Very happy with them.
whisperquiet
Well-Known Member
I have MicaTech V2 45 liter side cases mounted on quick release SW Motech racks. I run three different Givi trunks depending on need…….locally running an old E36 on a Givi base plate.
gapmtn1
Active Member
This is true. Pushing down is my SOP when closing these cases. When riding, touring, packing, gearing up, everything has a procedure. Calamity will ensue if not followed!
Want2
Active Member
Decided on the factory panniers in silver but my dealer is now telling me he thinks the silver color might be discontinued. Arrrrggg. He will be getting back to me when he finds out. Do any of you know anything about this? Thanks…
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
Top loaders seem to be the favorite here, but I'll throw in my support for the side opening panniers. I've used both the top loading and side loading panniers on two different bikes, and found that I actually prefer suitcase style side loading cases. I've found that they're easier for me to pack for a tour, because I can take them off the bike and open them just like a suitcase. Stuff stays organized in them, and if I have to stop and find something in them while I'm riding, it's easier for me to pop off the case, set in on the ground, and just open it up. All the contents are pretty visible right off the bat, so I don't have to start pulling stuff out of the cases to find something at the bottom.
I've been using a set of Chinese knockoff Pelican style cases now for years, and well over 100,000 miles. They were marketed under the Duratool name way back when I got them. Back then, I think I paid around $45.00 each for the large cases. I bought them from a company that is no longer in business, but there are other versions similar to these available. Even Harbor Freight sells a version of them under the Apache name; their large case is slightly smaller than the ones I have, but they are definitely a very well made case at a much lower price than a Pelican.
The cases started off on a V-Strom, and ended up on my S10 after I got rid of the OEM top loading panniers, which I never grew all that fond of. They're mated to a set of Happy Trail racks, with homebuilt quick releases. I believe the HT racks were in the $300 range, though it's been a decade since I got them and I don't recall exactly.
I went with the knockoffs because they were cheap and durable, but if I was setting up a rig from scratch in present times, I'd probably opt for the Pelican 1550's. They are about as bombproof as you'll find, and at about $220.00 each, they're a really attractive economical alternative to the high zoot aluminum panniers. At one time Caribou marketed an entire setup with racks and Pelican cases, but I don't know if they still do. Some guys hate that utilitarian Pelican look, but I actually prefer it.
This is what my current setup looks like. This was the day the bike rolled over 100,000 miles.
I've been using a set of Chinese knockoff Pelican style cases now for years, and well over 100,000 miles. They were marketed under the Duratool name way back when I got them. Back then, I think I paid around $45.00 each for the large cases. I bought them from a company that is no longer in business, but there are other versions similar to these available. Even Harbor Freight sells a version of them under the Apache name; their large case is slightly smaller than the ones I have, but they are definitely a very well made case at a much lower price than a Pelican.
The cases started off on a V-Strom, and ended up on my S10 after I got rid of the OEM top loading panniers, which I never grew all that fond of. They're mated to a set of Happy Trail racks, with homebuilt quick releases. I believe the HT racks were in the $300 range, though it's been a decade since I got them and I don't recall exactly.
I went with the knockoffs because they were cheap and durable, but if I was setting up a rig from scratch in present times, I'd probably opt for the Pelican 1550's. They are about as bombproof as you'll find, and at about $220.00 each, they're a really attractive economical alternative to the high zoot aluminum panniers. At one time Caribou marketed an entire setup with racks and Pelican cases, but I don't know if they still do. Some guys hate that utilitarian Pelican look, but I actually prefer it.
This is what my current setup looks like. This was the day the bike rolled over 100,000 miles.
Want2
Active Member
I like your set up (especially the American flag)and agree with the convenience and practicality of how you set your motorcycle up. One of the main concerns for me is being seen on the road and thats the primary reason for wanting the silver panniers and top case. Anything black is going to blend in with the dark paint on the bike. I don’t mind the black cases, but after being in an accident with a car a few years back it’s all about being as visible as I can get. So in my mind, I’m visualizing silver panniers with a crash bar that will be painted a lighter color to give it a higher visibility.
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
I'm not trying to convince you to go a certain way with regard to the panniers, but I just want to make you aware that Pelican makes their cases in a variety of colors besides black, including high visibility colors. With regard to the 1550 (which I think is probably the ideal Pelican size to use as a pannier), it comes in black, desert tan, orange, yellow, silver and OD green. If visibility is your primary goal, a set of high viz orange 1550's would probably do the trick. From a slightly more reasonable and less garish standpoint, a silver Pelican might be an alternative. Here's a look at a silver one:
That's probably on par with the aluminum top loaders, as far as daylight visibility goes. In the case of my panniers, I added the reflective hazard tape and the rear reflectors, along with the big white center US map design, that make the cases more noticeable to others.
Fred D
New Member
>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>>
This is what my current setup looks like. This was the day the bike rolled over 100,000 miles.
Are the bags wider than the handlebars?
Thanks / Fred
RCinNC
Well-Known Member
cycledelic relic
Well-Known Member
My 2014 blue Ten came with these unique cases attached to now discontinued Wolfman racks. Theres a web video showing a truck driving over one of these cases.
