Oxford Lifetime Panniers - WTF?

[Phil D]

All packed up for my euro trip tomorrow with my new second hand oxford lifetime panniers. Just did a trial fit for the first time to my 2001 Hornet and these things are horrendous to fit! Theres absolutely no way i can do it alone (mind you they are fully loaded) but still really difficult.

They have 3 velcro straps, one which goes under the seat and 2 which go over. There are 2 sets of cut outs in the hornets rear cowl which look like they could maybe be there for some sort of strap but the seat definitely doesn't fit if i put the bottom strap any where near them. I managed to get the seat on after much faffing about with the bottom strap in this position:

https://s27.postimg.org/4vguzjlg3/photo_5.jpg

The seat had to be really rammed on with both panniers having the weight taken off them to allow the bottom strap to 'sag' enough i suppose.


Top straps done up:

https://s27.postimg.org/idnrbtxlf/photo_2.jpg

As the older hornets have high exhausts it means the right hand pannier literally sits on it with all its weight. its not even on the bottom pannier more of the inside panel:

https://s27.postimg.org/62ze5i0yb/photo_3.jpg

The exhaust has a heat shield an all but after an 8 hour+ ride is the pannier likely to be plastiwelded to my bike!?

https://s27.postimg.org/3x53azxhv/photo_1.jpg


Finally it comes with 2 little straps on each pannier that don't seem to be there to attach to anything specific, i guess they are just for added security.. the back ones can attach to the grab rail:

https://s27.postimg.org/u41ot7qdv/photo_4.jpg

But there doesn't seem to be anything for the fronts to go on to so I've just taken them off for now

[stinkwheel]

You might be interested to hear they never used to come with that middle strap, just the top two. You needed either non-slip matting under them or to have a bag or pillion on top of them to stop them sliding backwards.

How hot does the exhaust heatshield get? Too hot to touch with your bare hand? If it does, I wouldn't be resting the panniers on it without additional protection like some silicone matting or foil-backed pipe insulation.

Also be aware that if they are pushing the exhaust slightly in to the centre of the bike, it can cause the can to foul the tyre slightly at extreme suspension compression. Took me AGES to work out what was causing the stripe round my tyre.

On the plus side, the lifetime warranty doesn't cover the zips so you only need to live with them for two or three years.

Top tip: Don't have them expanded before you leave. Pack less shit. They are as neatly packed as they will be when you leave. Your stuff is going to take up more space as your trip goes on and you will aquire more stuff along the way. Leave room for it.
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“Rule one: Always stick around for one more drink. That's when things happen. That's when you find out everything you want to know.”
I did the 2010 Round Britain Rally on my 350 Bullet. 89 landmarks, 3 months, 9,500 miles.

[Llama-Farmer]

I considered getting some Oxford X50 panniers for my Hornet, so went down to the local bike shop and trial fitted some.

It took both me and one of the showroom guys about 30 minutes to fit empty panniers to the bike so that the seat would refit and lock in place.

Even then it meant the pannier was sat on the exhaust, but that would be ok in my case because the zaust is a Micron carbon one which doesn't even get as warm as your average greggs sausage roll when running. Infact on the day the exhaust was hot but only because of the direct sunlight.


In the end I decided not to buy them, but haven't completely written off the idea. Will be interested to hear what you say about them after the trip.
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Current Bike: 1999 Honda CB600 FX Hornet
Next Bike: I want a CBR-RR. And I want an F800 GS-A. And a VFR 800. Can I have all 3?
Dream Bikes: Honda VFR750R RC30, Honda NSR500, Ducati 996 R

[CieL]

[CaNsA]

You see all those plastic loops on the panniers?

Use a bungee to pull the panniers together.

[chickenstrip]

[grr666]

The hard luggage on my bike makes it quite wide as well.
I can really feel the extra drag at speed with them fitted.
Done plenty of filtering with them on though, they are just slightly further out than my mirrors
so assuming my mirrors fit through comfortably then the boxes should as well. Fingers crossed anyway.

https://i832.photobucket.com/albums/zz250/grrthefearless/Brisky%20shots/bikerear1noreg_zpsc8b2d6a9.jpg
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Currently enjoying products from Ford, Mazda and Yamaha
Ste wrote: Avatars are fine, it's signatures that need turning off.

[arry]

Yup ^ Having the panniers on makes such a difference to the ride


OP - a mate of mine made up custom heat shields for the sides of his R1, so that he could run those panniers. I have no doubts whatsoever the exhaust would have melted them

https://i283.photobucket.com/albums/kk301/arryR32/10525642_703641453062970_5016713752846869303_n_zps741e219f.jpg

[Llama-Farmer]

^^ Do they support the weight of the pannier as well?
____________________
Current Bike: 1999 Honda CB600 FX Hornet
Next Bike: I want a CBR-RR. And I want an F800 GS-A. And a VFR 800. Can I have all 3?
Dream Bikes: Honda VFR750R RC30, Honda NSR500, Ducati 996 R

[arry]

[John933]

Don't know if you can do this. But had the same problem with my exhausts. So just got a bracket made up and lowered them. Now bag fit with out touching. I have no idea if you can do the same.
John933
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My trip

[Clanger]

One of the reason I bought a bike with low level exhaust is because I go camping and use my soft panniers regularly. The D rings on the luggage is helpful to attach to many areas of the bike, such as rear foot-peg hangers, grab-rail.

I cut off the middle strap and use both the 'top' straps under my Versys seat. You will soon get used to sorting them out on your bike, it just takes a little practice. I also fit the panniers on 'unloaded', then load when on the bike...less hassle.

I've had mine many, many, many, many years now, no issues.
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Be who you are and say what you feel, because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter won't mind - Dr. Seuss

[FrankGill]

The Missus and I use Oxford panniers, never use the strap under the seat, as stated if you use some of the non slip mat and have other stuff strapped on top or pillion I never have a problem. The Wife also sewed on a cheap oven glove where the pannier might come into contact with the exhaust. I will admit you have to be inventive with all the bungees to secure them to the bike. we have done several long trip's and weekends using them over the last 4yrs and for the price cannot fault them.

[stinkwheel]

[chickenstrip]

Honestly, the number of luggage items we bin or put to show stock cos a zip tag has come off! Get the dealer to speak to his rep - those guys'll take anything back! It may be their stated policy not to, but in reality they like to keep the dealers (who like to keep the customers) happy.

If you're (as a BCF member) having problems with this, PM me and I'll see what I can do. It's not usual for me to get involved in this side of things, but if I can help, I will.
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Chickenystripgeezer's Biking Life (Latest update 19/10/18) Belgium, France, Italy, Austria tour 2016 Picos de Europa, Pyrenees and French Alps tour 2017 Scotland Trip 1, now with BONUS FEATURE edit, 5/10/19, on page 2 Scotland Trip 2 Luxembourg, Black Forest, Switzerland, Vosges Trip 2017
THERE'S MILLIONS OF CHICKENSTRIPS OUT THERE!

[stinkwheel]

[c_dug]

You threw away bags because of a broken zip tag?!?

Never heard of keyring loops? Perfect replacement.


Op, if I had bags resting on the exhaust like that and needed a short notice fix, the oven gloves would soon need replacing.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[stinkwheel]