Luggage - advice required

[resovoir]

Hi
I am not a great fan of panniers but accept they have their place.
 I enjoy the benefits of a top box when doings a days ride for the convenience of not having to lug the helmet around or in the cafe. The weight limit is low on a top box so limited use for touring.

So what to  use when touring.  I have used the Ventura system, but the permanently fixed bars on which you insert the upright bars to fit the pack on look odd I would imagine.
Can I ask if the panniers stick out much or does anyone have other ideas I could investigate. Soft panniers I cannot find suitable ones on the web and the metal they fix to would spoil the look. I have Kriega which is an option but not as good as panniers security wise. Any advice appreciated
Cheers

[buzzardbilly]

Resovoir, I guess this topic of luggage carrying is very much down to personal opinions but for me the Ducati stock panniers are super  - the left side one is big enough to take a Lid, they are fairly waterproof (not totally I understand) , they suit the bike nicely, they are a doddle to remove and fit  and they are no wider than the bars (so if you fit the front bit of the bike in a gap the back bit will follow !) . For me I think a top box spoils the line of this bike - so its a roll bag if I need extra and I think that the square aluminium boxes are more suited to the rugged looks of a GS than a Ducati

[thenozzle]

+1on buzzardbilly post 

[Murf46]

Originally Posted by thenozzle

+1on buzzardbilly post 

Exactly my thoughts

[resovoir]

A new perspective. I was told the panniers would not take a lid. I presume you mean a full face helmet?
Cheers

[thenozzle]

It does take a full face helmet as it shows in this video

&t=1464s

[neilb]

Originally Posted by resovoir

A new perspective. I was told the panniers would not take a lid. I presume you mean a full face helmet?
Cheers

My flip lid with Scala comms fitted goes into the left pannier, no problem

[Murf46]

Originally Posted by thenozzle

It does take a full face helmet as it shows in this video

&t=1464s

Plus one

[BrownTrousers]

Originally Posted by buzzardbilly

Resovoir, I guess this topic of luggage carrying is very much down to personal opinions but for me the Ducati stock panniers are super  - the left side one is big enough to take a Lid, they are fairly waterproof (not totally I understand) , they suit the bike nicely, they are a doddle to remove and fit  and they are no wider than the bars (so if you fit the front bit of the bike in a gap the back bit will follow !) . For me I think a top box spoils the line of this bike - so its a roll bag if I need extra and I think that the square aluminium boxes are more suited to the rugged looks of a GS than a Ducati

Agree 100% with this.

And yes, my shark full face helmet fits in the left pannier no worries.

[Conman]

 
Ducati panniers are very good. I've been through some atrocious weather and they've not leaked. The first time I used them I thought they did leak but I'm thinking it was something I did because they've been bone dry since. I still wrap my delicates in a bin bag just to be absolutely sure (old habits) but it's not been necessary. They can be a struggle to fit but once they're on I just forget about them and ride normally.

If you do go down the soft pannier route (I prefer soft panniers myself) you will need a frame to support them. When I got my bike there wasn't anything available but I think there are a couple now. I've used Enduristan panniers and they were excellent. My son still uses them.

I really don't like top boxes  but strap stuff to the seat using a cargo net and the hooks under the wheel arch.