Pannier rack/bar advice.

[mightdomaybe]

Things are slowly coming together with the bike, thanks to folks on the Site & references picked up here, we have a low seat fitted, engine bars on order & are already equipped with Top box etc.

I've been looking around at pannier rail options, & have to admit to being just a little bit confused as to what our best option is, so I'm looking for some advice.(2006 bike)

I've found the quite costly Touratech jobbies, which look as if they're designed to carry the 'boxy' alloy panniers, which, are very 'swish' but to be honest, I think we'd prefer to go with matching Kappa luggage as per the Top Box.

I've x/ref'd SW Motech, but their system appears to be the quick release (of the carrier frame) ?....& I'm assuming the premium price reflects the privalidge ( although they're not that expensive ). Once on, I'd prefer to leave on, so not too bothered about quick releasing of the carrying frame ( although it would be good to be able to get the Panniers off for security etc.)

Honda bars seem to fetch a 'Honda' price & I'm not convinced we need to go as far as a Wing Rack ? just some simple, but of good quality metal rail's, with the facility to carry the Kappa boxes.

But, as in all things, I may be missing the point of the Motech / TT / Honda / Wingrack kit & looking for something which I'm going to regret fiiting some way down the line ?...........so...........any advice, dealer sites....or makers sites appreciated. The carrying capacity is likley to be taken up by my wifes 'Office' clothes, papers/files etc & other relatively easy to carry stuff, & use will be on decent well metalled roads.

[sparklymarkly]

I've got a Givi Wingrack system on my 2001 'Alp and I'm very pleased with it. You still retain the OE Honda rack, so it's really only the side parts of the wingrack that you add to it using a Givi fitting kit. Givi also do a "tubular rail" type system which fits the same way, and probably looks a little more subtle, but that's a matter of opinion I suppose (see the Wiki for pictures of that system). I think the Wingrack looks good, even without the boxes fitted (which let's face it is most of the time!). I got my Wingrack second-hand off Ebay, along with full set of boxes, there's always loads on there, but unless you're really lucky you'll still need to get the TA fitting kit (a few brackets & bolts & stuff - about £55 from HG). The Givi system will take any of the Givi or Kappa boxes badged "Monokey System". It is a good quality, well made system (in my opinion anyway) and I do prefer the looks of the Givi type boxes to the fancy aluminium round-the-world type of boxes, but each to their own. Hope this helps you.

[IanS]

I've got Givi rails on my 97TA and there fine, but the TT one's are much stronger and worth the extra cost.
The Givi ones saved the rear of my bike when I had my spill.

IanS

[mightdomaybe]

I've got Givi rails on my 97TA The Givi ones saved the rear of my bike when I had my spill.
IanS

Can you recommend anyone who stocks these mail order ?

[phil2alp]

I've got the Kappa wingrack system fitted to my 1998 TA.

I had to fit the wingrack which means you can't keep the original
rack.

I've found them to be strong and water proof even in very heavy rain.

They click off the bike quickly and easily.