Author Topic: Panniers without any rack  (Read 995 times)

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Offline RederOR

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Panniers without any rack
« on: January 20, 2022, 12:11:36 »
Hello,
I'd like to buy soft panniers. I noticed that many of you use some racks - is it really necessary ? I looked for the pannier racks but the price is around £100 (then the panniers roughly £100 again - I was thinking to but these https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/393429 or https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/451761). Is it possible to install securely panniers without rack (so they will not flap like crazy when cornering and won't burn from the exhaust or get hit by rear wheel) ? The bike is 650XT 2020.
P.S. I ride alone so no problem with panniers belts over the seat.

Offline BigAldo

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #1 on: January 20, 2022, 15:43:56 »
I have a set of unused red Oxford Sovereign soft panniers which I bought years ago and never got round to using. Just Google 'Oxford Sovereign Panniers' and you'll find pictures of the red ones. They're in perfect condition although a bit dusty from storage and have the straps and rain covers. £50.
I'm in Blantyre, so you're welcome to come and have a look to see if they are suitable.
Just drop me a PM.

Offline Pannier Down

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #2 on: January 20, 2022, 23:01:38 »
I've just purchased the Cosmo racks for my 1050. I have Oxford panniers which I have used a few times but they don't sit right and lean in towards the wheel.  The  rack will give sufficient support for them to sit straight and also make it easier to secure the bags.

Offline Gert

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #3 on: January 21, 2022, 06:10:38 »
Have you had a look at https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=39467.0 ?  You could go the DIY route to fabricate a rail / bar to keep the soft luggage clear of the rear wheel. A pix or three of an example of a DIY luggage rail project, is posted on the French site http://www.DL650.org/photos/pbsoluces/Michio/barre/index.html

Offline Brockett

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #4 on: January 21, 2022, 10:27:54 »
SW-Motech do some great bags that strap over the pillion seat and don't need a rack or birdcage on the back of the bike. They don't make the bike as wide as side bags can. Look for dry bags. https://sw-motech.co.uk/collections/drybags-tail-bags. I bought the 70 litre version and it is far too big for my needs. So make sure you know what you intend to put in it.
This doesn't last forever, so do it while you can.

Offline RederOR

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #5 on: January 21, 2022, 12:44:44 »
Hello,
Thanks for answers :) I already bought a tail bag (dry bag) but wanted to also add panniers. Seems like some sort of brackets are necessary.

Offline Brockett

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #6 on: January 21, 2022, 15:43:55 »
I wouldn't fit soft bags without a side rail as Sod's Law predicts : "that if a thing can happen, it will happen and at the worst possible moment".
This doesn't last forever, so do it while you can.

Offline porter

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Re: Panniers without any rack
« Reply #7 on: January 21, 2022, 20:25:00 »
I made my own from some flat bar and tubes bought from B&Q. To be honest there a copy of the adventure tech ones from the usa.  Work OK with my Givi sport panniers, which are similar to the first set in your link. If I was doing it again I'd buy the Cosmo rails and some of these  new type waterproof panniers. My Givi's are not even waterproof with the  waterproof covers on!