Panniers v. Beetle Bags and selling my panniers

[Lancelot]

I currently have leather panniers and chrome pannier dresser rails on my bike.

I have been looking and looking at the beetle bags - and they look really nice - and so have been thinking about switching.

Before I take the plunge, any thoughts from those of you who have looked at both the beetle bags and panniers in terms of advantages or disadvantages between the two?

The beetle seem to hold less than the panniers, yes or no?
And I will also have to get rid of my rear dresser rails.
Do you think the beetles will hold up better than the panniers?
Will the MadDog aftermarket pipes fit with the beetles?
How is the corbin back of the seat glove compartment look? Does anyone have it?

To switch to beetles I would want to sell the items I have, (to help defray the costs).

I have a set of leather panniers, less than a week old and in great condition, (it was replaced under warranty), would anyone be intersted in buying them, they list new for $800.00. I also have the chrome pannier dresser rails which lists new for $130.00. And I will also have to get rid of my rear dresser rails which list for $200.00 new. And finally I also have a second set, of slightly used leather panniers which have a scratch in the front of one of them. They were on the bike for a month and were scratched by a RV that backed into me while I was parked, he was nice enough to by me the replacement set with no hassle.

So if anyone is interesting in making a deal on any of the above items, as is, please e-mail me at lance@caclawyers.com or call me at 312-498-9560 to discuss.

[HOTRODSRJ]

The Beetles are awesome! Won't leak, high quality, and looks great! I have even used pressure washer on the bike and nary a drop inside! The insides are finished nice as well.

Will they hold more? Don't know? But, I can get my tools and overnight stuff in easy.

[KayTee]

Agree with HotRod. To add: I modded the fixings of mine so I can remove by hand otherwise you have to carry a wrench and they take a few minutes. Now I remove and reinstall in no more than 20 seconds. I have the "glove box" on the rear seat rest. Useful for the garage door opener, wifes hair bruch etc.

They are expensive but you get your money's worth.

Keith


[ This message was edited by: KayTee on 2007-07-11 07:07 ]

[DYEHARD]

I agree the beetle bags are the only way to go. I put them on 1 1/2 years ago and have never taken them off(except standard maintenance) I think they make the bike look better. Plenty of room. Use wing nuts inside and they will be easy to remove.

[NYTBird]

I love the look and fuctionality of the beetlebags. The only problem is the Hatch is much smaller than the internal volume. So you need to finagle large objects to get them in.

[Lancelot]

OK I am sold on the change.

Does anyone know someone who would like to make me an offer on the two sets of panniers and the rear crash bars and the other stuff.

[tbsrider2000]

I love my beetles and they look awesome with my paint job, but for the price they are asking now, I would not have bought them. I bought them early on when they were much closer in price to the Triumph panniers. For the price they're asking now, I would be doing some more shopping.. or picking up some Leatherlyke bags.