just courious to how many ride with full luggage/part luggage. i.e just top box or just panniers or none at all! have got my panniers and top box stored in my garage, can't really see the point of having them on the bike when there empty. for every day use, have the bagster cover and tank bag. can't wait till I go touring so I can put them back on ;)
I don't ever take the top box off unless it's to put it on another bike. I don''t really like tank bags but do use one when we're rallying, on a timed run or a trip.
Kevin
Never put the panniers or top box on unless I have something in them. I would normally use baglux stuff, but I think the harness for the GTR looks shocking, so I bought a tank bag (magnetic) from Hein Gericke which does the job spot on.
Panniers very rarely ever ever come off the bike
Steve
Hi all,
Panniers never come off, impulse shopping etc, but i dont use this bike everyday
Coman
never used the panniers since ihave bought the bike, the top box get used for long runs,food drinks,wet suit etc,but oftern use the bagster to take the smaller items,ie- camera etc.,,,,,buuuuuuut, trip to spain is looming!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!uuuuummmmm.
Top Box on all the time ... panniers on only when I go to France ... tank bag ... NEVER !
always use the top box as it serves as a backrest for the wingman, however im half way through making a backrest . Panniers sometimes on sometimes off, always thought that its something less to get damaged if I drop the bike , plus the filtering disadvatage. They are useful tho for putting the helmets in. however the panniers do give the pillion a lot of protection from water spray off the rear tyre. Once ive done the back rest I think i will stick to panniers but no top box
tank bag is only used on tours, hooks at the top and velcros at the bottom
Hardly ever take the panniers and top box off because I use the bike for shopping as well.
If I go for a ride with my mates I always carry a full 5l fuel can and rain gear in one of the panniers but take the top box off.
The extra fuel has come handy a few times already. ;D
When I go to the mainland I carry a large sports bag tied on the pillion seat with a bungee spider too.
I always use the bike with its panniers but rarely use the top box unless I'm going away for a few days.
Never used the luggage since I picked up bike in July, now covered 5000 mls. 8)
interesting to see what we all prefer. I don't mind using a tank bag, infact they come in very handy to lean on :D but have tried various tank bags in the past. and find the bagster cover and bag the best, ok there more expensive but do have additional protection as well and find them to be not as bulky when unexpanded. suppose that depends on what model tank bag you have really, have allways used the minear which is the midsize bag. big enough to carry fair amount of gear "without expanding it" for items you may want in a hurry and prefer to be eccessible without opening the luggage :)
I keep my luggage (panniers) on all the the time. The top-box is for touring!
I always use a tank bag when touring (even if I don't use the top box) as I find it handy for 'bits' - wallet, camera, visor wipes, passport.
Used to have the Baglux on my Blackbird, always worried about getting grit between it and the tank and eventually binned it for SW Motech Bags Connection. Must admit the Baglux cover did save tank when I had a tumble in 2004 though.
I think the GTR (infact all bikes!) look ugly as sin with the top-box only on.
Just to add in my views.
I ride everyday, about 63 mile round trip. I keep the top box on to store helmet but leave the panniers off. The panniers are just a touch wider than the mirrors and I normally have a bit of traffic to filter through so if they are empty I can see the point in leaving them on.
I see that point mattye - fortunately the way I go to work there's no filtering required. I also wear Air-tex kit and always carry a waterproof set in my panniers. Just not a fan of top box's
I had the bagster cover and minea bag on my zzr1200 for several years and it was great. Some how the same set up just does not look right on the gtr, I wanted a system that works with the tank hooks that kawa provide on the plastic tank top. Oxford make a " First time " tank bag which has corresponding hooks and the lower part of the bag has a velcro pad which attached under the seat front. I think this is a neat set up and is easy to undo for fuel access.
sits much better and neater than this on the gtr, the lower straps go under the seat and the bag is just velcro'd to the pad
(http://www.motorbikecrazy.com/acatalog/oxford-first-time-tankbag-strap-on.jpg)
My view is if the mirrors get through, then the rest of the bike will get through. I prefer the look of the bike with the panniers on. The top box ruins it for me
Er, if looks are so important shouldn't you be looking at riding something other than a GTR?
It's a great bike but it's not exactly pretty is it (although I'm pretty sure our Hayabusa would win if they were in an ugly contest! Fortunately the way it looks grows on you).
Kevin
I've found in the past, admittedly not with the GTR but with another machine that the top box caused a bit of instability with the bike in windy conditions, I've never had that with just panniers on.
