Recommendations for decent panniers for a decent price?

[7kings]

I've read a lot of the posts here about luggage, but most of them are years old, and I was wondering if someone can make a recommendation for a (relatively) inexpensive pannier setup for an '18 non-ES? I've read all about the various issues that people have with the OEM panniers, so I didn't want to go down that path when I bought the bike. That being said, I need some storage options that won't break the bank, but are decent panniers that are also quick and easy to remove when I don't need them or when I get to my destination.

Thanks in advance!

 

[raynchk]

I have the OEM panniers on a 2016 and I like them. They are not as rugged as, say the Jesse panniers, but they are functional. As long as I press down on the lide and take the pressure of the lock mechanism, I don't have any problems. They're waterproof and will hold a 12 pack of bottles. I like the fact they open from the top, but that could be aggravating for someone with luggage or camping gear strapped on top. My line of reasoning, which may be faulty, is they might get destroyed in crash but there's less chance of them destroying the sub-frame, also. Easier to replace a pannier than tweak the frame. And most important -- I like the way they look

 

[regder]

A few random thoughts.

Don't worry about easy removal. Might make sense in concept, but in practice barely ever leave the bike unless for storage. They're super awkward to carry off the bike. Inner bags are much more convenient for taking your belongings on and off the bike. Pro tip, Ikea tote bags are indestructible, waterproof, fit panniers perfectly while not taking up any space themselves, cost the massive sum of $1.

If you're not camping (camping for me takes up 60L on it's own), a top case plus 50-60L duffle across the back seat is an amazingly functional and cheap setup. Top case for items you want easy access to and don't want stolen. Duffle for everything else. Makes for getting your stuff to and from the bike super easy and convenient. If you don't need massive space, this is the best setup IMO.

If it must be panniers, get top loading. Makes accessing things much easier without having to take either the pannier off, or empty the contents. Also have the option to strap dry bags or stuff to the lids. I run a 30L dry bag on top of each pannier when camping. I would prefer going with a recognized name brand, versus something cheap that someone makes in their garage. If you need spare parts or support in the future, I'm much more comfortable knowing the company will still be there.

For my money, I went with a Givi Trekker Outback pannier/top case setup. After a crap ton of research, they were the best option for me. Out of the brand name stuff, it was the cheapest option. Panniers plus rack can be found for about $1000usd. Bumot's are $1200, Touratech's are $1500, Jesse's are around $1500. The cheaper pannier systems (Happy Trails come to mind) are $700-800usd and from appearances don't seem nearly as good.

I didn't mention soft panniers because I don't have any experience with the newer stuff. For me at least, unless I'm doing hardcore adventuring, I'm staying with hard luggage.

 

[bmac]

The best option are the Givi Trekker Outback's. They are easy to remove, are high quality, and offer plenty of space without breaking the bank. Ordering from Europe can save some dough as well. A 37L on the left with a 48L on the right is the perfect combination. I could fit 2 helmets in the 48 if I needed to.

 

[ADKsuper10]

I have the OEM panniers on a 2016 and I like them. They are not as rugged as, say the Jesse panniers, but they are functional. As long as I press down on the lide and take the pressure of the lock mechanism, I don't have any problems. They're waterproof and will hold a 12 pack of bottles. I like the fact they open from the top, but that could be aggravating for someone with luggage or camping gear strapped on top. My line of reasoning, which may be faulty, is they might get destroyed in crash but there's less chance of them destroying the sub-frame, also. Easier to replace a pannier than tweak the frame. And most important -- I like the way they look

Ditto to the OEMs. You can routinely find them here on the forum with the racks for about half of what they are new.

 

[magic]

I have the OEM panniers on a 2016 and I like them. They are not as rugged as, say the Jesse panniers, but they are functional. As long as I press down on the lide and take the pressure of the lock mechanism, I don't have any problems. They're waterproof and will hold a 12 pack of bottles. I like the fact they open from the top, but that could be aggravating for someone with luggage or camping gear strapped on top. My line of reasoning, which may be faulty, is they might get destroyed in crash but there's less chance of them destroying the sub-frame, also. Easier to replace a pannier than tweak the frame. And most important -- I like the way they look

I see a set of OEM panniers with mounts just sold on this forum for $350. That's a very good price, you can't even get a set of soft luggage for that. My 2013 came with the OEM bags and they have worked out pretty well, no issues at all. I would not have bought them at the dealer prices, but they came on the bike. They look good and are not too wide.

