Hi all, Phil here. I am new to the adventure bike scene. Just bought a 2013 Triumph Tiger EX, with plans to ride from the Seattle area up through Alaska. Hope to learn from you all your past tips and tricks. I have searched the sight and have had no luck finding conversations of one concern of mine. I have the Triumph pannier on the bike already. I am not impressed with their size or the fact they open to the side. I am looking at different boxes but not sure what size to go with? Are the 48L boxes just too big or just right? What are your opinions and experiences on this? Hello again and thanks for your help.
Welcome in, try posting your question in the relevant bike section, you’ll probably target the right people there
I have the aluminium panniers like these: https://triumphdirect.co.uk/expedition-aluminium-panniers-silver-11257-p.asp I think they are great. As I might be going on a road trip with friends it might be an option to buy a top box too. Usually however the panniers are sufficient for my work regime of two night away a week. Hope that helps.
Hi Phil, Welcome from a past ADV rider - now too old and and it hurts picking up the bike after too much fun! As noted above, Google around and you'll find many options. I agree, the typical plastic clamshell type panniers are a PITA and only good to put a rain-suit in. My previous bikes (Africa Twin, Varadero XL1000) had the SW-Motech side panniers (45L/35L) and top box (35L?) for my "adventures" - North & South. If camping, I strapped a dry-sac on the rear seat. Depending on the exhaust, the side panniers may be asymmetric (like my Africa Twin). The 45L size is big and they do act as sails (or brakes!). Usually quite manageable on good roads but gravel and off road is another matter when fully loaded. A key choice, that you'll have to live with is: Aluminium cases or soft luggage - typically, if you're doing a lot of true off-road the soft luggage may be preferable when you dump the bike, as hard cases can be ripped off and near impossible to fix/reattach. If you're more into "touring" then hard cases offer some lockable security. A good tip: once you've packed everything including the kitchen sink, get rid of half of it - you'll never use it anyway! Keep the weight down low and forward. Are you thinking of taking a ferry up to Alaska from Seattle? The B.C. border is obviously closed at this time. If you ever manage to travel up through BC you could drop me a note (I'm at Hwy16/Hwy37) Good luck - I'm sure you'll find something appropriate for the Tiger! Steve T.
Steve, thanks for the reply. Our plan was to drive up from Seattle then ferry home. Who knows when we will go now with the pandemic. But I am staying positive and planning accordingly. I am guessing which the distance we are going and time frame available we will stick to decent roads. Hoping for some shake down rides this summer as I am tired of home. Phil
Hi Phil and welcome to the forum looking forward to seeing your ride pix and best wishes on your travel plan