Quote from: Kevin on January 15, 2012, 12:53:34 PM
Er, if looks are so important shouldn't you be looking at riding something other than a GTR?
That always lies in the eye of the beholder.
I find mine absolutely gorgeous and even with the top case on better looking than most other bikes.
I have to admit I like the look of the Triumph Sprint ST better but wasn't impressed when I actually rode one. ;D
And believe it or not I have very often complete strangers walk up to me telling me that I'm riding a beautiful machine.
With Mattye on that ... can't ride through Central London with panniers. I love the top box but then if you have a high viz vest or bib you can never see much of it from behind as it's all obscured .. like the riders I see wearing a reflective vest ..which of course is great .. but then cover it with a rucksack !! Eh ?? ::) ::)
Quote from: Rusty on January 15, 2012, 02:34:51 PM
With Mattye on that ... can't ride through Central London with panniers. I love the top box but then if you have a high viz vest or bib you can never see much of it from behind as it's all obscured .. like the riders I see wearing a reflective vest ..which of course is great .. but then cover it with a rucksack !! Eh ?? ::) ::)
How many bikers actually get hit from behind?
You've got to be bloody fast to get me! 8)
I know where you are coming from Mecki but nice to be seen from all angles ;D
Quote from: Rusty on January 15, 2012, 02:47:48 PM
I know where you are coming from Mecki
Most likely from behind?
Sorry guys, just couldn't resist ;D ;D ;D
Quote from: mecki on January 15, 2012, 02:41:03 PM
How many bikers actually get hit from behind?
You've got to be bloody fast to get me! 8)
I did once, stopped at a road junction at which I wanted to go straight across bloke behind saw me look right which was clear and set off, as I picked myself up from the butchers shop (mr Braithwaites) doorway the muppet that hit me said that he thought I was going left and had assumed that after looking right that I had gone :'(
Quote from: 100milesaway on January 15, 2012, 03:54:13 PM
I did once, stopped at a road junction at which I wanted to go straight across bloke behind saw me look right which was clear and set off, as I picked myself up from the butchers shop (mr Braithwaites) doorway the muppet that hit me said that he thought I was going left and had assumed that after looking right that I had gone :'(
You reckon he would have seen you if your bike would have been lit up like a Christmas tree, you had a flare on your lid and a high-viz vest on?
I'd say he just didn't look at all.
Quote from: mecki on January 15, 2012, 04:25:45 PM
You reckon he would have seen you if your bike would have been lit up like a Christmas tree, you had a flare on your lid and a high-viz vest on?
I'd say he just didn't look at all.
Spot on
I always use the bike with its panniers - the bike is *very* ugly without! :o
Panniers and top box stored in garage - ready for touring. daily use,I like to travel v light. May invest in tank bag, not sure. I do think that the bike looks great with or w/o panniers, but a top box looks 'orrible' on any bike, but boy are they convenient. I am now using rucksack for taking crap to/from work - which is okay if not too loaded - and yes it does cover a large chunk of the hi-vis!
I must say I am very puzzled by you guys who bought a bike that comes with luggage, then leave that luggage in the garage and use a tank bag or rucksack ;D
For me, the topbox never comes off, and the panniers only get put on if I am away for a few days and need the extra space.
Martin.
I normally have top box fitted most days for my work stuff. When I have slightly more luggage to take with me I'll swap it for the panniers. If I need even more space I'll go with all three. If I need more than that I have a Kreiga US20, a Kreiga US10 and a medium sized tank bag.
If I need a map of where I'm going I'll possibly take the tank bag with any of the above combinations. Most of the time I know where I'm going though or just pull over and refer to my phone / google maps.
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on January 16, 2012, 03:45:03 PM
I must say I am very puzzled by you guys who bought a bike that comes with luggage, then leave that luggage in the garage and use a tank bag or rucksack ;D
For me, the topbox never comes off, and the panniers only get put on if I am away for a few days and need the extra space.
Martin.
well I can't speak for others, but I purchased the gtr1400 for mostly long distance touring, the panniers are good size and with a top box as well I can carry everythink I need to. however! for local ride out's and general commuting here and there, I use the medium sized minear bagster tank bag. can't see the point leaving the luggage on when there's sod all in them. I agree the standard exhaust dose not to the bike any favors with the panniers removed, that's why I fitted a remus carbon hexacone exhaust, now I happen to think the bike looks excellent with or with panniers :) (http://i335.photobucket.com/albums/m474/02zx7r/DSCF5121.jpg)
Topbox always (contains lock, waterproofs, bungees)
Don't take panniers as I filter most days, although way less than when I was commuting to Crawley.
