Sports bike panners? On a 250?

[McDuck]

Well basically i want to be able to carry some stuff around, general shit that people need on my katana 250. Can you get side panners for them that look ok and dont spoil appearance to much? I am going to be doing some tripping around NZ on it to so will need space for that. Any tips from you guys?
Thanks peoples :love::yes:

[McDuck]

Also top boxes? What do ya think of them?

[Les]

G'day. Forget about panniers and go for a Ventura pack frame unless you are set on panniers. I tried them and I reckon that they're nothing but a hassle and awkward with bungees, etc. and they shift around. Forget it. With the pack frame, the pack slides and clips on and you're off in seconds. Easy. A couple of mates use top boxes and love them. The only advantage that I can see over the pack frame is that they are lockable and secure when you're away from the bike.

[McDuck]

Thanks. There is a top box on trtard me for a few dollers, rather tempting me thinks...

[McDuck]

G'day. Forget about panniers and go for a Ventura pack frame unless you are set on panniers. I tried them and I reckon that they're nothing but a hassle and awkward with bungees, etc. and they shift around. Forget it. With the pack frame, the pack slides and clips on and you're off in seconds. Easy. A couple of mates use top boxes and love them. The only advantage that I can see over the pack frame is that they are lockable and secure when you're away from the bike.

Just googled, pricy. Maby i will save up for one...

[JimO]

i can screw a old beer crate on the back of it in the morning if you want

[McDuck]

No thanks jim, unless you have time to paint it the same colour ;)

[Jantar]

Fo a 250 stick with a packrack. Save the panniers for when you get a large capacity bike. Panniers are great for carrying a load of stuff, and if you get hard panniers they don't move around and are completely waterproof.

BUT, they aren't very aerodynamic and will affect airflow, fuel consumption, stability etc. Not too much on a large bike, but very noticeable on a small one.

[McDuck]

Ok will have a look at them. A top box would be ok tho?

[carbacca]

i have a cheap chinese top box off trademe for 20bux. my intention is to fit it only when i really need to carry more stuff. quality isnt the greatest but it will do. doesnt take long to fit just great to have that option when i need it.

[Jantar]

I use a top box all the time, and a small one would be OK on the katana. But I still think that your bike would be better off with a pack rack.

Dont forget that if you fit a top box, you also have to get the mount and that is probably more expensive than the box.

[Pumba]

I have got a set of Rjays soft sport panniers and absolutly love them. They are simular to these ones currently in the oonline trading section

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/showthread.php?t=53949

I have used mine on my SV1000s and my GSF600s Bandit before that, on a number of long distance trips and it will be what I use when I cruse down south latter in the year. Disagree with the comments that Lee said as that I have never had a problem with them moving around. What I have done on the SV is get some rubber matting, goes on the back of rugs to stop them sliping, as a measure to protect the paintwork.

Personally I have never been a fan of top boxs or pack racks but hey, whatever floats your boat. One advantage of the soft luggage is it is very interchangable between different bikes.

[McDuck]

Thanks for the feadback people, i guess i will have to decide soon...

[McDuck]

I use a top box all the time, and a small one would be OK on the katana. But I still think that your bike would be better off with a pack rack.

Dont forget that if you fit a top box, you also have to get the mount and that is probably more expensive than the box.

Wont i need similar mounts for a pack rack?
I am rather tempted to get one of both, and if i end up not using one hock it on trade me.

[Jantar]

Wont i need similar mounts for a pack rack?
I am rather tempted to get one of both, and if i end up not using one hock it on trade me.
The mounts are totally different, and depending on the make of top box, the mount alone may cost more than the pack rack. My Givi mounts were over $300 without any boxes.

[McDuck]

crap, how hard would they be to make?

[McDuck]

I think i will get the top box on TM, it is at about 2 bucks after all, cant realy lose with 2 dollers :)

[avgas]

Ventura pack frame, tank bag, Ventura sport panniers
Use all of them for a full tour, all fit comfortably.

[McDuck]

even tho it is not a little higher lol

[Rosie]

I've got motoline soft panniers on my 150 and I'm really pleased with them. They are fairly cheap (around $150ish I think), and don't look too bad. They are really easy to attach to my bike, but you'd have to see how they would attach to your bike, I imagine it would vary between models.
They aren't supposed to be waterproof, but I've found them to be quite good in the rain. If it's raining heavily I've got a couple of drybags to put all my stuff into, just to make sure.

[avgas]

even tho it is not a little higher lol
Well i used to have the panniers, the tank bag and a 60L tramping pack when i toured with the RG150.
Right now all the fazer has got is the tankbag

[ManDownUnder]

Awesome kit, 150% waterproof (I carry my laptop in mine all weathers - without exception!). Convenient, easy blah blah blah blah blah.

It took me far too long to find them but no I have I won't be doing anything else till I find something better. And I bet that won't be soon.

[McDuck]

Awesome kit, 150% waterproof (I carry my laptop in mine all weathers - without exception!). Convenient, easy blah blah blah blah blah.

It took me far too long to find them but no I have I won't be doing anything else till I find something better. And I bet that won't be soon.

how much did you spend?(not wanting to spend more than what i spent on the bike if you know what i mean)

[ManDownUnder]

how much did you spend?(not wanting to spend more than what i spent on the bike if you know what i mean)

I have no idea to be honest - it came with the bike. But very highly recommended...