Hi all,
Am contemplating to purchase some additional storage space. Any advice on what type to get ?

I've only use the cheapo fake Komine soft pannier and sidebox . Depends on how often you're using your bike.. The soft pannier torn within one month using daily with loads around 2kgs max per side.. I then turn to sidebox and never turn back.. Even changed to sportier bike also I still fit sidebox in.. Easier to fit and take off without hassle of tightening the straps like soft pannier.. Also more secure coz can lock..

Only nice thing about soft pannier is you can use without bracket, which makes bike look nicer when took off.. But then I also think that is why the pannier torn so fast, coz lack support.. Then even got rain cover, it only cover the outer side.. Inner side still got splash by the tires and will wet inside.. Not sure about those those qenuine side pannier if you can up your budget.. But those might cost higher than sidebox..

I learned to travel light during my bicycle touring days. Thus I only need a 30 liter Uglybros tail bag and a hard case tool box. I have another Uglybros 20 liter bag to add if I need more space.



This post has been edited by gataddhin: Sep 28 2022, 11:02 AM

I ride my Tiger to work, other times I tour on it.

My priorities are keeping the weight down when I tour & keeping the girth narrow when I commute. So I went with a pair of Enduristan Monsoon Evo soft panniers that don't add a ton of weight when I tour which I can remove & fold flat for easy storage at home when I commute.

My collapsible Shad 59x top box stays on all the time to offer all the lockable storage I need when commuting, without having to rely in the panniers.

When touring, all my carry-ons are placed in the soft panniers & the top box only carries lightweight stuff in order to keep the center of gravity low.

The soft pannier's proximity to my exhaust worried me, so when I had the pannier racks custom made I also asked the fella to add a heatshield to block the exhaust heat from damaging the pannier next to it.

I had the fake Komine semi hard bags.


Pros and cons of soft/hard panniers

Pros of softbag
1) lighter
2) cheap for the fake komine ones... i paid less than 100
3) flexible mounting, can easily switch from bike to bike
4) safer if you happen to drop your bike and bag on you (important if you are going off road)
5) dont "need" pannier racks which spoils the look of the bike if you dont have the boxes on.

Cons
1) usually not waterproof. Waterproof softbags are expensive and higher end bags still require pannier frames
2) those without racks may scratch your paint
3) may need additional support
4) cheap bags like the cheap fake komines dont last. They fade in the sun, and the mounting points will tear and the bags itself will go out of shape
5) no way to securely lock them


I am now using GIVI E23 side panniers. they are much heavier (with the addition to the racks) but they are weather sealed and easier to get on and off. It also doubles as my chair and table when camping.









which ever setup, its enough for a few days camping trip, so touring on it is no problem. Learnt to pack light from bicycling days also. Besides, last thing you want is to go off road with an overloaded bike.

This post has been edited by jaycee1: Sep 28 2022, 11:28 AM

rich fag spotted. Hahahahahaha

Those Enduristan Evos damn expensive...but very very very good.

>> Thanks for the input. Hmm... looks like soft panniers has a lots more cons especially the replicates. I do not really care much about aesthetics. As long as it is functional and not an eye sore on the road, i can live with it.

>> Thanks for the input. This is an option to even further expand storage space. Uglybros tail bag looks nice. Is it holding up with the weather?

>> I am trying to realize this... bike and all.

>> Thank you for sharing. Wow! Nice. Pretty high end stuff, don't you get bother or feel insecure about theft etc. ?

>> Thanks for the list. Certainly helps.


Personally, from what was commented, I will start off with hard boxes then maybe switch to soft ones (reasonable brands) if I find them not suitable.
Having a small bike, I am also under the impression, boxes gives you a bit more larger target for vehicles to avoid on the road.

If you start off with hardboxes, keep in mind, unless you are using really slim boxes, your panniers will stick out more than your handlebars. Something to think about when you are filtering through traffic.

Also, once you have racks, the cheaper soft bags might not fit, unless you go with those Enduristans. Hahaha


What bike do you ride btw?

Uglybros tail bags are waterproof and they are copies of Kriega bags. I paid around RM140 for Ugybros 30l bag vs Kriega US30 bag RM850. I paid RM59 for my hard case.

I have a pair of lockable Steelcore security straps, but I find it a hell lot easier to just remove the panniers when I get to my destination.

I've dropped my loaded bike while hustling it out of parking before - the soft panniers cushioned the bike, nothing dented, broken or bent.

btw.. what do you call this "suitcase"/side box?

Protective Equipment Case with Sponge Hard Flight Carry Case

https://shopee.com.my/product/10203467/6834...10-1664399619.9


Or you can consider this

Rhinowalk motorcycle bag

https://a.aliexpress.com/_msjK8JI

Thanks for the hints. Really appreciate it.

Sorry for being lengthy, but how do you secure the flight carry case to the bike?

First I sprayed matt black paint to the metal plates, bolts and nuts. Drilled 2 holes on the back of the case. Connected the case with metal plates to the existing rack mount.

Later I made a lock on the case. My bike came with free 3-piece lock set for mounting and locking one aluminum top case and two aluminum side cases. My ignition key can open all 3 locks.

Mind sharing the link for the tailbag? How long did it take to arrive?

Thanks

Anyway..for my touring i started off with this



And finally ended up with this



This post has been edited by mADmAN: Sep 29 2022, 12:23 PM

MYR 68.74 75%OFF | Waterproof Motorcycle Rear Seat Bag Moto Long-Distance Driving Journey Luggage Bag Motocross Backpack Saddle Bag 10L 20L 30L
https://a.aliexpress.com/_msHSV1O

I think it took 2 weeks to arrive.

For security for my tail bag, I bought a used Anti Thief Pacsafe. (RM100). Yet to use it. So far, I used a bicycle cable lock wrapped around the tail bag when I was having my lunch across the road in Betong.

RESPECT!

Thanks....

Nice... Not much naked-sport bike going for full box... When I did mine all asking why I don't straight go for V-strom.. Haha.. Anyway, ultimately I also find it much less hassle with traditional hard case.. Yea there are some pros in soft pannier, but just not my preference..

Just get a hard pannier ~ worry free about rain and all