replaced
06-25-2003, 10:44 PM
I received my Zelga 35L Pannier System today. I went with the Touratech for several reasons. First, I like the rugged, boxy look. Second, Touratech is known for quality products. Most importantly, I like the company and the fact that the employees and founder are enthusiasts.
I met the US guys and Herbert Schwarz at the Indy Dealernews Show where they had a completley outfitted V-Strom. It was very sweet. If I was going to spend some big bucks on panniers, I wanted high quality, function and to buy them from a company that is "into it" instead of just a manufacturer. To get more info about Touratech, go to http://www.touratech-usa.com
Today I installed the cases. I will have a product test after I get to use them. The short, try to avoid boring you to tears evaluation is this:
Installation took less than 1 hour and I was taking it easy.
It could have been quicker but there was one small issue, I cannot read German, at least I think it was German. The photos didn't help me much either but it wasn't difficult to figure out.
Anyway, the pannier supports installed with just a few bolts and no modifications to the bike. I did have to lift the rack so I could slide the under the rack support underneath. Again, very easy to do. If you order a set for yourself, don't waste any money on having a dealer install them. All you need is a 10mm, 12mm socket-wrench. A 5mm and 7mm hex and a 17mm wrench. Piece of cake.
Below are some photos I shot of the install.
The panniers arrived without damage:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/1.jpg
A view of the "inside" of the pannier:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/3.jpg
Another view:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/4.jpg
The "Non English" directions:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/5.jpg
It's hard to see in this photo, but the upper support mounts under the rack. The wire thing on the rack is my support for my "scooter case"
http://www.redbirdsra.com/6.jpg
This may or may not be an issue. The support frame abuts the exhaust system. I tried to re-adjust the mounts and it didn't make a difference.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/7.jpg
The "forward" mount hooks right into the passenger foot-peg bracket. It does not get in the way.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/8.jpg
The panniers attach to the racks with ease. As soon as you "slide it into place" you simply rotate the disk on the inside of the pannier to move the locking mechanism in position.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/9.jpg
The finished product:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/11.jpg
I will have better photos and a riding evaluation soon.
Brendan Kearns
#653
I met the US guys and Herbert Schwarz at the Indy Dealernews Show where they had a completley outfitted V-Strom. It was very sweet. If I was going to spend some big bucks on panniers, I wanted high quality, function and to buy them from a company that is "into it" instead of just a manufacturer. To get more info about Touratech, go to http://www.touratech-usa.com
Today I installed the cases. I will have a product test after I get to use them. The short, try to avoid boring you to tears evaluation is this:
Installation took less than 1 hour and I was taking it easy.
It could have been quicker but there was one small issue, I cannot read German, at least I think it was German. The photos didn't help me much either but it wasn't difficult to figure out.
Anyway, the pannier supports installed with just a few bolts and no modifications to the bike. I did have to lift the rack so I could slide the under the rack support underneath. Again, very easy to do. If you order a set for yourself, don't waste any money on having a dealer install them. All you need is a 10mm, 12mm socket-wrench. A 5mm and 7mm hex and a 17mm wrench. Piece of cake.
Below are some photos I shot of the install.
The panniers arrived without damage:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/1.jpg
A view of the "inside" of the pannier:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/3.jpg
Another view:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/4.jpg
The "Non English" directions:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/5.jpg
It's hard to see in this photo, but the upper support mounts under the rack. The wire thing on the rack is my support for my "scooter case"
http://www.redbirdsra.com/6.jpg
This may or may not be an issue. The support frame abuts the exhaust system. I tried to re-adjust the mounts and it didn't make a difference.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/7.jpg
The "forward" mount hooks right into the passenger foot-peg bracket. It does not get in the way.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/8.jpg
The panniers attach to the racks with ease. As soon as you "slide it into place" you simply rotate the disk on the inside of the pannier to move the locking mechanism in position.
http://www.redbirdsra.com/9.jpg
The finished product:
http://www.redbirdsra.com/11.jpg
I will have better photos and a riding evaluation soon.
Brendan Kearns
#653