I have used the Mosko Moto version of these panniers for the last 5 years and found them to be a great luggage solution. They are incredibly well made, tough, completely waterproof and will stand much more abuse than hard cases. Even two up on a multi week tour we had enough luggage space provided you augment the panniers with a 35L top bag. The beaver tail on the front of each pannier allows you to compress the depth of the pannier when they are not full. Also the beaver tail allows you to store wet clothing, tarps etc. without you having to put them inside the panniers or a bag. Very useful after a nights camping or a down pour. Regarding security its easy to lock the pannier on the frame and the latest version has a new closing mechanism situated on the side of attaching puck to make it even easier. You can also use a lockable strap (supplied by Mosko) that goes round the pannier securing them to the luggage rack. The hard vs soft pannier discussion will continue but with regard to rider safety I have no doubt that the soft panniers are safer. They are a natural dampener in a fall absorbing and dissipating much of the crash energy and unlike hard cases they will not bend, dent or twist the luggage rack. Also if your leg get trapped between a pannier and the ground you are better off with the soft bags. I have seen more than one broken ankle caused by a mistimed dab and the foot being dragged back under hard panniers. I would agree that hard panniers are more convenient for nipping to shop for a few items but for Adventure touring on and off road I would always go for soft luggage if for no other reason than safety.
I bought these in 2022 and toured around Spain and France both on road and off-roading for 4 weeks and managed fine. Exactly the same set up with the addition of a small waterproof roll top bag for my tent and sleeping bag. I did manage to trash one of the bags (on an off-road stint )which nobody wants to repair but it’s still functional with the aid my emergency roll of T-Rex tape.
My theory is that in a fall, the knock is transferred to the rack, potentially bending it. Soft bags absorb some of the shock, so less likely to bend the frame. I’ve never bent any rack, as I use soft bags.
I’ve got the Atacama (made by Mosko Moto) top roll in combination with Kriega soft side bags. If needed I secure the Kriega’s and the top roll with lockable Steelcore straps. No hard luggage for me: I’ve dropped the bike twice now (I always blame my wife who rides pillion) and the soft side bags cushioned the fall perfectly without any damage to the bag, rack (SW Motech) or bike. An alu box would surely be deformed and possibly start to leak. The soft bags take a bit more time to get them on and off the bike but it isn’t really an issue. We do pack light: 2 side bags, the top roll and a smallish tank bag suffice for two weeks of touring for the both of us. A lot of riders simply pack too much stuff.
Also, I secure them through small drilled holes in the butterly locks, and double strand safety wire. Keeps honest people honest as we say here. Obviously crooks will crooks.
Hi Mark what tires do you have on this new bike, watched the video about the Bridgestone a41’s which I have, only just had first service so the ware is not a issue, but the nose and possibly it’s the reason for the vibration I get on the handlebars.
Water ingress in the drive shaft tunnel probably? This will lead to corrosion deteriorating the cardans and the splines. There’s a BMW recall out for this long standing problem that was first seen on the 1200s.
What is the bungee that we can see between the fuel cap and seat? I’ve seen this on both bikes but can’t see a reference to whatnot is and why its there. Great review but much prefer the Lone Rider soft luggage.
I must admit I like hard panniers for organising ability but soft bags are the way to go for long tours. One off or fall over with hard bags and they are gone…soft bags take the impact and usually survive ok. I compromise with hard box and soft panniers. Semi organised I like to say…😏
I have the same soft luggage which I’ve used on various road trips as well as off road trips . I also use the 40L duffel bag across the back seat . I’ve got the BMW hard luggage but after an off road crash ripping one clean off I definitely prefer my soft bags. I’ve recently been to Sanremo in Italy for twelve days including camping equipment using my soft luggage with no problems at all .
Mosko Moto Back Country panniers re-branded for BMW. Better off buying directly from Mosko Moto. Better options, styles, locks, accessories etc. Probably the best soft pannier system you can buy right now.
Nice new bike Mark. Interesting to hear why you went back to the boxer? I went from a 850 to a 1200 gsa and definitely think it's a better bike and actually easier to live with (850 was very top heavy). I looked at these panniers but my conclusion was if you wanted soft luggage there are better options out there. I ended up getting a 2nd hand set of the BMW aluminium ones as I think those or bumot are the best option. Ride safe.
My 850 had new engine shims at 12k and a new chain and sprockets even though I cleaned and waxed it every week and checked for adjustment. As I was about to book it in for its 18k service only 19 months old I was contacted by a guy from Florida who had just had his 18k service and had to have his engine shims done again after having them done at 12k the same as me. This could have been two exceptions but with tours coming up I couldn’t take the chance. I really loved the 850 though. Ride safe
I have used the Mosko Moto version of these panniers for the last 5 years and found them to be a great luggage solution. They are incredibly well made, tough, completely waterproof and will stand much more abuse than hard cases. Even two up on a multi week tour we had enough luggage space provided you augment the panniers with a 35L top bag. The beaver tail on the front of each pannier allows you to compress the depth of the pannier when they are not full. Also the beaver tail allows you to store wet clothing, tarps etc. without you having to put them inside the panniers or a bag. Very useful after a nights camping or a down pour. Regarding security its easy to lock the pannier on the frame and the latest version has a new closing mechanism situated on the side of attaching puck to make it even easier. You can also use a lockable strap (supplied by Mosko) that goes round the pannier securing them to the luggage rack.
