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[XF650]

I'm tossing up between hard luggage (panniers) & soft luggage (saddle bags) for adventure touring on the Freewind.
I already have a 36 litre top box & previously just loaded the extra gear on the pillion seat. But I understand the benifits to keep weight of luggage as low as possible for adventure riding.

Hard cases & or racks do a great job of protecting the bike in a fall.
But is it better to keep weight of extra gear in line with or forward of rear axel? Saddle bags seem more flexible, to be able to shift weight distribution to suit the ride. I don't carry a pillion.
Any comments / experience?
Thanks

[banditrider]

Hard luggage gets my vote. Another thread on subject here: http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/sh...ad.php?t=56703

[Daffyd]

Having used both hard and soft, I'd be very reluctant to go back to soft.
If only for the fact that my hard luggage is weatherproof.

[tri boy]

I'll bat for the other side, and suggest the soft luggage is more adaptable, sits well, and if you buy stuff like Andy Strapps Luggage it is strong as.
Canoe type "wet bags" are also strong and adaptable for different situations.
The boxes main advantage is that theyre easier to access.

[marks]

I'll bat for the other side, and suggest the soft luggage is more adaptable, sits well, and if you buy stuff like Andy Strapps Luggage it is strong as.
Canoe type "wet bags" are also strong and adaptable for different situations.
The boxes main advantage is that theyre easier to access.

where do you get Canoe type "wet bags" from??

Hi Struan

Clint had a set of those Andy Strapps soft panniers on his 640 - they looked ideal - and you could use them on the DT230.

have a look here

I may get a set for the wr450 as anything strapped to the seat/guard will just make me fall on my face when I try and throw a leg over.

[Steam]

where do you get Canoe type "wet bags" from??

Kathmandu have them

[tri boy]

Kathmandu do a good budget one. (quite light) for about $30.
I prefer the brand below. I would feel comfortable in throwing it into a river, and the contents will remain dry.(I put my sleeping bag in it).
The fabric is alot thicker, and all seam are sealed inside.
(I Hate Wet Sleeping Bags).
Some photos to show adaptability.(Borrowed from ADV World Web site).

[tri boy]

This is a bit of a mock up. (I wouldn't use that tank bag off road), but the rest is realistic storage one up.

[mbazza]

I use a top box and a single kayak 'dry bag' slung across the bike seat. I've got several and choose the appropriate size for the trip.
These are heavy duty vinyl and some of mine even have a see through panel. They are available on 'trade thingy'.
Make sure you get heavy weight ones. I use the lighter 'Katmandu' ones inside my soft throw over luggage, very waterproof but of light construction. Cheers.

[NordieBoy]

The boxes main advantage is that theyre easier to access.

And can be used as a side stand

[tri boy]

I'll bat for the other side,
The boxes main advantage is that theyre easier to access.

I think I need a therapist.

[marks]

This is a bit of a mock up. (I wouldn't use that tank bag off road), but the rest is realistic storage one up.

you'd need a periscope to see over that tank bag....

[cooneyr]

Hard cases are more convenient to use and more secure but in a slow speed crash or drop off road they can supposedly do bad things to your limbs. Soft panniers are more flexible in that they can be slid back or forward along the seat. Hard panniers tend to be perminantly mounted further back on the bike.

I did a 3 day trip with gear in a dry bag on the back of the seat and then did a ride with soft panniers slung over the seat and the panniers were far better with respect to weight distribution - much nicer to ride with and had more weight. Pics of my setup here although I dont use the top box much anymore (new rack and havent put base plate on yet).

Depends on the type of riding as much as anything. If mainly gravel and sealed roads then hard may be the way to go but if more off road then soft may be better.

Cheers R

[ManDownUnder]

And can be used as a side stand

LOL that is sooo wrong - for all the right reasons.

[Crisis management]

My votes for soft luggage for off road stuff and hard luggage for road work. You don't actually need to take very much with you for a week.....despite Triboys display of exuberance (I think I know why the front wheel failed now Brent)

Iain