The Best Luggage System for Long Motorcycle Trips
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- Опубліковано 3 гру 2018
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Hard vs Soft Luggage for Long Motorcycle Trips
I can almost read your minds saying: “We know you Pavlin, you don’t like hard cases and soft luggage is the best for you!” Yes, yes, you are right, I prefer the soft luggage, but that’s me and I am not going to travel with your bike. So, what is the best motorcycle luggage system? Good question, is in it? To find out let first see the pros and cons of each one of the competitors.
I will start with the Hard cases or panniers, whatever you want to name it.
Pros:
- You can lock your stuff in.
- Waterproof.
- You can use it for many years.
- You can take more luggage.
- Low centre of gravity.
- You can use it as chair and table in the camping spot.
Before I go to the cons I want to say it again with my thoughts on each one of the pros:
- You can lock your stuff in. Easy to be unlocked with simple tools, even screwdriver.
- Waterproof. - Depends from the model. I have seen many cases full with water after just few minutes of rain.
- You can use it for many years. You might, but also might need to weld it or fix it many times.
- Low centre of gravity. - Depends of the model and the position, in some cases is terrible. Also do not forget that even the empty cases + the racks weight about 10kg.
- You can take more luggage. Which is already a mistake?
- You can use it as chair and table in the camping spot. Take the TV and the fridge…
What I just did is to show you one different point of view. Let see the cons:
- To bulky and heavy.
- Usually are very expensive.
- Possible overloading.
- Risk to hurt or even brake your, or passenger leg.
- To wide when you have to filter in the traffic.
Let say it again with the opinion of someone who like this type of luggage:
- To bulky and heavy. It looks cool and my bike is not light anyway!
- Usually are very expensive. The price is not a problem and I can use it for many years.
- Possible overloading. And what I have passenger and I need all of that stuff…
- Risk to hurt or even brake your, or passenger leg. This is not true, it never happened with me, it is the opposite, it protects my legs, because the bike cannot fall completely.
- To wide when you have to filter in the traffic. I never do it, it is illegal.
Again I just showed you that everything depends from the bike and point of view. Yes, yes, yes, but with the soft luggage is different. Is that true? Let start with the pros first:
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Rode 700.000 km. Sure it is personal preference, but there are hard facts, too.. If we talk about really long trips, especially with serious parts offroad, soft luggage excells, because under this conditions, weigth is EVERYTHING. This means also the bike. Surely, very good riders can cross a desert with a heavy bike and heavy hard case luggage - but even they would do it smoother, with less risk and more joy if all had half of the weighth - not to forget safety: Avoiding accidents and handling difficult situations of all kind is easier and has better chances with less weigth. Along with that, you do not need much stuff, and so you don't need to lock bags, because only idiots leave expensive or important things on the bike. I always took everything with me; passport, creditcard and money should always be on the body. Other important things give in a small (!!) tankbag you can carry with you or give it in an hip bag or a small rucksack which you store in the tankbag, so you can leave the tankbag on the bike and just have to take out the little rucksack when you go for a coffee or a walk. The latter mode was mine over the years. For the rest: Who nowadays would steal your used t-shirts, your undies or outdoor-trousers? And if - how impossible and expensive would it be to buy them new again? I made the experience, that a lot of riders are equipped as if they were going for a jungle expedition in mid 1800. But we're in 2000-up and all around the worls you get a shirt, a toothbrudh and soap everywhere. So take less and buy some, if needed. The next hard fact is the impact of the luggage on the bike. With hard cases and the frames you need and all their weigth, your bike has to take thousands of punches on bad roads, which wore out the material. If you fall, this cam be the end of your bike. On the contrary, soft luggage has no impact and protects the bike, when it goes down. I also agree with Pavlin concerning the danger of being hurt by using hard luggage during an accident. Soft luggage can last very long: I bougth my Ortlieb bag in 1988 and still use it now - not one drop of water EVER in this bag. Besides that, you can use plasticbags inside the soft luggage, so you double the waterprotection. To come to an end: Use a light bike, under 180 kg wet, 40 - 60 horsepower is way enough, and travel light.
Very well said, thanks!
did someone say DR650?
I agree but a 185 kg bike is OK. In 1978 I used hard luggage on my Suzuki GT550. Today I use soft luggage. I don't understand why the exhaust systems on modern street bikes have to be bent upwards. The placement of any luggage would be much more practical if the exhausts were straight.