The hard vs soft pannier discussion will continue but with regard to rider safety I have no doubt that the soft panniers are safer. They are a natural dampener in a fall absorbing and dissipating much of the crash energy and unlike hard cases they will not bend, dent or twist the luggage rack. Also if your leg get trapped between a pannier and the ground you are better off with the soft bags. I have seen more than one broken ankle caused by a mistimed dab and the foot being dragged back under hard panniers.
I would agree that hard panniers are more convenient for nipping to shop for a few items but for Adventure touring on and off road I would always go for soft luggage if for no other reason than safety.
Thanks for the notes, we agree with all the points raised. Ride safe
I bought these in 2022 and toured around Spain and France both on road and off-roading for 4 weeks and managed fine. Exactly the same set up with the addition of a small waterproof roll top bag for my tent and sleeping bag. I did manage to trash one of the bags (on an off-road stint )which nobody wants to repair but it’s still functional with the aid my emergency roll of T-Rex tape.
My Bumot soft cases lock on the factory GSA rack.
My biggest gripe is that not only they feel smaller than advertised, the bottle bags are virtually unusable when the main bag is full.
My theory is that in a fall, the knock is transferred to the rack, potentially bending it. Soft bags absorb some of the shock, so less likely to bend the frame. I’ve never bent any rack, as I use soft bags.
I prefer the Lone Rider Bags to these due to they're easier to pack and I don't have to shove everything in to expand the bag.
And have to deal with buying gaffa tape to cover their crappy branding 😂 (I would think I’m in a John Wayne movie😂) They should abbreviate it to “LR”
I’ve got the Atacama (made by Mosko Moto) top roll in combination with Kriega soft side bags. If needed I secure the Kriega’s and the top roll with lockable Steelcore straps. No hard luggage for me: I’ve dropped the bike twice now (I always blame my wife who rides pillion) and the soft side bags cushioned the fall perfectly without any damage to the bag, rack (SW Motech) or bike. An alu box would surely be deformed and possibly start to leak. The soft bags take a bit more time to get them on and off the bike but it isn’t really an issue. We do pack light: 2 side bags, the top roll and a smallish tank bag suffice for two weeks of touring for the both of us. A lot of riders simply pack too much stuff.
I don't understand why BMW are not using the Vario system with the adventure. Personally, I prefer a tank bag and then strap a rucksack behind me.
Also, I secure them through small drilled holes in the butterly locks, and double strand safety wire. Keeps honest people honest as we say here. Obviously crooks will crooks.
Hi Mark what tires do you have on this new bike, watched the video about the Bridgestone a41’s which I have, only just had first service so the ware is not a issue, but the nose and possibly it’s the reason for the vibration I get on the handlebars.
Hiya! I got a flat in the rear tyre so have fitted Dunlop Mutants which are great. Ride safe
I have the BMW R1250 GSA and have the hard luggage ..I always go with hard luggage for security when leaving the bike.
Toby, what’s the problem with the drive shaft on your bike as I’ve got the same bike as you.
Water ingress in the drive shaft tunnel probably? This will lead to corrosion deteriorating the cardans and the splines. There’s a BMW recall out for this long standing problem that was first seen on the 1200s.
What is the bungee that we can see between the fuel cap and seat? I’ve seen this on both bikes but can’t see a reference to whatnot is and why its there. Great review but much prefer the Lone Rider soft luggage.
It’s the cord that attaches to the helite vest when riding :)
You’re missing the duffel bag that comes with the panniers
I didn’t get a duffle bag unfortunately. Ride safe
I must admit I like hard panniers for organising ability but soft bags are the way to go for long tours. One off or fall over with hard bags and they are gone…soft bags take the impact and usually survive ok. I compromise with hard box and soft panniers. Semi organised I like to say…😏
I have the same soft luggage which I’ve used on various road trips as well as off road trips . I also use the 40L duffel bag across the back seat . I’ve got the BMW hard luggage but after an off road crash ripping one clean off I definitely prefer my soft bags. I’ve recently been to Sanremo in Italy for twelve days including camping equipment using my soft luggage with no problems at all .
Did you put them on eBay yet? I would like to purchase them! Great, fun video!
Sorry they went straight after the review…Ride safe
Mosko Moto Back Country panniers re-branded for BMW. Better off buying directly from Mosko Moto. Better options, styles, locks, accessories etc. Probably the best soft pannier system you can buy right now.
are you still using these bags? if not would you be willing to part with them?
Nice new bike Mark. Interesting to hear why you went back to the boxer? I went from a 850 to a 1200 gsa and definitely think it's a better bike and actually easier to live with (850 was very top heavy). I looked at these panniers but my conclusion was if you wanted soft luggage there are better options out there. I ended up getting a 2nd hand set of the BMW aluminium ones as I think those or bumot are the best option. Ride safe.
My 850 had new engine shims at 12k and a new chain and sprockets even though I cleaned and waxed it every week and checked for adjustment. As I was about to book it in for its 18k service only 19 months old I was contacted by a guy from Florida who had just had his 18k service and had to have his engine shims done again after having them done at 12k the same as me. This could have been two exceptions but with tours coming up I couldn’t take the chance. I really loved the 850 though. Ride safe
Agree with Bumot. They are nice.
Aluminum Panniers all day long! They don't look good and are not secured with lock. Back view of the bike with the bags is just terrible.
Hang on take a 3rd away each time you would only have a pair of socks left and 2 empty bags.
You don’t need much… ride safe
Good appraisal. Clearly not practical panniers IMO