Are hard panniers worth it?

[TCFA]

I know some bikes that come with OEM panniers have good ones, some are flimsy. I've not had them and so use a roll bag on the back, and/or throwovers. they do the job, (throwovers don't cope with heavy rain v well) but it's also more of a faff taking them off / re loading, and there's obviously the lack of locks.

So - do you rate your hard ones or do you prefer a soft pocket?
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[c_dug]

I'm a fan of hard luggage - my list of pros and cons below:

The good:

- Loads of space (more than any soft luggage I've tried)
- Pretty secure
- Generally quite waterproof
- Good at high speeds (more aerodynamic)
- Longer lasting than most soft bags I've tried
- Will take far more weight than soft bags


The bad:

- Storage of boxes when off the bike is a ballache - the paint on mine is seriously shabby just from lack of decent storage space
- Probably a matter of opinion here but having a rack on at all times can ruin the good looks of a bike

I've had nonfango aftermarket boxes on my diversion, and Honda boxes that came with my VFR. The non-fango boxes were of a much higher quality, the Honda ones are more than acceptable when considered on their own, but in comparison to the nonfango they feel flimsy, like they'd break in a crash.

I've had some pretty decent soft luggage, but other than a BMW branded dufflebag/top box I've never seen soft luggage that will take two helmets.

I also always worry about soft bags at high speed, I've never had one come loose, but when you have to do 200 miles of motorway, peace of mind counts for a lot, and if you compare a couple of velcro straps to some big bits of steel, you can see why the hard luggage comes out on top.

Also anybody who travelled to the last two BCF BBQs with me will testify as to how much I like to load my panniers up - way beyond the manufacturers recommended limits. I wouldn't consider even attempting similar with soft luggage.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[arry]

The hard panniers on the sprint are pretty shit as they're an odd shape. You can barely get a pair of running shoes in one of them

[TCFA]

Cool thanks. My last trip I just used a lomo roll bag and a lomo back pack. Roll bag on with rok straps. Still a bit of a faff getting on and off unless you're happy leaving the other ends of the strap on the bike overnight. With the oxford panniers there's the whole process of seat on and off and umpteen bungees (and a bit leaky in heavy rain with the rain covers just collecting water) but I haven't ever been too worried about them coming off. In the used market (and new) there's just always a premium for the hard stuff.
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[c_dug]

Both of my sets of hard panniers have leaked in very heavy rain - neither top box has though. I'm guessing it's to do with the way the weight pulls on the lid when it's on it's side or something.

Definetly much easier just popping a hard case off at the other end of a trip though, my Honda ones have really decent handles too.
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I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

[TheManWithThe...]

Another benefit to hard panniers is that they will provide some protection in case of an off, keeping a gap between the tarmac and the bike so your legs/feet don't get trapped. Also makes it a tad easier to pick up again afterwards.
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MBK Nitro 50, Sold. Kawasaki ER-5, Honda ST1100
"Anyone can jump a motorcycle! The trouble begins when you try to land it..."

[Enduro Numpty]

I use the panniers that came as standard on my FJR1300. I've heard some people complain that they aren't large enough but I find them more than ample. More space means more room to carry more unnecessary stuff. They are waterproof, very easily attached/detached, easy to carry off the bike and look good. Way better than any soft bags that I've ever had experience of.

[Casper]

Got my lifetime Oxford throw overs in the mid 90's and still using them along with a top box.

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

[TCFA]

Enduro Numpty off topic but how do you rate the FJR? Still looking for the right (next) bike (comfort, miles, fun)
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Then: Kawasaki ZZR250 > Suzuki Across 250 > Suzuki SV650 > Honda CB750
Now: Honda CBR600F and Triumph Tiger 800 XRT

[alan29]

Always gone for Givi hard boxes. Space, security, waterproof.

[Enduro Numpty]

[Polarbear]

The thing I love about the luggage on my Trophy is the ease of taking it off and walking into the hotel with smart suitcases and not plastic bags, throwovers etc.

Hard luggage every time for me. I have truly had enough with bungee straps and flapping throwover panniers.

Plus the top box is powered, great for charging phones etc.
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Triumph Trophy Launch Edition

[TheManWithThe...]

[Howling TerrorOutOfOffice]

Yes, yes that's exactly what happened to me too.
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The Harry Turner Project

[talkToTheHat]

Really worth it.

Body colour ones are a liability off the bike and OEM can be super spendy. I like the givi/kappa kit as it's simple and tough. Sw motech's quicklock evo racks will fit a range of aftermarket boxes with a swap of fitting kits.

Come in from a meeting with some e21 boxes on, 10 seconds to rip them off the bike, on go some bigger e45 boxes and I'm off to the supermarket without having to piss about unpacking. Similarly i left my pillion packing the e45 boxes for a weekend away whilst i was out all morning. Swap boxes and a a coffee and we're away. So easy!

I had some soft panniers untill they broke, use a rolltop bag and rockstraps from time to time and occaisonally a little tank/tail pack to separate day/carry kit from overnight kit. With hard luggage you at least have to shove it about hard enough to set off the alarm so there is a degree of security. I dont like leaving soft luggage unattended. It's convenient to leave riding kit in hard luggage whilst shopping or in a meeting.

Only times i use soft luggage is waiting for luggage racks to arrive when i change bikes.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[RodYork]

Go for a mix.
side panniers- soft
top box -hard
Keep all your valuables in the topbox & in the soft panniers food/clothes etc

Its ultimately personal choice, but I have had touratech aluminium side panniers and I now prefer soft sides...for specifically the reason someone says not to have them...On an off, I don't want to get my leg caught with hard panniers & when filtering, I want soft panniers (which are easily waterproofed further with a builders "rubble" bag.
If you are sleeping in a hotel (whimp!)- then take the inner bags with you & carry the top box (givvi) like a suitcase.
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Bike trip through Europe! https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z2yTtFPM7Xc

[talkToTheHat]

The right boxes make great crash bungs. My givi e45 boxes are a proper state, and mostly not my doing. Also said boxes are nearly indestructiable. Apparently e21s shatter but i have not tested.
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Bandit. does. everything.

[doggone]

The hard ones always seem very pricey unless you are sure you will keep that bike a long while or prepared to keep buying fitting kits.
I prefer to manage with a tailpack style bag + tankbag (easier without pillion)

[Matt B]

Had hard luggage on the 1100 Pan, it's useful but the odd shape of the panniers can be a pain. Nowadays I've decided all you need is a Kriega US30. Holds enough for 2 weeks, absolutely solid when mounted, tested to silly speeds on German Autobahns and 100% waterproof even in torrential rain. Cheap compared to hard luggage, comes off without leaving ugly framework, doesn't make your bike look nasty and can be used on anything you own in the future. The only downside compared to hard luggage is security. The ability to walk off and leave your stuff locked in panniers or a top box is reassuring when touring.
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stinkwheel: He had an animated .gif of a cat performing fellatio. It's not socially acceptable. It can have real life adverse effects on other people.

[noobRider]

I keep my panniers on my Sprint 955 all the time. V useful, can fit a helmet in, keep my wet weather gear in there + tools etc, but not so big as to get in the way when filtering. Save the back end when I drop the bike too
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Licence: Nov 2012, Bikes: Suzuki GN125, Moto Guzzi Strada 750, Triumph Sprint ST 955i x 2
AnPhonEh: I need plans, I need contingency plans also, I need back up contingency plans