Width of Panniers

[meisco]

Hi All,

I just exercised some poor financial judgement and put a deposit on an '07 GS Adventure. Dealer says its due here mid-Nov . . . . just in time for some muddy riding when the rains come in December & January. Now let's see if I can continue to show a lack of financial restraint and see what I can load it up with! Oh well, I can live on PB&J sandwiches . . .

I'm interested in the panniers available for the bike. I've read a number of discussions both here and at ADVrider about the various bags available. My question is . . . what is the total width of the various bags? I know the Vario bags will have 2 widths . . . I'm interested in the width when they are in the widest position. Jesses, Micatech, Tourtech, anybody else?

Thanks for any input.

Pete

[Belquar]

Hi Pete. I have a 99 GS. I also have Micatech Pilot cases. I just went out into the garage and measured. I am 38" wide. They are the widest point on the bike. I have knocked over things with them before. Traffic cones. Definitely not lane splitting friendly, but since that isn't allowed here it is no big deal for me.

They are huge though. I can pack a lot of stuff on my bike. A LOT. The side entry is nice too. The access is perfectly flat too so you aren't packing into two halves of a case but the whole thing. There was a picture from the rally this year of another guy with pilot cases that had a case of beer and several bags of ice in one case.

On/off is really easy too.

Brian

[ssls6]

Hi All,

I just exercised some poor financial judgement and put a deposit on an '07 GS Adventure. Dealer says its due here mid-Nov . . . . just in time for some muddy riding when the rains come in December & January. Now let's see if I can continue to show a lack of financial restraint and see what I can load it up with! Oh well, I can live on PB&J sandwiches . . .

I'm interested in the panniers available for the bike. I've read a number of discussions both here and at ADVrider about the various bags available. My question is . . . what is the total width of the various bags? I know the Vario bags will have 2 widths . . . I'm interested in the width when they are in the widest position. Jesses, Micatech, Tourtech, anybody else?

Thanks for any input.

Pete

Jesse Odysses 34"
Jesse Safari 38"
Micatech 38"
BMW Factory 40"

[meisco]

Thanks for the info RLK & Brian!

Brian,

Have your bags ever leaked? How robust is the lock? Where did you buy them?

Pete

[Belquar]

Thanks for the info RLK & Brian!

Brian,

Have your bags ever leaked? How robust is the lock? Where did you buy them?

Pete

My Dad picked up the bike for me in TX and drove it home. 1400+ miles in the rain. He said the left bag leaked a little. I have ridden it in the rain too and never had it leak. He was in it for hours at a time though. I did not buy them. The guy who owned the bike previously bought them. I believe right from micatech but I could be wrong. As I didn't buy them, I don't know if the exhaust plate on them is standard or if it was added by the previous owner. That appears to be where it leaks from. I keep my "bike stuff" in that bag and my rain gear. Pack other stuff elsewhere. I have a big topcase (37L or 41L) Big enough to put my large flip-up helmet and a jacket plus a change of clothes in.

The locks are pretty robust considering their function. They are just metal tabs that swing into place behind the lip of the bag. I am sure anyone determined to get into the bags would be able to with a flat edged prybar. If they want in them that bad they can have what is inside.

I like the bags. You can put large awkward objects in them. They are pretty ugly and very non-aerodynamic but quite functional.

In my three bikes that I have owned I had system cases...they were great. The luggage that comes on the R1200CLC...top case was great. Panniers SUCKED!!! The Micatechs are great. I believe that there is plenty of room for system case mounts between the pilot cases and the bike. Don't know if the rest of the mounting pins would interfere or not. Would be nice to be able to change based on need.

Brian

[61242]

Hi Pete. I have a 99 GS. I also have Micatech Pilot cases. I just went out into the garage and measured. I am 38" wide.

I have a set of Micatech bags on an '05 R12GS. The bags are "slightly" wider than the jugs but not wider than the handlebars. If my bars can get thru the bags will get thru.

I prefer the side-loading of the Micatech's vs. the top-loading bags. The Micatech bags have a "well" that helps prevent stuff from tumbling out. The Micatech bag mounts can be powdercoated to match your frame; silver on my GS, likely black on your Adventure. Helps the mounts to blend in better with the bike.

All the bags previously listed are quality items, it come down to what features you like and what works for you.