Hi,
I am thinking about buying some kind of luggage system... I have read the whole thread about panniers for Ten but still can't make up my mind.

First of all, I still cannot decide whether to go with soft luggage or pannier system. Being honest, on my V-strom I had H&B Junior system and I have used it once or twice. Mostly, I travel with one big role on the back, where I can fit my camping gear, clothes and food for 2-3 weeks.

However, I am slowly starting to plan a longer trip to Asia next year (that's why I bought Ten), and was thinking that some panniers could be useful.
And of course in my case, the price of the system plays an important role...

If I go with soft luggage (like Ortlieb) I need a rack, because I have LeoVince pipes. I know that the best racks are OTR and TT (H&B do not work in my case because I have modified license plate holder), but as you know they cost quite a lot (over 200 Euro). That's why I started to look for cheaper version and I have contacted the guys from http://heavyduties.ro/ . In two weeks they will have rack ready for Ten with LeoVinces.

Quote:
Hi Greg,

Our rack for 660 Tenere is a bit diferent the the one in the attached photo. We have been in contact with someone who gave us the measures and it seems the standard one will not fit. I think that in 2-3 weeks we will have available the adjusted rack, at a price of 90 euro.
Please take a look here for some more photos http://www.heavyduties.ro/fgxtz660/xtz660r.html


Best regards, Alex

End of quote.

This seems to be a quite good option for me. And would work great with soft luggage which is good for offroad riding (light, in case of crash go easy on the legs), but maybe not so good security-wise... easy to cut/open/steal...

2nd option would be to go with the alu panniers - cons: heavy, may cause injuries of legs upon tipover (as far as I've read, but never met anyone to whom it actually happened), BUT secure (lockable, for example laptop inside).
Of course the price is higher, but from that heavyduties "company", everything should sum up below 400 Euro, which is quite acceptable. The question is - what about quality? Does anyone of you have any experience with that company?

And finally, from the pictures on their website it looks that their panniers are not completely welded, but pierce riveted (? dunno whether this is a correct term for it ?).
Are welded panniers really so much better in case of crash (anyone with experience ?). ;-)

That's one long post... Thanks for any advice!
Cheers,
Greg

One thing I've found with luggage, hard or soft, one persons view is often argued by another persons view.

I'm in the camp where there is no right and wrong, just the luggage that you need for the trip you are taking, sometimes a soft bag, other times a hard pannier. I have the TT Zega, which I like, I also have the Oxford panniers (as yet untested) as well as some HG throwovers and Kriega US20. All have their uses, and all have their faults.

Welded panniers will be tougher, but harder to have fixed, whereas riveted panniers can easily be fixed with some small bolts if needed. Welded will be (or should be) better at keeping water out, but then it depends on other seals too. What I'm getting at, it's down to the overall quality of the build.

If I were planning a long trip today, on rough roads, then I would take a look at the Magadan Panniers from Adventure Spec here -> http://www.adventure-spec.com/defaul...-panniers.html

I've rejected these over the Oxford panniers because of cost, I am unlikely to need the features of the Magadans and so the �230 difference isn't really justifiable.

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Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

I've just had a pannier rack delivered from Heavy Duties. All I've done so far is unboxed it and checked the contents, which look good, but I won't be putting them on the bike until the weekend. Hopefully the good weather that has been promised will happen, so look out for a report soon!

Great! Waiting for report.
I presume that you have stock pipes, do you?
I am still waiting for an answer concerning rack which fits with LeoVince.

Yeah, my exhaust is standard. I will fit the racks at the weekend and hope to get the report on here asap. There was no instructions in the pack as they were emailed to me before. It may help you to see them as they are very comprehensive, 34pics I think!! Maybe you could ask Heavy Duties to send them to you?

Hi,
I have mounted today the Heavy Duties pannier system. I have decided for 2 X 48L. Due to the fact that I have LoeVince pipes, the installation was very easy and quick. Panniers are well made, when mounted on the rack they do not move a mm. I do not have yet the locks but they will arrive soon. I went for raw aluminium without powder coating:
1. do not care so much about the looks
2. cheaper
3. figured out that they will be scratched soon anyways

They look very similar to the Holan ones?

A word of caution; the only thing with non-anodised or powder coated boxes is everything you put inside will get covered in black aluminum oxide marks. I found with my old TT Zegas the best solution was to buy some of that self-adhesive plastic bodywork protection film and stick it on the insides after a wipe down with wipe spirit (to remove any grease and oxide residue). Cheap and worked a treat, meaning you can indeed get away (like you have) with the cheaper uncoated ones.

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thanks for the advice. I had the same concern, and prior to buying I asked the guy to put some neoprene inside.

Wys

Just love your number plate Greg....

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2010 XT660Z
Suzuki DRZ400E
Suzuki PE175Z

Very interesting!!! I have an X fitted with Leo Vince pipes and I recently fitted a Givi set of frames and also Givi Trekker aluminium boxes
see http://www.givi.it/Valigie-laterali/...TRK33N-TREKKER
My travelling is road and no off road, recently a 5 day trip round Sardegna for instance, the luggage system was great with plenty of capacity and I also bought the internal bags they sell http://www.givi.it/Bauletti/optional/T484 so when you arrive you leave the cases on the bike and just carry the bag which is much easier. Givi is not cheap, however!!!

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(Now sold on, sob) 2011 Blue XT660X with gold wheels, was 26,500 km.
Engine mods: K&N Stage 1 filter, DNA Stage 2 filter, snorkel removed, Kev fuel mod fitted.
Plus: smoked Puig screen, Yam aluminium sump guard, Yamaha / Acerbis handguards, Givi Trekker aluminium side cases, Leo Vince X3 cans plus Kev front fork mod and Fender Xtender. Just fitted Michelin Road Pilot 3 tyres.

SOLD the XTX for a Super Ten 1200. And just bought a Raptor 700 so staying on here for some tips....