Pavlin you hit the nail on the head again. I agree with pretty much every thing you said,thanks. Just had to add that I enjoy your videos because you are one of the few who make videos without bias, you just give information and suggest people make up their own minds.
You are welcome anytime!
I switched from hard luggage to soft, and I see the advantages and weaknesses in both, and you hit the nail in the head in many points. Two factors that drove my choice to switch were cost (soft luggage is in average cheaper) and three times I have caught my feet under hard luggage and I was afraid of twisting or breaking my feet someday. Hard luggage doesn't give in, so in a fight between my foot or luggage my foot will lose. With soft luggage that is less of an issue as the luggage bends and flexes if my foot goes under it. The locking advantage of hard luggage is something I miss, but as stated elsewhere here, locks are for honest people. I am looking to add a lockable top box to my bike, and will use that to lock up things that are of more value when I leave the bike.
True
Really appreciate your style. Thanks.
Great way to present it! Logical and makes the viewers think for themselves. That's what it is all about. Whatever works best for you is the right thing. We are all unique and there is no need to copy anyone. Just make sure you learn from your mistakes and even better - from the mistakes of others.
Ride safe and enjoy every moment of it!
Exactly my friend!
Brilliant ! Each person has unique requirements - there is no ‘best’ luggage - only best for you! 😊. People need to start thinking for themselves and make their own decision!
I have two panniers , one for me and one for my wife - I give her one and say “pack whatever you want, but it’s got to fit in there” 😂
Good!
You always make great videos. I agree with so many of your opinions. Well done
Thanks Robert!
You have a great intelligent approach to the pros and cons of both types of luggage. Good advice on the matter for anyone pondering which system to go with.
Thanks!
Hello man,
Your videos are really helpfull! Nice and neet! Good job!
Glad to hear that! Thanks for taking the time!
I love this videos Pavlin , you teach a lot because of your extensive experiences , as we say in Spain , "" The fox knows more for his age than from being a fox "" (""Sabe más el zorro por viejo que por zorro"")
Thanks Enrique!
Super super video and super advise here..
Thanks a lot
Thanks for doing this. I think you brought up most of the relevant issues. For the last 15 years I have used locking hard bags, and have had no issues with them. Now I am travelling in more remote areas with more gravel and dirt roads. I now have a smaller motorcycle and I haven’t put on hard bags; however, I have a long trip planned and I am reevaluating this decision. I clicked on this video while looking for advice on soft bags.
Glad to help!
Everyone is different and Thanks God for this. I love hard cases, my side boxes are small (32L each) but my top case is 330L, huge!!! I had to make my own mounting and I am so happy with it! I am riding alone and my side boxes are for tools and spares and top box for freight (I am a medical courier) and my waterproof covers. I love it so much that I am traveling with it even if my top box is almost empty. My hard cases together with mounting are less than 9 Kg total (Made of carbon fiber and stainless steel).
This is me, someone else may have different preferences and that is fine with me as everyone is different!!!
Exactly!
Man...u are simply awsome....
Loved it👍👍👍
Thank you so much 😀
Great, thumbs up for you dear
Thanks for the visit
Great discussion. I have the BMW panniers and top box on my R1200GSA and am selling them and the racking to go for a lighter Nelson Riggs Dry Sierra setup. After the conversion, I'll have about $1k in my bank account and will buy Ford at about $6 and the rest is academic. The center is a 55L earthbag that holds my campsite to include all sleeping gear.
Very informative
Thanks my friend!
Thank you very much for an amazing guideline video Pavlin. Waiting for your next one and your Pakistan India ... long videos. BR Adrian.
Thanks Adrian, the next episode coming on Thursday.
thanks for jou great prezntation damir skuter
You are welcome anytime!
Good one !!
Thanks Sujoy!
You are awesome!
Thanks!
Thats the thing my friend. This time you had said in more better and simple way that whether it feels hard or soft both are fine in its own way. 👍
Exactly!
Great information, more food for thought.
I like soft luggage because of weight, with all my gear, including camping gear it weighs 22 kg, and that is the packed weight in the bags.
If I stay in hotels I can drop that weight by almost 10 kg, if not more, I do not have to carry that much stuff so theft is not going to be that much of a problem,an inconvenience yes but not a problem.
Spending you money wisely on your bike and gear gives you more money for travel, but good light weight camping gear is expensive so add bits and pieces over time and you do not suffer from price shock as much.
