South West Bikers | Motorcycle Forum

Tvrv37 wrote: ↑May 17th, '25, 18:21 Panniers rarely stick out further than your handlebars so filtering is unaffected.

I think we've got different ideas about what panniers are. One's that are big enough to replace a large top box do tend to stick out, but remember when turning the rear makes a tighter turn than the front, so even if they don't stick out more than your bars they can still catch on things when manoeuvring.

Good example here.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=b424iGkWe0Q

Got a top box on my commuter.

It's a 33l alloy one bolted on so can't remove it but as said, do grab my own ankle to assist getting foot past it.

Some people find it easier to get on from the right hand side, lots of american police use this method also.

I kind of like the idea of a tank bag plus my waterproof backpack for long trips. But panniers probably the easier option.

I will have to google the right hand side mount, sounds interesting.

On my FJR I have the standard panniers & Top box and they are awesome, once you at your destination, remove panniers and enjoy the roads (Wales this year)
On my Fireblade I have Kreiga bags on the back seat, have use this set up a few times with now issue along with a Kreiga ruck sack.