Givi/Kappa E21 panniers

[Tigerjohn]

I'm thinking of investing in a pair of these as they seem to offer a good compromise between extra capacity and preserving narrowness and ability to filter without too much damage! Would be interested to have feedback from anyone whose used them. Specific points are 1) ease of fitting/removal to their frames? 2) total width of bike with panniers fitted? 3) possible interference with pillion? 4) enough clearance of exhaust? I'm also planning to use them on my R1200GS in place of the very bulky varios currently fitted. Hopefully the sale of the varios will fund the Givis and frame sets!

[Savak]

Hi

I use these.

1. Easy fitting/removal one key does both boxes.

2. Haven't measured them but seem about the width of the bars.

3. Not a problem

4. Loads of clearance.

Mine have never leaked. The only thing, was due to my own stupidity of trying to move between fixed bollards at the wrong angle, one got smashed. So getting a replacement is impossible as they are ever only sold in pairs.

Other threads on this site indicate the Givi ones are stronger being double skinned, but I have no confirmation of this.

Graeme

[aide555]

I've got them (Givi) on my 650. I think they are great (especially for the money!). Never had a single issue with them. The frames are a little fiddly to fit but if you've got and assistant you won't have any problems, it's just one of those jobs where another pair of hands makes all the difference.

[Windmill John]

Don't forget, I have a set for sale, but the price and my distance from you probably negates the sale.
But, if you fancy a ride towards East Sussex, you never know.

[lefty68]

Have a set of Kappa's on my 600 ALP, can be removed in 30 seconds, are about 1 inch wider than the bars, pillion no issue at all and can carry a surprising amount of stuff for their size, all in all very happy with them.

[Warthog]

I also have a set on my TA 600. I used the PL21 tubular rack for my bike

1) As with any monokey system it is dead easy to attach and remove.
Key in, press button = off.
Slip onto bottom restraints and push onto top catch = on

2) As already said: about the width of the bars.

3) Can't tell you: haven't tried, but these things have usually been factored in by the likes of Givi, and the edges are rounded so any contact should be less unpleasant.

4) Plenty of clearance from the can.

They are small though: I struggled to fit all I wanted in those two and a E45 topbox!! So for two it might be a squeeze.

Also, I must say that the Givi recommeneded weight limit is 5kgs, so you're probably looking at clothes storage whichnis a shame because the lower location of panniers makes them ideal for heavier stuff as they will not upset the handling as much.

Still, I like them and they are now also mounted on the nose cone of my Ural for trips in that. One pannier pair fit for two very different bikes!!

[Treadtrader]

I'll give these a

I have a set of E45 panniers and top box, but for solo trips found them a bit "wide load"
Bought some kappa E21, ideal for solo touring or weekend with a pillion.



Fitted to my V-Strom

[Traveller]

I use a pair of E21s. I like the top loading better than the side loading system of some of the larger plastic panniers. They detach and re fit very easily and the small size encourages carefull packing. Helps keep the weight down.
The hard panniers also give more of a sense of security from casual theft as they are locked shut when the keys are removed.
On the Africa Twin the exhaust heat shield has to be removed to fit the pannier rails but the rails provide the protection now.

[Tigerjohn]

Many thanks for replies. Decision made: E21s it is, with racks on my TA and R1200GS. I have a spare Givi T221 soft luggage rack for a 700TA if anyone's interested (it's not now needed - the E21 pannier rack will do the same job). It sits very neatly and isn't difficult to fit.

[Magnum PI]

I also have the panniers but kappa k21 on givi frames on a africa twin great panniers get loads in coupled up with a top box all you need for touring solo .ok two up but travel light think i paid £80 delivered about two yrs ago ,