Triumphrat

bonnietastic · 12-07-2005

Hi Guys,

I was thinking of selling the Hepco and Becker panniers on the Mototwin website. Have any of you tried them? how do you rate them? Are you using a different/ brand of pannier? Do you use a top box or just use panniers? As usual any information gratefully recieved.

Regards

Oliver Cole

www.mototwin.com

Sheepdog · 12-07-2005

I bought a pair of the Dry Bag Saddlebags from Aerostich RiderWearHouse and they've worked very well for me. They are the "throw over" style, but are substantially built. The "dry bag" construction makes them totally waterproof, there are closed-cell foam pads to protect your bike, and there is an interior frame so it will hold it's shape. The only downside (compared to hard bags) is that they do not lock. However, for the price ($167) they are a tremendous value. Aerostich

Sheepdog · 12-07-2005

Oliver...I came this close (I'm holding my fingers really close together) to purchasing a set of those H&B panniers along with a Parabellum Sport fairing for my T100. It seems as though this combo would yield a nifty nuovo R90S, The power and weight are just about right...it could be a classic. However, so far I don't think many persons are using their Triumphs for touring or strictly practical uses. Who knows, though. Trends can turn on a dime (or a shilling).

grebmrof · 12-08-2005

Oliver,
The HB setup is a very expensive set of brackets and bags. A friend and I have been looking for someone, anyone that is making a set of brackets (plus maybe a luggage rack) that could hold Givi bags. We haven't found anyone yet.

My friend has a W650 that is equipped with 5 Star brackets and small 21L Givi bags, he loves it. He is buying a T100 and wants to equip it in a similar manner, but... Any chance you can get 5 Star or some other fabricator to create brackets that can take Givi bags? I think there would be a fairly good market for this equipment.

Thanks,
Tom

FattRat · 12-08-2005

I've got the Hepco Becker hard bags, good stuff! VERY substantial hardware that the system mounts up on. The bags can be locked to the frame, and easily removed when arriving at your destination. The same key used to secure the bags to the bike, is used also to lock the lids. Not shown in the pictures below, is the luggage rack. A simple addition, secured at four mounting points. I powder-coated mine Black.

Mounting frame shown:

Hepco's on bike:

Sheepdog · 12-08-2005

Pat: I've always thought your bike looks great, but the bags actually enhance it's appearance. I'll wager that Bonnie is a great mile-eater. There is a difference on the windshield edging and the shocks between the two photos...which is more current?

FattRat · 12-08-2005

Whoa, "Sheepdog".... you gotta EYE!

The image with the bright edging on the windshield (and under the tank) is the more recent.

It was as a result of my desire to carry (heavy) luggage, and the fact that I too am "heavy", that I went to a different shock absorber.

The second photo is with a pair of entry-level Hagons in place. They were just fine when I rode through the twisties without luggage. But when I mounted my bags (full of 'stuff') and took her out on some more aggressive high speed sweepers, I realized that I needed to dial in the damping to match the front end better. I now have the Hagon Nitros mounted on the bike.

And actually....... I wouldn't mind a little feedback about either keeping the bright trim or losing it. I was high on drugs that night, and couldn't get the stuff to fit the edging of my seat. Caffeine can sometimes enhance the creative flair, and sometimes cloud one's judgment. Wait a minute, maybe that was the Yukon Jack I put in my coffee.......

Lose it or keep it?

Sheepdog · 12-08-2005

I like the chrome edging. The shield is small enough that it will not obstruct your vision...why not? As far as the "flange" on the bottom of the tank, I have long considered doing something to minimize this eyesore. I've seen some people use black edging on it which sort've hides the flange. Your approach has the the same sort of effect that pinstriping imparts...reinforcing the lines of the tank. Regarding the rear suspension, I had a similar problem with my Hagon Classic (shrouded) shocks when taking a passenger along so I sent them back to BellaCorse and they mounted a heavier spring for me. The turn-around was pretty quick and the price was reasonable. Again, well done on your classy ride.

Ridge · 12-08-2005

Pat, I love your bike. It stands out even among the other great looking Black Bonnie's we have in this group. I will say that there is something about yours that reminds me of an old BMW classic though. But thats not a bad thing!

So I say keep the trim but, as you know, I prefer your leather panniers to the hard cases as far as sheer looks go. :wink:

~Ridge

D9 · 12-08-2005

Great looking bike! - drool - bags look good, all great details and the bikini fairing just knocks me out - is the fairing from Omar, were you pleased with the quality, was it easy to install, and
what did you do to reposition the turn signals???

Cheers

D9