Triumphrat

lancashirelad · 08-09-2005, 08:36 AM

I'm thinking of getting some throw over panniers for the TBS, so not wanting to get the wrong thing what does anyone else use/recommend, & will I need the pannier support rails as well? I have the sissy bar/rack fitted has anyone found anything that will go onto there I'm beggining to think the rack is a waste of time?

Otrorob · 08-09-2005, 09:41 AM

I have a '98 TBS and use a set of Tour Master Cortech Sport saddlebags and tail bag which are designed to fit with upswept sport bike exhausts. (My TBS has a D&D 3-into-3 exhaust stacked on the right side of my bike and the bags fit with enough clearance.) No rails are necessary. They are not the biggest bags around, but I am able to pack enough for a 5 day trip including rain gear and laptop.

I use the tail bag alone for daily commuting. It goes on and off quickly with four built-in bungee hooks. I can easily fit a couple folders, laptop, pair of shoes, and assorted sundries.

I also have a Cortech Mini Magnetic tank bag for when I need to carry small things around town or a little extra room on longer trips.

I don't have a sissy bar and rack, but I looked at T-Bags when I was shopping for luggage and they seemed like a good option for those who do.

johnyC · 08-09-2005, 10:56 AM

lancslad,

I'm just finishing a tour with Oxford throwovers, no metalwork required. I'll be back on Thursday evening and email you some pictures of what it looks like.

ps. there's a picture of what I did with my sissybar/rack in my photo album. I tried to post a link but this computer's in Norwegian and I just can't do the copy/paste thing.

[ This message was edited by: johnyC on 2005-08-09 09:04 ]

lancashirelad · 08-09-2005, 11:09 AM

Thanks for that lads.
johnyc, didn't you go to Norway or somewhere like that, how is it?

Neil.

johnyC · 08-11-2005, 06:52 PM

hame again.

I tried and failed to upload some pictures to my album, but maybe I can put a link in to the rack/bag.

http://www.triumphrat.net/modules.ph...view_photo.php

email me Neil and I'll send you pictures of the whole kit.

Rincewind · 08-11-2005, 08:01 PM

I have a T-bag for my luggage rack. See my link below.

Tomorrow I head to southern VA with my wife (first overnight together on the bike!). I'm a little concerned with the weight of that bag once it's filled for two - it'll be the most weight that rack and bag have seen to date. As I recall, the luggage rack has a pretty small (~10lb) weight limit. I'm splitting my load between the T-bag and my magnetic tank bag.

I would be interested if anyone else has the larger Tourmaster saddlebags, and if a rail is required for them.

triumphantguy · 08-11-2005, 08:19 PM

I started by using Joe Rocket sport bags. They expanded sideways and really sagged when full. Used a strap from outside to outside to try to hold them up / out.

Then, I got the bag rails, but the taper of the rails did not provide the support where needed.

Finally, I got the Kappa hard bags. This is the way to go, but it is a bit fiddly to install. See my album for more details.

TexasTri · 08-11-2005, 09:03 PM

I bought a set of cheap bags and made some rails using electrical conduit. They were easy to make, cost about $5. US. Painted them black and you don't see them when the bags are on and really don't notice them wehn they bags are of. Unlike the chrome rails you can get for about $100.

thunderscot · 08-12-2005, 07:22 AM

I used the oxford throw over touring panniers on my recent weekend to Highlands. They are the old model with pad strapped to th seat and you clip the panniers to the pad. Worked fine no burning on right hand pannier, though is very close. I think the taperd sport panier's by oxford may give more clearance, hope this helps.

rayhyland · 08-15-2005, 12:33 AM

I have a different solution.

I got a set of traditional brown leather saddle bags (think horses) from a supplier in Texas, and had them cut the tongue (the part that goes across the middle) down from 24 or 30 inches (can't remember how wide it was to start, but wide enough to toss on the back of a horse) to about 10-12 inches or so.

And I just throw it across my seat. The leather strip is wide enough and soft enough that my butt doesn't get sore. Since I sit on it, it doesn't need to be strapped down at all, and it's easy to just grap the bas when I arrive at my destination. I find that slinging the bags over my shoulder is as or more comfortable than a packsac. I also invariably get a few "wow, those bags are so cool" comments when I use them.

The bags are brown cowskin. I like the brown as it matches the classic look and feel of my Adventurer (which is white and gold). I couldn't find bike panniers is brown, so that's why I looked at tack shops to begin with.

The bags are not huge, but big enough for my raingear and laptop and my lunch and odds and ends when I ride to work every day.

Since the bags are over the seat they are forward enough that they dont touch the pipe.

I bought them custom-cut to fit my bike for about $30 from some tack-shop via ebay.

I will try to take and post a few pics.

Ray