Craven Equipment Panniers For Speedmaster?

Discussion in 'Triumph General Discussion' started by Steve O'Connor, Jan 24, 2022.

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  1. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Hi everyone, I have been searching for hard panniers for my Speedmaster when I chanced into an ad for Craven Equipment in a copy of the Nacelle. I need an honest take on them. How is the quality of their products, ease of adding to the bike and after sale service? Thanks!
     
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  2. John Bentall

    John Bentall Member

    Nov 24, 2021
    9
    8
    Enfield, North London
    Being in the US, you are taking a big gamble on buying from a small UK manufacturer. They seem to be the ONLY people making hard bags for the water-cooled Speedmaster.
    If I were you, I would give them a call and express your concerns. Try and get a feel what they are like as people and for their customer service.
    They do offer a 10 year warranty on their product.

    Hope this helps,
    John (in UK)
     
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  3. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    Thanks John, I have just recently emailed them and filled out a contact form on their website. I have always had Givis on my bikes. I love lockable, detachable hardbags but Givi doesn't seem interested in developing a Speedmaster specific mounting system. I already have Hepco & Becker messenger bags with their c-bow mounting system but their hardbags are flat ugly however, I may dig deep & eat ramen noodles for a bit and buy their 30 liter brown leather bags.
     
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  4. Adie P

    Adie P Crème de la Crème

    Jul 7, 2018
    3,620
    1,000
    MID DEVON
    Craven Equipment panniers used to be THE staple for "aftermarket" panniers throughout the '60s and '70s. I bought (and still have) a complete set - carrier; top box and side cases - for a '72 Commando Interstate and they were used to carry camping equipment around the country in my young (and foolish .... I mean, camping!!!) motorcycling years. Still got 'em (and the Commando) somewhere.

    I seem to recall that the only real drawback with the Craven gear was that it was made of fibreglass so it could - and did - get brittle if it was over exposd to, for example, exhaust heat. High level pipes and fibreglass are not a happy combination.

    The fibreglass was also slightly less forgiving than the "plastic" used by Krauser; Sigma et al., which, in the event of an off - or even tip over - would absorb some of any impact and, I imagine, result in less damage.

    I would be surprised if Craven's production quality is in any doubt but due diligence is, of course, always recommended.
     
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  5. joe mc donald

    Dec 26, 2014
    13,874
    1,000
    slough / burnham
    Steve O Connor
    Craven were the or one of the choices when Triumphs were young. I believe the police even used them on there 500's. I always liked the sigma boxes they just seemed classier. Didn't even know they still existed.
    Joe.
     
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  6. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
     
  7. Steve O'Connor

    Mar 9, 2021
    70
    18
    Indianapolis, Indiana
    They, Craven, did respond quickly to my contact form but I decided to stick with Hepco & Becker and bought a set of somewhat larger leather panniers. That way I can swap out the two different styles whenever necessary. I most likely will use the messenger style bags more for local rides and the leather panniers for tours. Thanks everyone for all the info.
     
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