Holding panniers on bike...

[McDuck]

Hi. I have just gotten a set of pannier bags and they have valcro strips, two on each bag that i guess go across the top of the seat. They come with a few shoulder straps and a pair of budgie cords about 30cm long. Will these come off the bike when riding? How do i secure them to the bike in a way they will not come off? If i put the Velcro under the seat the bag is on the tail pipe which is not good.

Also are 'motodry' any good?
Thanks peoples.

[Paul in NZ]

Every bike / pannier combo is different so you are on your own here.

I use a combo of bungies and little elasticated ties / toggle things I made up (cable ties work OK but you have to keep replacing them cos you got to cut em off) to secure the throw overs properly.

[awayatc]

I am going through the same process, but probably need to make up some sort of frame to keep it off the exhaust as well...
Be good to see/ hear of some solutions....

[Rosie]

Yep, every bike is different. But I'll explain what I've done on two different bikes, it may give you some ideas.

My bags have three straps that go between them. They also came with a variety of bungees, small straps, shoulder straps etc. I've never used any of them.

On the KR, two of the three 'throw over' straps went under the pillion seat, and one over top. And that was enough to hold the bags on nicely. For longer trips I had plastic clips cable tied to the pillion peg frames. The other half of each clip was on the front bottom corner of each pannier, so the fronts could be secured to the bike better, if necessary.

On the sherpa, we needed to make up a luggage rack and attach various straps and clips to the bike and panniers.

The strappage is a work in progress, but the current version has: A short strap with plastic clips at either end that sits over the frame, under the seat. The ends of the clips peek out from under the seat. The other half of each clip is attached to the front of each pannier, so the front of the panniers can clip securely to the bike. This does away with the need for the forewardmost 'throw over' strap between the two panniers (otherwise I would be sitting on it, and it's not comfortable). The two other straps sit across the seat. At the bottom rear of each pannier there is a loop of webbing attached to the pannier with a clip at either end. This loops around the bottom of the luggage rack and clips onto itself, to hold the pannier securely against the luggage rack. And holds them both at the same height.

Good luck getting it sorted out

[yungatart]

We have just done some 1900 k's with pannier bags attached to Mstrs's bike. He used bungee cords for extra security. They never moved at all.

[WanderBird]

..thanks Rosie, that's helpful. I have just been playing around with my new 'oxford' brand saddlebags wondering at what height I should hang them. If they are short ie. level with the pillion seat (higher than the riders') they don't touch the pipe.

there are a whole bunch of straps I have no idea what to do with, so I will improvise until I know the bags are secure
It actually feels exciting having got the saddlebags - like I plan to go somewhere, which of course I do...and will do soon

[98tls]

..thanks Rosie, that's helpful. I have just been playing around with my new 'oxford' brand saddlebags wondering at what height I should hang them. If they are short ie. level with the pillion seat (higher than the riders') they don't touch the pipe.

there are a whole bunch of straps I have no idea what to do with, so I will improvise until I know the bags are secure
It actually feels exciting having got the saddlebags - like I plan to go somewhere, which of course I do...and will do soon

Ive a set of Oxfords myself,very good bags.Three straps from bag to bag plus the two bungees and your good to go,mine came with carry straps as well which ive never used,if yours didnt come with the rubber paint protector then get some as it works very well.As for height as long as there level with each other and away from the pipe your all set.

[Squiggles]

I have some cheaper panniers (motoline?) similar to oxford ones. the two velcro and one clip strap that link the panniers go under the pillion seat (can still take the pillion comfortably this way). One shoulder strap from the front of each pannier that goes around the pillion peg bracket and do up tight (remembering to tie a knot after tightening), and one strap that goes around the rear, underneath the numberplate, linking the two bags.

Plenty of room to tie extra stuff (sleeping bag) on the pillion seat when im going solo

[ukusa]

you may need some pannier rails as well to keep the bags from rubbing on the paintwork

[McDuck]

you may need some pannier rails as well to keep the bags from rubbing on the paintwork

It is a katana, what paintwork? ;

[scumdog]

Just one bungey cord over the strap should do it.

I never use to use anything at all until CB nearly lost the panniers due to a strong side-wind and not much weight in the bags.