Panniers if I need extra capacity or when touring.
I have a tankbag but hate it as it restricts the steering.
Smaller tankbags are mostly useless so I rarely use it. Use it more on the GTR1000.
If I need to carry more then I bungee it on top of the topbox or on the back seat if riding solo.
Sleeping bags and similar can be bungeed on top of the panniers wrapped in a binbag.
Panniers make the bike too wide for daily filtering.
I'll still filter with them fitted but much more cautiously/slowly
Quote from: Boomer on January 16, 2012, 05:27:20 PM
Topbox always (contains lock, waterproofs, bungees)
Don't take panniers as I filter most days, although way less than when I was commuting to Crawley.
Panniers if I need extra capacity or when touring.
I have a tankbag but hate it as it restricts the steering.
Smaller tankbags are mostly useless so I rarely use it. Use it more on the GTR1000.
If I need to carry more then I bungee it on top of the topbox or on the back seat if riding solo.
Sleeping bags and similar can be bungeed on top of the panniers wrapped in a binbag.
Panniers make the bike too wide for daily filtering.
I'll still filter with them fitted but much more cautiously/slowly
I have the bagster minear tank bag, it's a medium sized bag at 12 ltrs unexpanded. will expand to 21 ltrs, but suppose I will never use it expanded. unexpanded at 12 ltrs is ample room for those items we tend to use and need easy excess to in hurry. it's designed when attached to the bagster harness the steering is not restricted, I have no problem applying either full lock. suppose it what your use to really. I use a bagster tank cover and minear bag on my zzr1400 and found it to be a "god send" when touring the french,swiz alps and italy, never found it a hindrance at any time, even on the twisties ;D when walking around I just used it as a back pack. also comes in dam handy on those long motorway stretchers to lean on :)
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on January 16, 2012, 03:45:03 PM
I must say I am very puzzled by you guys who bought a bike that comes with luggage, then leave that luggage in the garage and use a tank bag or rucksack ;D
For me, the topbox never comes off, and the panniers only get put on if I am away for a few days and need the extra space.
Martin.
errr... the flexibility of having luggage on/off was one of the attractions of the bike (although pales into insignificance) once you actually ride. For anyone that filters (like me) cant see why you'd leave panniers on unless you had to? My back to biking bike was a Deauville (oh lord, let the piss taking commence), - fixed panniers - but I still maintain it was a great re-introduction to biking.
Ruck sack is obviously so convenient and zero impact for getting thru city traffic.
Aye, but removing the panniers has no impact on filtering as the front is equally as wide
ohhh ...alright!! but they must weigh 'something'.... ergo fuel used when not needed....
Quote from: kwarrgtr on January 17, 2012, 01:10:27 PM
ohhh ...alright!! but they must weigh 'something'.... ergo fuel used when not needed....
Thats got to be splitting hairs!
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on January 17, 2012, 01:05:31 PM
Aye, but removing the panniers has no impact on filtering as the front is equally as wide
When did you last filter?
The widest part of my bike is the mirrors.
Apart from that the next widest part not counting the panniers is the fairing where the mirrors mount.
So, when filtering I can put one wing mirror above the car mirror, and on my other side that mirror goes below the other cars mirror. Try doing that with yer panniers on.
Crunch, pannier trashed, car mirror and probably door trashed, and if you've attached your panniers too solidly you may also be lying in the road.
Again if you only filter occasionally, you won't understand the difference.
If you filter every day it won't be long before you start leaving the panniers at home.
My pet hate is ST1300s as although the panniers are removable, if you do the bike looks like it's had a crash.
So, they always ride with panniers on and will not get out of the way to let the rest of us through.
Martin, the Deauville panniers are pretty narrow, unless you fitted the wide pannier lids.
Park your GTR next to a Deauville and compare rear ends.
I would love a Deauville as the design is superb.
Only 4 problems, it's a Honda,..... ::) and it's dull, gutless and bland. ;D
yeah well i thought hair splitting was cumpulsory around here ;D ;D ;D ;D
boomer - sounds like your a regular filterer - like me. One of the big +'s of my bm 800st was the ability to fold in the mirrors on a really tight squeeze...
Quote from: Boomer on January 17, 2012, 02:51:31 PM
When did you last filter?
The widest part of my bike is the mirrors.
Apart from that the next widest part not counting the panniers is the fairing where the mirrors mount.
So, when filtering I can put one wing mirror above the car mirror, and on my other side that mirror goes below the other cars mirror. Try doing that with yer panniers on.
