Panniers: Hard or Soft?

[Mr Free Market]

Firstly, apologies if we have done this topic before but I have just been looking at the excellent Show Me Your Panniers thread

http://www.adventurebikerider.com/forum ... niers.html

& I got to thinking ... :huh:

Currently, my Tenere is sporting a set of Yamaha OEM panniers.



OK, not the best, but sufficient for this summers plans. At the weekend, I should be picking up a set of second hand TT Zegas. But is 'hard' the way to go?

Are they really as tough & secure as the manufacturers would have us believe?

Or is soft better? Sure it’s lighter (always a factor) & if you have a spill, more easily repairable. No need for welds or rivets, any sort of material, a sailmakers needle & thread & you are back in business – oh yes, & those Wolfman panniers also look the business

Dilemmas Dilemmas :unsure:

I be grateful to hear other members thoughts & experiences

[V-Rider]

Hard or soft? Well there's a hard choice!

If you do go Hard, don't forget lube!






























On the hinges to prevent squeaking!

[Gas_Up_Lets_Go]

The very same question on the HUBB nearly caused an international incident.....

I've always been a stalwart of the hard camp, I run Zega Pro's on the Tenere and they are faultless. However lately, I've been having something of a epiphany (even questioning the benefits of good Gore-tex over cheaper stuff & waterproofs) and I'm giving serious thought to the pro's and con's of each.

Despite taking on the arguments of both sides, I still think it's down to the needs you have at the time. So I have some cheap Hein-Gericke throw-overs and the Zega's. To add to the mix I have a US10 & US20 Kriega setup that I can fit enough kit for a long weekends (assuming B&B/family/friends rather than camping).

The good thing about the soft luggage, I can use it on either bike.

[Redmurty]

I used soft panniers for years until I got my Tiger with hard panniers. I would not hesitate to use the soft ones again I still have them in the loft. cheers Spud

[Phil]

i think the main thing to think about with hard or soft panniers is safety. If your touring and stop in a town your stuff is going to be safer in hard panniers. (not that i had anything nicked off my bike and i dont use hard panniers)

Actually another thing to consider is price....because theres a massive difference :cheer:

[Louisdut]

Hi

For me it's hard panniers for road trips & Soft panniers for off-road trips

Louis

[Tramp]

gotta agree with Loiusdut on the pannier choice..
heres mine in weekend trails mode.

IMG_0142.JPG (72.81 KiB) Viewed 1125 times

and here touring. well look at my avatar.

[Orlando_Orange]

Hi

For me it's hard panniers for road trips & Soft panniers for off-road trips

Louis

+1