Suitable panniers for a small cruiser?

[Gone Burger]

Hi. I'm currently looking to try and fit some panniers on my bike as I will be heading up country shortly.

Problem is, my cruiser (Keeway Supershadow) is very small, and many panniers look to large for it. I'm not worried about the mounting, can figure something out. But has anyone come across some smaller panniers that may be suitable with a universal fit? My indicators are not situated right at the back of the bike, and limit the avalable space to hang bags nicely on the side.

Just curious to know if I am wasting my time going down this track..

[Ratti]

Maybe cycle panniers? They are cheap and not too big. Just check they wont hang onto your exhaust when they are full.

I have a spare set here if you want to try the idea out. pm me and you can call in one night on the way home.

[turtleman]

As you're intending on flicking the bike off soon(ish), I wouldn't bother buying saddle bags for it - save your $$$ for the new bike and get bags to suit that !
So, if possible, see what ya can borrow first.

If Ratti hasn't got anything suitable, come and see me as I have a couple of sets here, one of which may do the job. (PM me if ya can't remember where I am ) ...

[mazz1972]

No pack rack?

My cruiser isn't too big, and we've got a set of Oxford First Timers panniers (expandable) which fit great.....and just sling over the seat and hook on to various bits of the bike with small bungy cords.

If you can borrow something, even better.

[sleemanj]

I had Willie & Max leather saddle bags on an XV250 (Virago) for a few years (these ones I think: http://www.surfsidepowersports.com/acatalog/Surfside_Powersports_WILLIE___MAX_THE_MECHANIC_SAD DLEBAG_901.html ).

Not exactly cheap, and certainly were not waterproof or secure (just a flap and a buckle), but they served me well for my day to day requirements for a few years and they looked good too in keeping with the cruiser style. They just "threw over" the (I'll be polite) passenger seat, and I think I used a few cable ties to discretely attach to the frame. Now that I think about it, I'm surprised they didn't go walk about, I'd leave that thing parked all over the place with them on. For a long-weekend trip, they'd have done the job, I could fit at least a 12 pack of coke each side :-)

Anyway, what was my point, I don't know, I guess that your Supershadow (about the same as an XV I think) is not so small and you should be able to get a good pair of saddle bags on it no trouble. And you can keep the saddle bags for the next bike, I have my W&M's in the garage somewhere for my next cruiser, only reason I don't use them is I have a tank bag for my day to day, and some huge Oxford Sports saddlebags for longer travels.

I'd say you should be able to fit any of the Oxford line without much trouble, the "1st Timers" are smaller than the Sports. The low exhaust on your bike will make fitting quite easy, and cable ties/a bit of cord will take care of the rest.

[Gone Burger]

Hey everyone. Thank you kindly for your help on this one.

I have just brought a pair of oxford 1st timers sports panniers. Not exactly the "cruiser" look but they seem to be pretty small, and I can sneak them in JUST infront of my indicators.

I also appreciate the offer to borrow something. But I always feel terrible about borrowing things off people, just hate to inconveniece people.

But I'm good to go now for my road trip, and will most probably sell these with the bike when I return.

Once again, thanks for your help, much appreciated. (By the way, the bike that I am currently keeping my eye on for my next bike has them already, and they look just perfect for the bike).