Most people do not have large budgets so I think that is the first thing to consider, if the bike and gear look cheap and nasty most thieves will not look at it but if it looks expensive it will draw extra attention.
Valid points, thanks!
I would go for a combination of hard and soft one... Soft at the top and hard at the sides... Nice video dude...
Do whatever suit you and have fun!
Yep totally agree thats why I have both :)
Maybe this is the best option...
Experiment. I have both systems. I use the hard luggage when on longer (5+ day) rides. I use soft for shorter weekend (3-4 day) rides. I ride with just a cargo net over a cheap, empty, dry bag on a daily basis. Just like dressing. I dress for the current need. I don't wear a rain suit when it's not gonna rain and I don't wear shorts & flips when it's cold and wet. I just use what makes sense for my planned activities during the trip. My needs change with the changes of season too. For Summer adventure rides in Texas I'll pack and load my bike totally different from when I head to the Rockies in the spring or Fall. Love your videos Pavlin! You have good common sense ideas.
Thanks Brian!
Cannot lock soft cases.So what.I leave inside my underware and t shirts.The rest go with me in small tankbag
Exactly what I do.
That works if you aren´t camping.
I think I found the best combination, at least for me: soft bags (side + roll bag) and an empty top case. I keep the top-case empty so that when I leave the bike somewhere for a short time, at least I can leave my helmet in it. Or even helmet and tankbag as well, depends on top case size.
I'm with you. Soft luggage is my choice and in the distant past it was hard luggage. Have a great day!
Thanks man!
Thanks
My own system is bikebins on the side as panniers - 17l each - I got them cheap, made for bicycles, very sturdy, just changed the fittings to motoklix. Lockable to the frame also lockable lid which is so flimsy its more a deterrent, if someone really wanted what's inside then they could get it. I usually have cooking 'make a brew' kit and waterproofs on one side & other clothes, camping stuff, tool bits for bike in the other. I use a rucksack on top - 50l - , its a good sturdy one where the cradle / shoulder straps zip away inside underneath. That has all my main camping kit bits that won't stuff in the side panniers. Easy to carry if bike not near to where I am camping. I rokstrap that down over pillion seat and over top of panniers - can even use it as a back rest if I stuff my sleeping bag in the middle sweet spot. A little leg bag that has small bits and bobs in, snackbars and the suchlike is something that comes in handy. Obvs pockets on jacket etc have wallet, essential documents etc. I have a small tankbag which is paper thin and just has maps, written directions etc. With my new bike I have space just on the inside of pannier racks so thinking of adding a couple of tool tubes. I try to go with the less is more vibe & pack light with a couple of luxuries. I used to cycle tour alot & it learns you quickly not to overpack - as only your energy is what makes all that weight move, unless your going downhill anyway. Having an engine to do that bit for me now is a total luxury oohoo haha!!
Whatever system works for you just us it.
You forgot two big pro for soft panniers!
They are mostly tighter to the center of gravity, really helpful off road.
And they are have better aerodynamics, what reduce tendency to wobble. Especially on light (
True
Hahaha... You are the best Pavlin!
And unique!
Thanks!
Great info on both choices to think about. Myself, light bike (300-400 cc) I prefer soft saddlebags. Reasons being, weight as I carry a little extra fuel and water for myself. Second, if it rains hard enough I get out of it ASAP. Third, the small capacity FORCES ME to really look hard at what I am taking. Fourth, if I leave my bike I open the seat, throw the bags over my shoulder and go. Finally cost. I don't need high prices bags. I agree it's a personal choice. Many friends use hard cases. Just my 2¢... Again thanks for the video.
Thanks for adding Stephen!
@@motorcycleadventures yw
I had kappa top box and side paniers. I sold them and bought 80l bag. Only 35l top box weights 3kg. And 80l bag only around 800grams..
Its quite a diference i think. Plus bag sits paralel on pasenger seat and on top box rack on my africa twin 750. In that way my bike saves original width and in case i drop it it will not damage anything.
By the way in uk filtering is legal if its safe to do so. Riding schools mensioning this.
Good decision! Thanks for taking the time ad watching the video!
This channel should have a million subscribers. I guess people don't want to listen to the reality, they simply want to be entertained!
Good
For me the one advantage of a hard.top case is security against weather and minor spills for my camera gear which is what gives me.the motivation to travel, you definelty do notice the weight balance but to put my camera gear in a soft case strapped to the seat or side would.worry me.
