Stolen Panniers

[Brizzlerob]

Being the recipient of Pross' older bike I can say that his solution seems to be much better than those suggested since. No need for any spanner, screwdriver or coin to remove a bolt that is a bit of a pain in the bum; rather than sliding in/out two pins which take up minimal space. Every one to their own though I guess.

[Lloyd]

Panniers pinned today nice and easy with detent pins

[Redd]

Sorry to jump on an old thread, but an important issue and one that I do not fully understand yet. I am not so concerned about the theft of my panniers, as they will not be on the bike overnight and in my hotel room. I am concerned about the stories of the panniers coming off at speed.

I have not seen many reports from later model GTR's of this happening, is this because the issue has been resolved or people are wise to the fact and have added additional security?.

[PRD]

I believe this was a problem with the Gen 1 model. I have never experienced it on my two gen 2 models. You can buy some hooks that fit over handle to make sure it does not undo. But on my last tour did not bother and all was well.

[Redd]

good to know, thank you PRD

[virginiajim]

Pins keep the panniers from launching like depth charges.  They aren't anti-theft.   There was a recall on the early models to change the holding mechanism to keep them from depth charging the panniers.  Even after the recall works we've heard of panniers still depth charging depending on how loose they fit and how large a bump in the road is.  This looseness makes it easier to steal them.  One of our US members 'Zteve' came up with wire solution to eliminate the looseness of panniers to the bike.  I used them on mine.  Tightened them up nicely so very difficult to shake them out of the lock.

http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=24057.msg300359#msg300359

[Lonewolf]

Jim, yes I had the wire system and if we are talking about the same system, they just slotted in under the pannier handles negating any drilling of bike parts. They worked very well if I recall.

[virginiajim]

That's the one.  Very secure.

[Redd]

I watched the video however no indication of the solution. Also the link talks about the brackets to prevent the bags coming off but no pictures. Does anyone have a picture of the brackets?

[ChrisB]

The pins do not prevent the panniers from being stolen. In my case I removed a the upper bolt from the black locating brackets and drilled a hole in each pannier to align with the vacant thread and replaced the original screw with the same but longer and a washer, fixed from inside the pannier. The makes the cases thief proof (if there is such a thing) and semi permanent fixed. I use inner bags, so have no need to remove the actual panniers except for cleaning and maintenance. There are articles covering this on this forum and also the American concours and 1400gtr forum.

[ray1151]

As per Chris, I've drilled a couple of little holes in the panniers and screwed them on using longer set screws and penny washers into the rear stays. Too many bikes in too small a garage for them to be left on but this has not created any problems.
Living in London and having everything that isn't screwed down (and some that is)stolen this has so far been a cheap and effective fix.

Sorry to hear about your panniers, I am so *ucked off with people stealing stuff that others have worked hard for.

[GLA55Y]

Just reading through the forum and have jumped onto this thread. Very worrying to see one of the side cases flying down the road !
I'm not sure if the 2010 model has any issues but not taking any chances.
I've gone for the bolt through the case into the lower stay method.
Using these.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Knurled-Thumb-Screws-Stainless-Steel-M5-Hand-Grip-Bolts-Carbolts-Manufacturing/222687082509?ssPageName=STRK%3AMEBIDX%3AIT&var=521700875597&_trksid=p2057872.m2749.l2649

Bought 4, to have two spares.

[Lonewolf]

I believe it was the pre 2010 model which was vulnerable.

[Boomer]

08/09 models WERE affected.
Most have had the Recall done that replaced the faulty red mechanisms with the working orange ones.
All you need to do is make sure that the latch engages fully, but that applies to all year models.

[Deepseamdv]

There is a vulnerability with the lock that allows a knowledgable thief to open the lock without a key. There is also a mod to prevent this. I modified my locks several years ago. In the next few days I'll pull a lock out to show what needs to be done and post some photos. As far as the bags coming off while riding it has happened to all years. The number one cause is loose screws inside that hold the handle/lock assembly in place. Next is incorrectly attaching the bag to the bike.