 

[patrickg450]

Caribou Cases, lifetime warranty and can be purchased for almost half the price of other sets. Oh and they have a lifetime warranty.

 

[BaldKnob]

This ^^^ for all those reasons.

 

[ADKsuper10]

That’s a great picture! love it.

 

[BaldKnob]

That’s a great picture! love it.

Thx, I was getting a break from the rain while on the BRP. This bridge is the Wash/ Bent Creek junction.

Another reason for the Caribou... super durable, waterproof and did we mention lifetime warranty?

 

[patrickg450]

Hey BK that is a good picture. I dont know if you know it or not, perhaps it slipped your mind. But Caribou Cases have a lifetime warranty. Which is funny 'cuz anyone who knows me knows I have many many many dumps, dips gt offs and tip overs. The price I get for being 5"7", good thing the cases have a lifetime warranty. Sadly I cant get hem to break, got some scratches but hey. they have a lifetime warranty .

 

[7kings]

I was looking at the Caribou site and the hard luggage all seem to specify that they are for 2014-newer ES models. I have a non-ES ST - what is the difference as regarding panniers?

 

[Garrydymond]

I have Pelican Cases mounted on SW Motech racks. I had the cases in my VStrom before putting them on the Tenere. They went fine to Argentina and back on the VStrom and up to Alaska and back on the Tenere. The rack cost about 300 dlls and the cases about 250. They also have a lifetime guarantee. I broke one of the latches by mistreating it. They sent me 5 latches free of charge. They are totally waterproof after 10 years of use.

 

[patrickg450]

I was looking at the Caribou site and the hard luggage all seem to specify that they are for 2014-newer ES models. I have a non-ES ST - what is the difference as regarding panniers?

as for panniers....no difference. If you want to call dude (forgot his name), I talked to him a few times. Great guy, out of Boulder CO. If in doubt, email or call but I do not think there is a difference.

 

[BaldKnob]

Cases are cases. The difference is in how they mount and which racks you decide to use. Roger is great to work with and be sure to ask him about the lifetime warranty.

Mine, scratched but still waterproof. I have broken 1 latch while on tour but easily resolved with a length of cord I bring along. Buy an extra latch and add it to the recovery kit.

 

[fred-houston]

Caribou Cases, lifetime warranty and can be purchased for almost half the price of other sets. Oh and they have a lifetime warranty.

+1

 

[fred-houston]

I was looking at the Caribou site and the hard luggage all seem to specify that they are for 2014-newer ES models. I have a non-ES ST - what is the difference as regarding panniers?

Mine is a 2016 non ES and I have them.

 

[cycledelic relic]

Ive seen these Hepco Becker alloy cases on fleabay for a while now....
Auction# 332622529018
They would be similar to Happy Trails Id guess. Mount em on several different rack brands....Givi..Motech...Hepco..Happy Trails...Touratech

Sent from my LGL62VL using Tapatalk

 

[Ramseybella]

Caribou Cases, lifetime warranty and can be purchased for almost half the price of other sets. Oh and they have a lifetime warranty.

Does the Lifetime warranty cover them when you crash?
Just saying metal cans bend at high impact, and lets just say with 600+ pounds behind them and the solid ground.
No offense i love them but when they get smashed it's over and expensive.
I like composite bags they are fairly inexpensive and can take a beating so if they get wasted you just buy a new one.
I have Doskocil cases on my bike and have slammed them a few times riding and as they get scratched they never cracked or popped open, they are side covers not top loaders. Sort of old school and are getting harder to find in great condition.
Happy trails frames are decent and cheap.
This is my take on a low budget setup.

 

[jjc1957]

I went with the gosolobox route and very happy with them. Just got back from a 1,300 mile ride to PA and no problems. One mistake I did make is ordering the right side larger then the left. Happy trails makes the adjustment in the rack so you can order the same size box.
Gosolo Side Boxes $340
Gosolo Top Box $185
Shipping $50
Happy Trails Rack $289
Happy Trails Mount Kit $38
Total $911
I don't have the top box on yet due to my wife purchased a SWMotech top box as a gift