Hi again!
I have a question,
I am close to buy Kriega Os 32. I own a F800gs 2011. With the bmw panniers supports. So you know how they look...
According to you, do i really need the kriega platforms? (cause they're expensive..) or could i only strap the os32 straight on the bmw support?
Could you help me on it?
Cheers!!
I don't have my personal experience with Kriega and I cannot talk about it. The best will be to try it first and see how it is.
Thank for your so quick answer!
I have a $150 top rack after failing to make a homemade one for $30(it failed from metal deflection fatigue bouncing down the road), a $15 Walmart toolbox that I caulked to make nearly weatherproof ~60 liters, and I'll probably get some waterproof soft luggage because they don't require a rack.
If it's works for you...
I happened to have a spare bike without travel bags and I was taking a trip. So a friend lent me some soft ones he wasn't using anymore. They did the job and twin shocks kept them out of the wheel. It was shaft drive, so I was able to return them the way I got them.I like to have a hard part to keep things for the bike on the bike all the time.
Whatever works for you.
Hi Pavlin, ... that will be a never ending story, as long as biker exist. Ride safe, Hans
Absolutely, but is nice to talk about it.
Totally agree. One man's meat is another man's poison. But my preference is for soft luggage. Why? Not the only reason but one reason is because one day my pannier bags and waterproof roll top bag can be strapped to my very old and battered Drz400, the next day strapped down to my old sports bike and the next to my cruiser. Can't do that with hard luggage! I find soft luggage more flexible and adaptable. And I've never had a problem with stuff getting wet even with cheaper bags. I put my gear in a waterproof stuffsac or rucksack liner and then in my panniers. Also means I don't have to unstrap or remove panniers if I don't want to. Just lift the liner bag out.
The same for me, but many people love their cases...
Don't forget, big boxy cases use more fuell. Saving fuell is important. During a long trip, fuell and accomodation are the biggest costs. Although I ride a GSA, I go for a simple rollbag.
True
Ay dit bay new jaket macna did coment jou opinion my its smole mony jou no hau its hard
Pavlin, I want to go to Nordkapp next year with my wife and is only asphalt road. Should I get my tent and sleeping bags with us or go by hostels/hotels? I want to spent the less amount of money.
It is expensive destination, take the tent.
What would you take like precautions or some advices for the trip? Also want to go trough Stelvio and all Passes from that area.
Take some warm clothes and more money.
True 😊❤
Good!
i think fridge is better for me,thanks pavlin !
Fair enough!
I found that soft panniers curl under the seat and get damaged by the wheel and chain, so I recommend getting hard pannier frames even if you use soft luggage.
Another positive to soft luggage is that it compacts nicely when it's not being used.
Agree
It really depends on the trip. As much as I hate my topcase, 'cause it is so heavy, it was nice to have it on my last trip. I would say for road solo motorcycle travel, one lighter medium size topbox and a tankbag is all you need.
Whatever suit to your trips.
Soft luggage ??? Where will I put my stickers ;-D ?
anyway, as always nicely presented video !
Thanks!
Exactly my thought when I see sunday travellers with big hard luggage. Image is everything.
I agree with you because the hard is very dangerous for riders.
Could be...
Soft-soft-soft. With soft bags you feel like a Bedouin on a camel. Cool!
True
The best stuff is usually what you already have. Yes, some situations could be solved more comfortable if you had product x or z in this exact situation but an adventure is made out of solving problems when you face them and learning/acting from your own experience.
Agree
I use both hard case on the back and soft bag on the tank .The back so my son can put his back on it and he feels safe and the tank bag for all my things I use that I don't want to put in the hard case
Whatever works for you...
For Long on road trips hard side cases and soft topcase combination might be ideal especially if you have vulnarable expensive belongings. On the other hands off-road trips soft cases is ideal both storage and Protection.
For example you parked your bike for shopping or checking for hotels. All your luggage is open for theft. They cut your soft cases and take your something or all of them.
It could be seem to you as conspiracy theory but it happened.
It is the same with hard cases. It is very easy to unlock it.
I feel for dirt track where you have more chance of falling soft luggage is better..Only problem is cannot lock it
True
One of the advantages of riding a touring scooter, built in storage big enough for 2 full face helmets
Of course, here in the US a lot of folks look down on them, but I didn't buy it for them
(I still want a dual sport though 🤣)
The bike is just a tool, the travel is what really matters...