Heres the older thread I posted when selling this setup
Mule Pack Panniers 28 Liter Size | Acme Zoom
Molded from Black high-density polyethylene | Acme Zoom
acmezoom.com
Heres the older thread I posted when selling this setup
SOLD: Wolfman Wolf Side Racks NLA Xclnt Cond Mule Pack 28Ltr Panniers Xclnt
SOLD I have a set of the Berg Briggs made Wolfman Wolf side pannier racks for use with many hard cases & soft luggage bags. These were discontinued by Wolfman & are no longer available...(unless you find someone with a set...like me) Heavy duty construction & almost symmetrical on the...
yamahasupertenere.com
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MonkeyBut
Fuel Whore
These are Brooks Autosports panniers. I've had them for 5 trouble free years. Sometimes I definitely overload them and no issues. They never come off except to do a thorough cleaning.
Left side is slightly smaller than right due to exhaust but the entire width across the rear is even. (If that makes sense. Sorry it's late. Haha)
I'll try and find a rear picture.
MonkeyBut
Fuel Whore
Best I could find without going into garage and taking a new picture. Lol. Hope this helps. Good luck on your search.
Want2
Active Member
Very nice looking motorcycle
Streethawk
Well-Known Member
I use the OEM cases on my 2016 ES. The two main reasons I chose them are 1) no obvious scaffolding visible when removed off the bike 2) their smaller dimensions force me to pack very light (which I appreciate performance-wise on road or light off road).
My OEM cases and my bike are black. The dark color was not a safety concern for me personally. I've added reflectivity for extra measures. When I'm in thick city traffic with the side cases, more (distracted) drivers seem to be paying attention to my RevIt hi-viz yellow vest and red light armbands. I'm frequently in urban traffic with them for a few years now. The OEM's low profile is very handy when maneuvering through traffic and shooting gaps. I only contemplated the silver color to help reduced heat from the sun.
I also went with the OEMs because I wanted the whole OEM experience with Yamaha's flagship ADV. I'm weird for that, I know. Just wanted to try it before moving on. My # 2 choice was/is the Bumot cases. Imo and despite the scaffolding, they are the best looking (looks OEM plus I'd say) and provide excellent value for money.
The (bespoke) best of all worlds for me, would be a Pelican style case that top loads and in styling, looks close to the OEMs or the Bumots. That would cover aesthetics and resiliency for me. All just my humble 2 cents. Good luck on your quest
My OEM cases and my bike are black. The dark color was not a safety concern for me personally. I've added reflectivity for extra measures. When I'm in thick city traffic with the side cases, more (distracted) drivers seem to be paying attention to my RevIt hi-viz yellow vest and red light armbands. I'm frequently in urban traffic with them for a few years now. The OEM's low profile is very handy when maneuvering through traffic and shooting gaps. I only contemplated the silver color to help reduced heat from the sun.
I also went with the OEMs because I wanted the whole OEM experience with Yamaha's flagship ADV. I'm weird for that, I know. Just wanted to try it before moving on. My # 2 choice was/is the Bumot cases. Imo and despite the scaffolding, they are the best looking (looks OEM plus I'd say) and provide excellent value for money.
The (bespoke) best of all worlds for me, would be a Pelican style case that top loads and in styling, looks close to the OEMs or the Bumots. That would cover aesthetics and resiliency for me. All just my humble 2 cents. Good luck on your quest
If you put Givi monokey racks on your bike, then you can put a huge variety of cases on there with little effort. Their Canyon soft bags also are locked down, so they are a lot harder for someone to walk away with (though those soft bags don't quite clip onto the monokey racks, they will mount right over them).
I currently alternate between a pair of Dolomiti hard cases and Canyon soft bags. Brixia Moto in Italy often has the best prices on this stuff.
I currently alternate between a pair of Dolomiti hard cases and Canyon soft bags. Brixia Moto in Italy often has the best prices on this stuff.
~TABASCO~
RIDE ON ADV is what I do !
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I forgot to mention.... You could probably find the original "stock" bags available for cheep........ The locks suck, and the mounting is not "great"... But they are pretty strong and rebuildable...
Short Story: Was with a buddy and we happen to be riding Monument Valley / Mexican Hat area.... My buddy had a total yard sale crash out on a smooth dirt road. He twisted that stock bag up like a tin can, all his stuff fell out and was blowing down the dirt road..... ( I dont have a picture, but it was totally twisted and mangled. Bottom halfway off, top halfway off, corners hanging off, Etc) We got that bag "back on the bike" and later that day we picked up about four JB-Weld kits...... Later that night at the camp site, I took all the screws out of that bag, straightened it all out, and basically JB-Welded the bag all back together straight.... The next day it was 'good as new'..... We rode another 1500+ miles on that trip.................... He continued to use that same bag for 3-4 more years until he sold the bike..... The stock bags are really easy to fix and able to continue on.... FYI
Short Story: Was with a buddy and we happen to be riding Monument Valley / Mexican Hat area.... My buddy had a total yard sale crash out on a smooth dirt road. He twisted that stock bag up like a tin can, all his stuff fell out and was blowing down the dirt road..... ( I dont have a picture, but it was totally twisted and mangled. Bottom halfway off, top halfway off, corners hanging off, Etc) We got that bag "back on the bike" and later that day we picked up about four JB-Weld kits...... Later that night at the camp site, I took all the screws out of that bag, straightened it all out, and basically JB-Welded the bag all back together straight.... The next day it was 'good as new'..... We rode another 1500+ miles on that trip.................... He continued to use that same bag for 3-4 more years until he sold the bike..... The stock bags are really easy to fix and able to continue on.... FYI
Longdog Cymru
Well-Known Member
I had Givi Dolomiti cases on my old S10. They were simply brilliant! Well made, strong, good locks and completely leak free. Everything I wanted and needed from panniers. Mine were 35 litre both sides but other sizes were available, I also had the Dolomiti top box too 10/10