Crunch, pannier trashed, car mirror and probably door trashed, and if you've attached your panniers too solidly you may also be lying in the road.
Again if you only filter occasionally, you won't understand the difference.
If you filter every day it won't be long before you start leaving the panniers at home.
My pet hate is ST1300s as although the panniers are removable, if you do the bike looks like it's had a crash.
So, they always ride with panniers on and will not get out of the way to let the rest of us through.
Martin, the Deauville panniers are pretty narrow, unless you fitted the wide pannier lids.
Park your GTR next to a Deauville and compare rear ends.
I would love a Deauville as the design is superb.
Only 4 problems, it's a Honda,..... ::) and it's dull, gutless and bland. ;D
Only 4 :o""""""""come on Boomer there are more than that ;)
Quote from: Boomer on January 17, 2012, 02:51:31 PM
When did you last filter?
Pah, I routinely do 40 miles of filtering. All i know is if the front of the bike is going through, then the rear is following. :)
If the bike isn't going through, I pull in the mirror and carry on (as the pannier are set lower down).
What's filtering?? ;D
Coney .... I have to say I am not a lover of tank bags but they have come a long way in the last few years ... a friend of mine with a Versys came to France last year with a Quick Lock Tank Bag around the fuel cap and was very pleased with it ... no tank marks and very stable, so from that little experience i would give them the thumbs up ... no idea of price though !
I think they are comparable with the Bagster bags but the important thing is you dont need to spend the same again for a tank cover.
Used the Quick Lock on last 3 machines - wouldn't use any other system now
I reckon its the way to go..for me at least, as I already have the attachment ring on the tank.
Soooo it looks like I'll be dipping into my moth eaten wallet
BTW Chris...remember this day ?
(http://i336.photobucket.com/albums/n326/oldeconey/PICTURESIMPORTED5885.jpg)
I'm very jealous of all this mileage some have to do just to get to work. I have a poxy twelve miles each way to do, it's hardly worth getting kitted up sometimes.
It must be relaxing and therapeutic to have maybe an hours ride each way before work. 8)
Quote from: Lonewolf on January 19, 2012, 08:15:18 AM
It must be relaxing and therapeutic to have maybe an hours ride each way before work. 8)
Only when the traffic isn't backed up for miles
Yeah, it blows monkeys when you have to filter through traffic for 15 miles.
It's mentally exhausting and VERY stressful.
I recently changed jobs just because the commute was going to kill me sooner or later.
Sure, an hour on dry, empty, numpty-free back roads would be a fun commute.
However, I very much doubt if there is such a thing in the UK except maybe in parts of the Highlands.
Quote from: Boomer on January 19, 2012, 10:39:34 AM
Sure, an hour on dry, empty, numpty-free back roads would be a fun commute.
Yep, Bath-ish to Newbury via the back roads almost every day for me. GTR with a 2Bros soundtrack, everyone else taking the M4, music playing away through my earplugs. Heaven.
If only the final destination was not work ;D
Martin.
In the summer my commute is a delight. So many different routes across the Pennines and I can really take the long routes on the way back.
As Boomer says, commuting in heavy traffic isn't fun at all. You have to be switched on.
Quote from: Kwikasfuki on January 19, 2012, 11:25:27 AM
In the summer my commute is a delight. So many different routes across the Pennines and I can really take the long routes on the way back.
As Boomer says, commuting in heavy traffic isn't fun at all. You have to be switched on.
Indeed - I first started riding when I lived in London and worked in Slough. I got on a bike to be able to filter, but it weren't half stressful on the M4 every night!
Quote from: Lonewolf on January 19, 2012, 08:15:18 AM
I'm very jealous of all this mileage some have to do just to get to work. I have a poxy twelve miles each way to do, it's hardly worth getting kitted up sometimes.
It must be relaxing and therapeutic to have maybe an hours ride each way before work. 8)
poxy 12 miles :o that's 7.3 miles more than me at 4.7 miles "oneway" that's why I rarely use my bikes to commute for work. by the time I get the bugger out of the garage and stick my gear on, I'm half way to work in the car :)
K fuki ... you are so right ... you have to be switched on 200% in London ... when I work days I stay with family in Guildford or Cobham .. so no more than 30 ish miles ... to get from Charring Cross to the A3 ... a few miles 5 or 6 takes me bang on 30 minutes .. and I have tried many different routes they all work out the same ... then it's wind it up and go but those London miles are just hectic and you have to be so careful ... even when I'm riding one of those bikes with "go any where" paintwork !! ;D