It's not an essential purchase, but when on a trip a set of luggage can be more than just useful.
With Vera probably going to be my solo touring bike, the need for massive panniers as I had on the BMW aren't going to be needed. I don't think that Touratech even make a fitting kit for their Zega panniers for the V-Strom. Maybe they do, but I don't want to go down that road again.
I was considering soft luggage and was checking out Lomo panniers, but they are out of stock in UK, expect they are stuck on a ship on its way from China! But there are so many differing makes, all with a range of reviews from 1* to 5*. Plus, would they fit with the high exhaust?
I had contemplated using the Oxford luggage that I have in the garage. But when I cleaned off all the cobwebs and muck off them, they won't fit across the V-Strom seat. The over seat straps are too short and when on almost full extension they still hang badly. They will have to stay in case I use the GT750 for any trips.
I then saw a post on the V-Strom UK Forum from a guy that had fitted Shad 3P pannier rails and Shad SH23 panniers. They looked small but probably no less so than the panniers that I had on Red Pepe the Rocket. Ideal for a week away, riding solo. I already have the large Suzuki branded Monokey Top Box.
I did a bit of research and new the set, panniers and mounts, would be about £260 inc. delivery. I thought I'd wait a bit and see what options there were.
So today someone posted an advert on the same forum selling a set of SH23's for £60. Just the panniers and locks etc. I sent him a PM and they were still for sale and so I bought them. Well, I offered to buy them and he accepted. Luckily in a couple of weeks he is here locally to visit a race circuit and can bring them and I can hand over the cash then.
I'll check out the Shad 3P fitting kit later in the week. My MasterCard bill gets totted up and sent today, the 13th, and I want any purchase to go on the next bill!
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