Pannier Width

Jason KLR · 12-23-2012, 05:07 PM

Hi all,

I've also posted this on KLR650, my 2nd home so forgive the double post!

I have ammo cans on dirt racks on my 2011 KLR at the moment. I don't leave them on the bike because at 17lb ea they are noticeably heavy and at 8.25" fairly wide. I use my KLR for putting around mostly and would rather drag less weight/width if I can avoid it.

I'm in touch with a gentleman who can make me a set of aluminum panniers in any dimension for a reasonable price (ill reserve their info until I test the product so I don't offer a poor choice to every one).

I'd like to leave these panniers in full time and don't plan to do long distance touring (can't w work anyway) so they have to be practical yet out of the way. I'm set on the height at 14" and length at 16" however the width is what I'd like advice on.

I planned for 6" width however th builder said with the .75" lip that would leave me with an opening of only 4.5" due to the gasket which limits what I can stuff in there. I inventoried my camping stuff and w large items going in a drybag I should be ok but you never know. My other option is 7.5" but that's getting wider than the handle bars which I wanted to avoid.

Any though or experience would be great thanks.

KG6BWS · 12-23-2012, 05:26 PM

For everyday, general use panniers, Id go for bar width. Thinner is better providing you can fit what you need.

Maggot12 · 12-23-2012, 06:38 PM

First of all welcome...

Under handlbar width is great but not the deciding factor. I had a strom with aluminum cases and the bike was 48in wide at the luggage. Wider than I wanted but carried lots of stuff.

If you can fit your gear in the small bags you're all set. If not, well..... or add a trunk and rear seat bag.

tlwood99 · 12-23-2012, 07:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by KG6BWS

For everyday, general use panniers, Id go for bar width. Thinner is better providing you can fit what you need.

Agreed!

http://www.prochan.com/view?p=003_1354378428

Grinnin · 12-24-2012, 04:33 AM

I have 8.4 inside width on the right and 6.4 inside width by the exhaust and I made my rack offset so the outside edges are centered on the bike. They come out just an inch narrower than the bars and a few inches narrower than the aluminum hand protectors.

I don't know what rack you use, but if you can make it asymmetrical, the two sizes of cases really are handy.

lhendrik · 12-24-2012, 07:21 PM

I recommend narrow enough so you don't slam the outer edge of your left bags lower corner into the Alfa Romeo's right rear bumper when he decided to stop short in the left turning lane so I had to swerve to avoid. Thought I had it made, but the bag caught and being made of aluminum folded up nicely. My next bags will be the narrowest option available. This will cut down on weight too.

villageidiot · 12-31-2012, 11:54 AM

id say bar width, or knee width.

on my bmw, i went with engine width.

12-23-2012, 05:07 PM	#1
Jason KLR ^OP Mostly Slab Joined: Oct 2012 Location: North Vancouver Oddometer: 4	Pannier Width Hi all, I've also posted this on KLR650, my 2nd home so forgive the double post! I have ammo cans on dirt racks on my 2011 KLR at the moment. I don't leave them on the bike because at 17lb ea they are noticeably heavy and at 8.25" fairly wide. I use my KLR for putting around mostly and would rather drag less weight/width if I can avoid it. I'm in touch with a gentleman who can make me a set of aluminum panniers in any dimension for a reasonable price (ill reserve their info until I test the product so I don't offer a poor choice to every one). I'd like to leave these panniers in full time and don't plan to do long distance touring (can't w work anyway) so they have to be practical yet out of the way. I'm set on the height at 14" and length at 16" however the width is what I'd like advice on. I planned for 6" width however th builder said with the .75" lip that would leave me with an opening of only 4.5" due to the gasket which limits what I can stuff in there. I inventoried my camping stuff and w large items going in a drybag I should be ok but you never know. My other option is 7.5" but that's getting wider than the handle bars which I wanted to avoid. Any though or experience would be great thanks.

12-23-2012, 05:26 PM	#2
KG6BWS Studly Adventurer Joined: Jul 2010 Location: Canyon Country, Ca Oddometer: 724	For everyday, general use panniers, Id go for bar width. Thinner is better providing you can fit what you need. __________________ All that is gold does not glitter, Not all those who wander are lost J.R.R. Tolkien 01 F650GS Dakar 04 KLR 650 (Need to sell)

12-23-2012, 06:38 PM	#3
Maggot12 U'mmmm yeaah!! Joined: Feb 2010 Location: Barrie Ont Oddometer: 1,607	First of all welcome... Under handlbar width is great but not the deciding factor. I had a strom with aluminum cases and the bike was 48in wide at the luggage. Wider than I wanted but carried lots of stuff. If you can fit your gear in the small bags you're all set. If not, well..... or add a trunk and rear seat bag. __________________ Maggot Don't sweat the petty things; Pet the sweaty things !!!

12-24-2012, 04:33 AM	#5
Grinnin Forever N00b Joined: Dec 2005 Location: Maine Oddometer: 1,607	I have 8.4 inside width on the right and 6.4 inside width by the exhaust and I made my rack offset so the outside edges are centered on the bike. They come out just an inch narrower than the bars and a few inches narrower than the aluminum hand protectors. I don't know what rack you use, but if you can make it asymmetrical, the two sizes of cases really are handy. __________________ Motorcycles are magical.

12-24-2012, 07:21 PM	#6
lhendrik Truffle Rustler Joined: Dec 2008 Location: New York and Floridoodie Oddometer: 1,944	I recommend narrow enough so you don't slam the outer edge of your left bags lower corner into the Alfa Romeo's right rear bumper when he decided to stop short in the left turning lane so I had to swerve to avoid. Thought I had it made, but the bag caught and being made of aluminum folded up nicely. My next bags will be the narrowest option available. This will cut down on weight too. __________________ Normal is just a setting on the dryer. Armageddon was yesterday - Today we have a serious problem. 2009 R1200GS Adventure 2008 K1200GT

12-31-2012, 11:54 AM	#7
villageidiot Studly Adventurer Joined: Apr 2010 Location: Orange County, CA Oddometer: 745	id say bar width, or knee width. on my bmw, i went with engine width.

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