Suzuki GSX650F Forum - www.GSX650F.biz

Hi all,

I am going to be taking part in a European tour soon and although my bike has a top box I don't think I am going to be able to fit all my gear in it

So I am thinking about getting some Panniers.... But rather than the hard case Panniers I was thinking about the soft ones so that I can take them off easily when I am not using them. Does anyone know where I can get hold of any for the gsx? I don't really know what I am looking for and would appreciate any help you guys can give. The other thing is that I live in the UK so would need to make sure I could get them shipped over here or whether a store can get them in. Appreciate any help you can give.

Thanks

Ventura is a pretty popular brand here in OZ .I've had the full tail bag and rack on a bike and now have the seat bag and they are good quality and value and hold up well in all sorts of weather.
As always with any bags on bikes ,always pack your gear in plastic bags and then put them in the main bag ,not that they need it ,but it can't hurt to make sure your stuff stays dry in bad weather.
http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/products/

Hi sleddog,

Thanks for the info. This is just what I am looking for! Do you have the Monza II's? Just wondering if those bags fit on the bike ok without touching the exhaust on the side?
I have to that the same with my top box as that isn't water proof either.

Thanks

I just scored a pair of Oxford First Time panniers: http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=17&pid=11&p=
Haven't fitted them properly yet but they stay WAY above the exhaust.
They're not huge, but I figure with a Ventura rack/bag I'll be fine for storage...

I have the seat bag ,not to side bags...you would have to try them on at the dealers or shop.
Our pipe is pretty low but with the larger bags its a 50-50 call ,like I said you would have to try them on the bike. With the Oxford like nitekreepers they sit abit higher ,they are good for bikes with under seat pipes also.
I use a GIVI top box and ventura seat bag and Oxford tank bag ,when I do a trip.
Its plenty ...you can get a tank bag and put it on your rear seat ,works just as well then over the tank and you use it for a back rest.
Also go to a home wears shop or hardwear shop ,they sell "thin" rubber non slip matting for around the house its cheap cheap ,use that under your throw over bags to stop scratchs on the side fairings.
This same non slip rubber matting it like $30 from a bike shop for a small piece ,but at the home wears shops you can get 2 meters long for $10.

http://www.darrowart.com/workshop/images/non-skid.JPG

I ended up buying some soft panniers because I couldnt afford hard panniers. I am glad I did, I think the soft panniers are more versatile. There are times when I have so much stuffed into them that they would be unable to close if they were hard panniers, but the straps on the soft panniers allow them to be fastened semi-closed (e.g. the tops of the bottles of a six pack of beer can stick out the top of the bag). Of course, soft panniers lack security but I keep valuables in my lockable top-box.

The panniers I bought were R-Jays Platinum panniers. I believe this is an Australian brand, and I would NOT recommend them to anyone. I thought that the word "Platinum" and the hefty price tag would have meant they would be super tough but the zips never functioned right from day one. Some of the zips have failed completely. For my purposes this doesnt matter (I use the straps to keep them closed anyway) but I imagine for most people this would have been a deal breaker.

Oxford have two ranges of luggage, "First Time" and "Life Time", with "Life Time" being their premium stuff http://www.oxprod.com/index.php?pg=3&action=dept&id=7&pid=0. I bought a "Life Time" tank bag and I am amazed at the high level of quality, it is just beautiful. I think they also have a lifetime warranty. I regret that I didnt just pay a little extra to get the Oxford panniers. When my current ones finally die, that is exactly what I will buy. Oh yeah, Oxford are a UK brand so you will have no trouble finding them and might get a better deal than the rest of us.

Check that whatever panniers you buy have heat shielding on the underside. Personally, I would also want the strap that goes across the bike to also go UNDER the seat so they cant just be lifted off. Mine have this feature but I am not sure if they all do. Black cable ties are also quick and easy for additional mounting points.

that's the problem with R-Jays, still made in China, just imported into Aussie with R-Jays label. No doubt a generic brand. Having aid that, my first gloves were R-Jays, they were less than $20 and perfectly adequate, even suffering a lowspeed fall and they held up, my knee and jeans were a different matter.

As you are in UK have a look at this place
http://www.getgeared.co.uk/
they have a wide range of luggage.

Steve

Hey guys,
Thanks for all of your input. I forgot to mention that I will be carrying a pillion as well so that's why I am in need of the side Panniers rather than the backseat bag.
The oxford bags sound great so I will have a hunt around for some of those. Having the straps go under the seat would be a big bonus as I am not sure my pillion is going to enjoy sitting on straps for hours on end .
Thanks again

The Oxfords do have straps over the seat; they also have one that goes under...
I plan to fit mine tomorrow so I'll take some pics and you can see how they go.

Awesome, thanks NiteKreeper that would be really great to see!

Nelson & Rigg Silver Streak Panniers, a really fine choice if you can still find them on the market. I believe I got ahold of mine for 80 dollars.

Thanks voided found out my local motorbike Store does something similar to these. Going to try and get them test fitted to the bike at the weekend to see if they are what I am looking for.

Yours look good