I'll be buying a top box soon, the start of a new set, and I am wondering which to go for. So I am wondering:

If your panniers for some reason were to break - bars, adapter plates and all - which ones would you get? Would you buy the same, or have you had your eye on something else you saw on your last trip? Links appreciated!

My two pence worth is ......dont buy yamaha OE top box.

I have one wich was included in the purchase of my bike......am I glad it was included...yes I am, because it is useful etc.....however would I recomend it.....No I wouldnt.

The locking mech on my box is so dodgey, if you turn it too far one way, the lid opens, to far the other it disconnects it from the rack. You have to get the key slap bang in the middle of the lock otherwise you cant pull the key out.

It scratches eaisly and dents easily as the metal is so thin.

Anyway thats my bit lol

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XT660z......What a machine!!

Current mods:- Yamaha top box, Yamaha hanguards, Heated grips, High front fender, Aux lighting front/rear.

I've had the yamaha panniers since I bought the bike new in 2008. To be honest they've done the job, still on original locks and no major issues (just one lost hinge pin), they're just a bit on the small side. I can't justify replacing them really until they are unserviceable, but if I did I'd probably buy ARD cases and a Holan rack from here...

http://ardcases.co.uk/store/#ecwid:c...roduct=6143541

I use a second hand Trax top case (which I acquired from a mate for free) and to be honest it's crap - it leaks (but silicone fixed it), the lock broke and the catch has gone rusty and the mounting plate's aluminium has worn so much it doesn't lock home properly and rattles! (I've no taken the plate off and its bolted to my TT large rack) I definitely wouldn't part with money for one of these.

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I have the Ardcases panniers and topbox with a Holan rack. They look very well made and are not heavy either.

the kriega stuff always gets my vote, ok it may not be hard stuff but it is soooo versatile!

http://www.kriega.com/categories/bike-packs/

I have Metal Mule panniers, only because I got them for my first Ten at a good deal. I wouldn't get them again as they are soooo heavy. The locking mechanism is not so hot and on a small drop one of the panniers bent the locking arm and the pannier came off!
I for one will look at soft panniers when I can afford just so that I'm not carrying so much weight.
The only advantage that the MM paniers have is that you have a seat when taken off!

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I'm with SteveD.

I have and use, and are very good at what they are, TT Zega-Pro's. They aren't as heavy as the MM's, not by a long way! they are nicely shaped for sitting on and bash back into shape really well after a fall. And after numerous falls, and some that deformed the cases, they are still water tight.

For security, in terms of basic security, hard boxes are the way to go, but after having hard boxes for a number of years I would tend to look towards soft luggage now, but with the frames of the hard luggage to keep them in better shape. The TT frames, athough expensive are very good as crash bars and for lifting a fallen bike.

Horses for courses really, sometime you need it hard, other times it's better soft - a metaphor for life!



In terms of soft luggage, I have and use the Kriega USx stuff. It is very good indeed as anyone who has used Kriega will attest to. But I do like the look of the Wolfman stuff too.

I also have some HG Oxford copies, they are OK and do the job fine as long as you take precautions and bag everything to keep it dry, the 'waterproof covers' ,,aren't !

I used the Yamaha OE ones for an extended trip, and they performed very well, a bit small and you need to be particular with the locks (keep them clean, treat with respect etc), and these do crash well considering the mountings are in odd places and there is no rear stabiliser bar.

Luggage is one of the most emotive subjects in motorcycle forums for some reason, but to be fair, it's down to everyone's own needs, wants and opinions.

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Very good point. Before I had pannier frames I found I couldn't lift the Tenere. With the Yamaha frames it's dead easy.

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I use SW Motech Trax side panniers and a Givi 46l top case. Pretty happy with those, but I am looking at the Wolfman expedition dry line soft luggage as well.

Enduristan monsoons........genuinely waterproof soft bags. Excellent kit.