We've just acquired a set of these here new fangled Bags-Connection semi-rigid saddlebags.... Still reviewing them (review due out next week)...but here's a video showing how we got on with the install... Blaze Motorcycle Panniers Saddlebags Bags-Connection SW Motech - Fitting - YouTube These might just be the answer form many sports or naked bikes, especially for a weekend trip rather than a full tour.:upyeah: Quality seems good, will let you know how we get on.:wink: HH
Hi HH. I did a thread on these some time ago, they fit very well on the Street and Speed Triples. Just need to make sure you get the model specific frames that mount to the bike. Once the mountings are in place on the bike the quick release arms that the panniers slide onto can be fitted and removed in seconds leaving the bike looking stock. The panniers themselves are non bike specific but are joined together by a massive velcro connection that adjusts depending how wide the seat is they are going over, I never had any problem with the security of the velcro with the bags fully laden. To attach to the bike you simply slide the long pocket of each pannier over the frame/pole, fasten the velcro over the seat and click in two quick release fasteners normally mounted near the rear footpegs. As both panniers have handles they can be joined together and carried in one hand; useful if your carrying a helmet in your other hand. Both panniers come with waterproof roll top inner bags that do keep your clothes dry even in monsoon conditions, they are well made, expandable and have a nice side pocket each side. Well worth the money in my opinion. http://thetriumphforum.co.uk/forum/f5/tank-bags-panniers-110/
I quite like the idea of these but the one's for the Speed seem to have a lot of "scaffolding" with them. The one's in the picture and the one's for the Street Triple are very neat and tidy. I'd look a bit more seriously at them if they changed the system for the Speed Triple.
The so called Scaffolding is only fitted when the bags are fitted, they are fitted in seconds with 4 quarter turn fasteners. All that is normally on the bike all the time is a very small fixing on the passenger footrest and a small 'u' shaped bracket underneath the passenger seat that you can hardly see. When the bags are not in use you just store the frames with them and the bike looks virtually stock.
I take it this system will fit a Speed with under seat pipes? I want some panniers for mine. I can feel a trip to France coming.
Here's the actual review which describes how they work in more detail. The quality and attention to detail is very good:upyeah:. However it has to be said that they are not cheap. Bags Connection Blaze Motorcycle Panniers Review - Big Bike Mad HH
Perhaps I was a bit harsh,it just seems for some bikes it does look a bit simpler. I have got 40lts of Kriega tailpack and a 30lt drydag and a tank bag.Panniers might be overkill :biggrin:
The quality is very good, but the best thing is how easy they are to take on and off and how firmly they are held onto the bike. Like having hard panniers but without the ironwork. Attention to detail is good too - I mean including sheets of paint protector film to avoid scratching your bike when in use - that's good thinking. German design and spec. Good stuff, but wish it was cheaper. Hh
I really really like these, but for the frequency I'm likely to use them I'll just stick to el-cheapo panniers. Unless I'm camping a tank bag and small day sack is ample for me. Obviously a women can add to that load, though I'm mostly single and they tend to come with their own cars these days anyway