Pavlin - “Soft Luggage is light” - Lone Rider.. hold my beer 😁
Good!
Worth mentioning that you'll usually get some ugly wind vibrations when using the hard cases - mostly the top case.
True
the past hard luggage it makes it hard for me the traffic.soft luggage (waterproof) for me is the best selection
Whatever suit to you...
Ha ha. I always use hard cases because of two riders but being in your shoes I would probably use soft luggage.
Exactly...
by the way your english is getting better .
Or my editing skills getting better...
@@motorcycleadventures lol absolutly right
Legality of filtering is up to the country. In UK is legal.
Not in Germany
You forgot 2 other main advantage of hard luggage.
In case of a crash the content of a good hard luggage survives if it is well packed inside and the hard luggage isn´t run over by a truck or something.
If your bike slides 20 meter with soft luggage, or the soft luggage flys away at 120kmh, a camera and laptop inside would be destroyed
also
In case of a crash it protects you legs because your bike rests on the case not on you (plus easier to get it up again)
Whatever convinced you to use it... I still prefer the soft bags...
@@motorcycleadventures True, but you still missed 2 essential features of hard luggage, so I wanted to point them out.
Especially with expensive camera gear hard luggage is basically a must.
If you have cameras, optics and so on in the softluggage and even just drop your bike and the bike smashes the soft luggagen into the ground, then goodbye camera and lenses
Totally I agree with you. My life is more important than the luggages.
I said that in the video when you have expesive camera gear you will need at least hard to box.
Thanks for this video.
Hardcases may look super dope but they're ridiculously overpriced
Agree
My leather bags zipper off my bike.
That way thieves cant steal my stuff from my bike.
And they expand out to fit more stuff.
They are ok water proof.
Depends on how much rain if water wont get in.
I just put my stuff in plastic bags so they don't get wet.
I learned my lesson to put my stuff in plastic bags.
Because one of my trips it rained much, and all my stuff got wet.
I also strap a back pack on my sissy bar on the back.
I started out using a back pack before i used saddle bags.
Whatever works for you...
Haha..you read my mind...you are soft luggage fans 😀
True
Soft luggage for me. I remember BMW changed the exhaust and shaft drive around on their GS bikes in the last few years. None of the old luggage fits so if you change bikes you need new luggage. Very expensive.
True
Lock your bike well and leave. The inexpensive things are replaceable even along the trip. Carry your valuable things with you all the time. Well said. Thank you. Agreed.
Exactly what I do.
So which one then ? 😂
Always soft panniers!
Agree
I was way into hard luggage until it almost ripped my leg off.
There are many like you. You token the right decision.
morgen werde ich mir von sw motech ein gebrauchtes seitenkoffer set holen somit geld gesparrt :)
Gut!
You might as well ask what do you drink? Lots of different answers. Just enjoy what you have and what you like. For me, its beet. Simple.
True
The Best Luggage System is the one you already have, why to invest for other system if I already have one ;-)
Enjoy Riding,
True
Tank bag and a duffle on the back.
Good
Whatever, I prefer soft luggage bags.
Good decision!
You're a comedian when you want to be! It amazes me, the OCD obsession with this subject. I say to people, "shut up and go!" If you get bad results from any piece of gear, try something different next time. Whatever. Just go!
Yes, this is the point, just ride with whatever system you have.
Pavel doesn´t camp, right? because people who camp, need more stuff, that is just a fact and suddenly more space for stuff is quite needed.
I mean there is a reason basically all the adventureres (lifeon2wheels, time to ride, pegaso reisen etc etc) who rode around the world for several years continouosly, all have hard luggage.
I do camp and on all of trips I carry tent. The luggage for one week or for one year is the same. At least for me.
You already made this video a year ago lmao. It's called "Long Motorcycle Trip - Hard vs Soft Luggage - Which is Better?".
In fact I've noticed you're making lots of videos you already made like the "Top X tips for Y" kind of videos, only changing the title a bit but reaching the same conclusion each time.
I'm fine if you don't upload often but please don't clutter my subscription feed with unnecessary videos.
Best regards.
The video is totally different. Go back and watch them both.
I don't have even a single video the same as before, might be on similar topic, but always different.
So which one then ? 😂
Whatever suit to you.
Soft on one side and hard on the other 👌
The best biker answer to all biker questions is "the one that gets you hornier" !!!😂