Review: Oxford Humpback Panniers

[ninjac]

Product:
Oxford Humpback Panniers

Description:
Soft panniers designed for compact sports bikes.

What you get:
Pair of pannier bags (max capacity of 45Liters total expanded).
Pair of nylon rain covers.
Pair of semi-rigid boards for pannier base (maintain bags’ shape).
1 Oxford Blanket (paintwork protector)
4 adjustable fabric straps.
2 bungie cords (medium length).
2 shoulder straps.
Fitting guide.

Quality out of the box:
Very good. No parts were missing. Some mesh on the fake air vents has come unglued.

How they work:
The panniers attach together using three pairs of opposing integral velcro straps. The central straps are mounted lower on the panniers for fitting underneath the seat. While the front and rear straps are mounted higher for fitting over the seat (or under) to allow best fit for you motorcycle.
My motorcycle is a 2007 ZX-6R. It fits perfectly with the front and rear velcro straps over the seat.
Use the supplied anti-scratch, anti-skid blanket to protect body work. I put the blanket on first under everything then trimmed overhang and trimmed around seat locking mechanism.
Fit fist with bags empty to set correct length of central velcro strap.
When panniers are in correct place with all three pairs of velcro straps securely mounted. The adjustable fabric straps are used front and rear at the base of each bag. Secured them to an appropriate part of the motorcycle and tension to prevent movement.
I put the front adjustable straps around the pillion foot peg hanger and the rear straps around the dedicated luggage hooks (thank you Kawasaki).
To get a really secure fit make sure you set the velcro straps tight with the tops of the bags leaning towards the centre of the bike. Then when the adjustable straps are tensioned, it pulls them down to sit horizontal.
The bags will have a bit on movement if you pull on them. However grab the bike by the handle bars and give it a wobble from side to side, there will be no movement.

On the road:
These are the only panniers I have used so have nothing to compare with.
They didn’t move one bit during there first trip from Auckland to Napier and back.
Rode like I stole it and hardly new they were there.

Criticisms:
The adjustable straps plastic buckle bits don’t seem quite right as it’s quite hard to tension them. This isn’t so bad I suppose because you know they wont come loose.
The rain covers material feels a bit to light weight. I get the feeling that if I was on the road side and the heavens opened up they would be tricky to install and could easily rip them.
Capacity isn’t that good without the zippered expansions used which upsets the look a bit.
There is no provision for attaching padlocks or such to secure zippers.

Verdict:
Look great on the bike. Very secure fitment. Manufacturing quality is very good.
Feel like they will last a long time and have lifetime warranty (limited).
I would recommend these to any one with a late model sports bike looking for panniers.

[98tls]

Agreed,have some myself and have covered many miles with no problems at all.

[ninjac]

Just realised this should be in KB Bike and Product Review thread.
A little help please.

[Kinje]

I've used the larger model Sports Panniers with my 04 CBR600RR. Come with the same stuff as the Humpback ones and fit the same way but are bigger (65 litres). Was pleased with how they fitted with the velcroe straps over the top of pillion seat, front ties around the pillion footpegs. Securing back was a bit more tricky with license plate and indicaters on a stalk, and underseat exhaust theres not much room left there. In the end went with bungee straps going from rear tie point on pannier forward and across under tailpiece to pillion footpeg.

Felt really stable on the bike and when riding in touring mode didn't feel any major difference in handling. I had mounted mine to sit quite high so they didn't squash my indicaters, and as a result I had obscured vision in my mirrors.

Had enough room for two weeks worth of gear when expanded (including tent, sleeping bag, gas stove etc).

Rode through quite a bit of damp conditions but no heavy downpours. The raincovers worked well with all my stuff remaining dry and clean. Biggest concern I had with these was them coming off as they didnt seem to attach overly securely. This happened once with the cover blowing off the bag, but I had put the draw cord under a bit of the valcroe so just flapped behind like a parachute and got a little bit melted on exhaust for a few seconds till I stopped.

Security was a concern as there was no way to secure zippers, which would act as a deterrent to opportunist, but there's nothing you could do to stop a determined thief with a knife.

My verdict- good product. Great way to carry stuff, hardly felt like I was lugging around all the stuff I was.

Pics of being used And another one

[ninjac]

Hi Kinje,
I was shocked at how much you could fit in, then i saw the pics. You have the larger sport panniers not the humpback panniers I have. cheers.

[klyong82]

Cool, I am thinking of buying a set too. Looks great on the Ninja.

[NinjaBoy]

Criticisms:
The rain covers material feels a bit to light weight. I get the feeling that if I was on the road side and the heavens opened up they would be tricky to install and could easily rip them.
Capacity isn’t that good without the zippered expansions used which upsets the look a bit.

There is no provision for attaching padlocks or such to secure zippers.

We used them on this trip at the beginning of the year

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ht=jandal+tour

The rain covers didn't last the full trip... they ripped themselves apart after the 5th day...approx 3000kms. But while they stayed together they were 100% waterproof. However, it's the spray from wheel that wets the bottom that you need to protect. Probably best to put all your things in plastic shopping bags.

The anti-scratch cloth is a must.

You should be able to padlock the zippers together on the main compartment at least. This is what we did when we were on the Ferry.

So how did they cope with the extra heat from the higher 07 ZX exhaust ?

[ninjac]

Yeah, there was no problems with heat. I think Kawasaki did a good job with the shielding.

Thats a bummer about your rain covers. I guess I will have to suck it and see.

[ninjac]

Cool, I am thinking of buying a set too. Looks great on the Ninja.

Thanks. The black would suit your fireblade, when you get it back of course!