Soft luggage advice?

[AJB]

I am toying with the idea of riding the 1100SS to Hellendoorn, whch is on the Dutch/German border, in late June. This would be by far and away my longest ever trip on a motorbike (I have driven this route several times by car though). I am expecting it to be slower by bike than by car (which takes pretty much all day).

If I do this, I will need some luggage, but do not want to fit or fork out for fixed panniers for the bike. I have tried a Google search but have not found any soft luggage that seems suitable. I was thinking there must be something that straps under the seat and hangs like panniers?

Any advice would be appreciated.

[JoeC]

'cos of the wide seat there is not a lot of panniers that fit safely.
I used a Baglux Whopper which, using different securing zips, can be used on almost any bike.

[skiddy boxers]

I have some Oxford Sovereign panniers that I've used on the 11S before I bought the system cases.

There is a pad that straps to the seat and the panniers clip on. If you are carrying a pillion I would not recomend them as the clips would make it a tad uncomfortable, but if you're solo it's not an issue.

If you pm me your email address I can send you some photos of them on the bike.

Nick

[AJB]

Thanks Nick, PM sent.

[Grant]

Have you considered Ventura? After years of hard luggage on BMWs, VFRs and Triumphs I now use it on my 1200s and it's brilliant. The rack is easily detached when you don't want it on the bike.

[AJB]

Grant and Joe, thanks for the advice. Nick has sorted me out with some used soft panniers that should be fine for the imminent Dutch trip. I may well add the seat top soft box that Joe recommended as well if the panniers don't seem to be enough when they arrive. Together this should give more than enough capacity for five day trip.

I am used to traveling in my heavily used BMW X5 workhorse so I will have to get accustomed to somewhat more minimalist packing....

[Al]

I use Oxford throwovers and put the straps under the seat, this works ok with a pillion or you can keep the seat cover on without a pillion. just make sure you protect the paintwork.

Al.

[GRAgusta]

I use Oxford throwovers and put the straps under the seat, this works ok with a pillion or you can keep the seat cover on without a pillion. just make sure you protect the paintwork.

Al.

+1 this works very well, put some sticky cargo netting over the seat base and extend over the paint work, you'll have no problem. I did this before I got hard panniers.