Vulnerable insecure panniers

[ChrisB]

Having watched the video of how easy it is to remove the GTR panniers, and then approaching a Kawasaki UK service advisor who denied all knowledge (I wouldn't expect any other response from Kawasaki or any other manufacturer), I wonder has anyone found a cure as I am going to France in May. I dont mind making the panniers fixed in some way as long as they are secure. Cheers ChrisB.

[Lonewolf]

I've seen the video you are referring to and I tried to get my panniers off that way and I couldn't. Can you?

[Kwikasfuki]

What colour are the latches? If they are orange it should be fine. Red and you need to see the dealer about a recall.

Regardless, always make sure the panniers are on ok

[Winston Smith]

Having watched the video of how easy it is to remove the GTR panniers, and then approaching a Kawasaki UK service advisor who denied all knowledge (I wouldn't expect any other response from Kawasaki or any other manufacturer), I wonder has anyone found a cure as I am going to France in May. I dont mind making the panniers fixed in some way as long as they are secure. Cheers ChrisB.

What video?

As stated, the original red latched cases had issues breaking - I guess the video is regarding some form of being able to remove them

[ChrisB]

What colour are the latches?
When I was first thinking about buying a GTR, I saw the video and asked the Kawasaki service guys about it, at the NEC show last year. Both of the Kawasaki guys told me the same story.
1. The catches were changed from red to orange to show the catches were the later/modifed type. This was in response to panniers "jumping off" and falling into the road when hitting a bump at speed. They told me that the problem had been reported in the USA and Australian markets, but not UK models.
2. They denied all knowledge of the theft problem and seem genuinely surprised when I offered to demonstrate. Of course they declined my offer, understandably so, being on the NEC stand in full public view.
3. Yes, I can remove my right pannier without unlocking the latch mechansim, but not the left side as this is a much tighter fit for some reason. Mine is a 2009 09 reg model with orange catches.
Cheers Chris

[Lonewolf]

This is the video, or certainly one of them. The guy appears to have the modified orange catches, as do I, but my panniers are rock solid and aint going anywhere unless I unlock them.

Click on this ere video link for a gander!

[MGvalerio]

Having watched the video of how easy it is to remove the GTR panniers, and then approaching a Kawasaki UK service advisor who denied all knowledge (I wouldn't expect any other response from Kawasaki or any other manufacturer), I wonder has anyone found a cure as I am going to France in May. I dont mind making the panniers fixed in some way as long as they are secure. Cheers ChrisB.

Questa è la mia soluzione anti scippo borse.

"http://www.youtube.com/embed/sY4ihFdCKd4"

Valerio.

[tadpole]

At the bike show at the NEC last year i spoke to a tech guy on the kawasaki stand who very sheepishley admited they were awere of the problem and had informed the factory?? Have been down to my local dealer since and had no knowlage of this problem till i sent them the link to the video. bewere of doing any mods to secure the cases as this will invalidate any waranty as per local dealer.

[Rusty]

I have seen the video and it looks awful for Kawasaki UK, but I have never heard of or seen or read about anyone having their panniers nicked .... if it were a REAL problem them K would have done something about it .... me thinks. The bottom line is ... don't worry about it !

[Winston Smith]

+1  ^^

[ChrisB]

I'm not a trouble maker but I do know a bit about how the motor trade works, and will not easily be fobbed off with poor service. I worked in the car industry in parts and service management for 20 years, 10 with Rover and 10 with SAAB, and still have many friends in the industry. A manufacturer will not admit to anything that is not safety related for fear of damaging their PR. The old line used to be say nothing and admit bugger all until the punter has proof. Kawasaki is no different than any other manufacturer when it comes to image and costs. I could tell you some real horror stories from well known and respected german and swedish car makers, but obviously not in public. But thats by the by, I would just like to secure my panniers and think I will go the nut and bolt method. I would rather fight my corner with a warranty claim than lose my panniers and contents on holidays. If the panniers were to need replacement under warranty, the maker needs to prove that any modification was a factor in the fault. Don't be frightened of fighting your corner or complaining, but it must be done properly and calmly.

[Hans]

ChrisB: English car industry has not got the best reputation - and will undoubtedly remain with a bad reputation! Total respect for your position I would argue that Japanese quality stands out clearly in favor of the British car industry. The same goes for motorcycles, ie. difference for Italian and Japanese bikes! My contention is supported by the German ADAC, the Danish FDM, the Swedish Bilvärket ...

Kawasaki is very open and honest in terms of "recall"on their motorcycles. Applied to the European distributor and including the Danish/Nordic Kawasaki distributor, so there are actually made ​​an official "recall" on installation of "panniers". It has proved - assessed solely on the Nordic units - there is no common feature of any problems - and that problems seem to be scattered at all "batches". Only sensible test you can do is to try removing the "panniers"- and if the problem exists, then Kawasaki replace free of charge with new fittings.

Incidentally, I have only praise for both Kawasaki and Honda in terms of "recall"on their products.