Modifying OEM Panniers??

[Ronzo]

Wondering if anyone has made any useful modifications to the OEM panniers?
They seem pretty thin but has anyone put any tie down points on lids? Rotopax suitable to put any where? I would imagine anything like that may require bracing on the inside.
Plan is to get the SW Motech Adv panniers but until then I am considering making mods to these.
Share anything you’ve done.
Pictures appreciated.

 

[Saint rob]

My solution for luggage tie down on OEM panniers

After considering a number of options to install some tie down loops to my OEM panniers, I arrived at this solution completely by chance after being dragged (very reluctantly) around the local Ikea store. I think it looks good and works well as I like to be able to open pannier lids when on the...

www.yamahasupertenere.com

 

[gv550]

Check my thread 'living with OEM luggage'.
I did several mods including mounting a Rotopax and bypassing the locks.

 

[Ronzo]

I decided to go with 1-2” footman loops on each corner of the box. My only fear with the stainless handles is the load potentially shifting on those bars.
Trying to find marine grade plastic/pvc ones and plan on putting a backing plate on inside of the box for added strength.
Will report back once complete with pics.
Thanks to all who responded. Great ideas!

 

[Jazzer]

Check my thread 'living with OEM luggage'.
I did several mods including mounting a Rotopax and bypassing the locks.

Could you give a little more detail about how you mounted the Rotopax ? Is it pretty sturdy? I ride my Tenere Pretty hard, and I’m worried about stuff hitting or falling off. I’d love to mount one there! Thanks!

ken

 

[gv550]

Could you give a little more detail about how you mounted the Rotopax ? Is it pretty sturdy? I ride my Tenere Pretty hard, and I’m worried about stuff hitting or falling off. I’d love to mount one there! Thanks!

ken

I'm on a road trip this week. I can post some photos when I get home.

 

[gv550]

Here’s photos of my setup.
You can see it tucks nicely against the pannier and doesn’t interfere with other functions of the bike. Added feature is that it can’t be removed (stolen) without unlocking and removing the pannier first, and it can be fueled while mounted. Disadvantages are you must remove the pannier to get the rotopax off, it adds 15 lbs to the pannier so in theory you can put only 7 lbs in the pannier.
I did add spacers under my rear footpeg mount to tilt the bottom of the pannier away from the bike to prevent the brake caliper from rubbing the rotopax. Keep in mind the rotopax will expand about 3/8 inch with fuel sloshing around on hot days.
Removing the pannier from the bike with the rotopax mounted is more difficult, takes some wiggling and extra tongue twisting but does work. I also found out if the the rotopax lock were to rotate loose the can just leans against the bike and doesn’t fall off.