Micatech bag complaints? Anyone?

Thought I'd post a few pics of the Micatech's that I mounted on my 09 GSA.

I put some reflective tape on the sides and the back. The necessary ADV sticker.

I put some heavy duty Velcro loop on the inside of the right case on the door and bottom. I put the loop on a Pelican flashlight and pocket knife and attached them to the door. There is additional sections for future small items. I will probably place a small first aid case and other items that may be needed quickly or often.

I had a locking pistol case that I put loop on and placed on the bottom. I also have a waterproof box that I also positioned on the bottom. This holds smaller items and keeps the box from sliding or rattling.

Lastly a picture of the setup at dusk showing how visible the set up is.

Again these Micatech's are great. I highly recommend them.

Actually it should go in. I have an XXL Arai and have gotten mine in. Try differant ways until it goes into the back end of the case where it's widest. It is a little tight and might scuff, but should go.

Ya...it took some messing around, but I managed to get my full face XL into the right case with room to spare. I also was able to put my buddie's XXL Arai in there (no, not along with mine)

Nevada, dude, you're the man! I've been just waiting and waiting, debating, worrying over the price. I think I'm sold. Calling tomorrow.

I have had Micatech Pilot Cases on my R12GS for a couple years. Bob and Sue were great to deal with when I bought them and have gone above and beyond the call since that time in providing support for any issues and questions I've had.

The company and the bags are highly recommended

I have a very early set of Micatech bags. Here are my experiences:

The bags are very well made of the best materials. Upon inspection, the bag walls strike you as too thin. I have found this to be extremely misleading, as the bags are surprisingly durable. The mounting points are strategically placed for strength. My bike has fallen over on several occasions and the bags have sustained little damage beyond a scratch. My most recent "oops" bent the pin at the join of the left side. It was a bitch to get out, let me tell you. I had to saw off the pin before taking the bags off and being able to unscrew the inside knob. But the bags were essentially undamaged. We had to drill out the pin, but it's back to working just like stock. My fault.

It's true the bags look like toasters. If your toasters are AWESOME, that is. Yes, they lack the clunky "Hummer" feel that the Touratech or BMW adventure bags have. These are not the bags for you if you're just trying to look like Ewan and Charlie. That's my opinion. I like the bags because they're tough and cavernous and they do hold my Arai XD3, although just barely.

I love that the cases can come off and be put on very quickly. I love that taking off the cases returns the bike to a very stock look. I personally like the bags' style. I like how the look on the bike:





The inside knobs secure the bags to the mounting billets. They often intrude on what you are putting inside the bags. They are not obscenely large, however, and I replaced them with allen bolts that have a threaded head at the top. Big improvement.

Their customer service is amazing. Flat out. Sue or Bob will bend over backwards for you.

Glad to read that I can open the seat with a wire gimp arrangement. SCORE!

I am buying one of their topcases, a small. I can't wait.

C5

your attempt not to look like 'long way 'rounders' has failed.

you still look a lot like Charlie.

Ewan, not so much.

What is the max weight that can be carried by the pilot panniers? can't find it on the website, google or instructions. They seem so practical but look horrible, personally, however practical takes over looks.

If you find out, please don't tell me.

I routinely load mine up to the point that I can barely get the doors closed.

We don't specify a max load but we do recommend you check your bike's owners manual. That being said we've been stuffing the bags with heavy tools and other gear for years without any problems.

You have hit the nail on the head..... these bags are AWESOME.........They may look like toasters to some, but the Zega's, Jessies, and BMW' Syst. Bags look like ammo cases. The Pilots look like they are going at least 85 mph on the side stand. Anyone who owns the Micatecs know that stuff falling out of the bags are not a problem. The advantage of these bags (side opening) far outweigh a top loader, the packing options are so much more flexible than the top loaders, less rain entering the bag when raining and none of the top loaders mounting systems can compare the beautiful mounting system of the Micatec's. Bob and Sue provide unequalled customer service and stand behind an outstanding AMERICAN product. Well Worth the price!

Small note for fellow inmates. Use thread locker on ALL screws that you use.
The screw holding the rubber block that the bags slide into near footrest fell out and is now held in place with a twist tie until I can find (or order next season) a replacement.

I lost one as well. Micatech sent me a replacement and hardware with no questions asked.

My MT Pilot cases have taken a beating over the last 5 years and are on my second GS. On a trip my wife and I took to McCarthy, AK, and Inuvik, N.W.T., and points in between, (from California) the Pilot cases weighed about 42 pounds each (that's loaded inside and top-side including the case itself). We had no problems, and the cases don't sag inward.

I've made very minor mods to make it even easier to tie stuff to the top with a pillion rider, and deflect the hot exhaust off the case. I'll try to remember to post pics later.

So I got to this thread from another Panier-related thread that discussed lowering the GS's exhaust for more room. It looks like this isn't necessary or even possible with the Pilots as there is a recessed area on the left side.

I also learned that Micatech is a very short ride away from me (next state over) which is helpful should I find my self out on a TOR (and come home with a new set of bags) ;-)

I definitely get the benefit of side loading bags that don't let things fall out on extended trips.

<a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/gsansoucie/4859086088/" title="Jul 30 - Ready to go by DamnBeavers, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm5.static.flickr.com/4118/4859086088_43cd0453a1_m.jpg" width="240" height="160" alt="Jul 30 - Ready to go" /></a>
(Not a GS)

Great thread.

You can order the left case without the recess to gain some additional storage space....that requires lowering the exhaust.

But, what about the key? My adventure bags (also Vario bags) use the bike BMW key. What about the Micatech?

I also have a XB12XT Buell that uses a separate key for the bags. You cannot leave the bags unlocked and must use the key for any open/close operation. I find this system maddening.

A second key isn't confusing at all. It looks different, even in the dark

I leave my Micatech bags unlocked most of the time, even while riding. That way I don't need to unlock them for access at stops.