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

[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/sh...ad.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.