tank bags and panniers
Posted: Mon Mar 19, 2018 12:13 pm
Hi Bryan, List,
I really like the Wolfman (WM) gear for it versatility and durability. I would immediately buy both products again if I destroyed them. I have two KLR's, both with Rainier Tank bags and his pannier bags.Some folks don't like the larger size of the Rainier as it binds them up when they are standing on the pegs. Which is true. shrug.Some improvement in the standing position can be obtained by moving the bag forward...= there is no perfect solution with a sloping tank and a tank bag.I have the WM Explorer Lite bag left over form my KLX250...(I found it to be) almost to small to be useful. and, it binds you up in the standing positon. YMMV.
IRT to the panniers; Eric Wolman illustrates the KLR installation with one crossover strap in front of the gas cap and one aft of the gas cap, and yes, your knees will probably strike the panniers.Much to my disappointment, my knees struck the pannier forcing me to ride with my knees bowed out.
After the initial installation, and a 3500 mile test ride that indicated the illustrated illustration really sucks, I moved both of the crossover straps forward of the gas cap and as high as possible on the gas tank... and no longer hit the panniers with my knees.I will add, I have bar risers which allow you to move the tank panniers higher and still give clearance on the handlebars.
One KLR tank pannier installation also has the Happy Trails P-D Nerf Bars. I mounted the panniers on the radiator protection part of the Nerf Bars and so they are really, way out of the way. Be aware, when installing panniers, when your bike takes a dirt nap, you decrease the ground clearance on the tank and radiator by ~6inches. So, whatever is in the tank panniers is that much closer to breaking plastic or smooshing radiator, or the radiator overflow bottle when you KLR takes a nap. hint. hint. IMO additional armor is needed to protect the radiator and plastic bits, etc. especially with panniers installed, especially on a GenII bike. YMMV.
IRT to the Rainier tank bags, Wolfman has some very well thought out, useful, accessories for this model: a larger map case, a two inch top bag for the Rainier, and oversized side pouches/packets which I found to be more useful than the std. side pouches.I still used the smaller pouches (then placed in a tail bag or inside the tank bag) to hold the smaller wrenches, safety wire, pliers, etc.
I would suggest: Buy extra buckle bits when you buy the bags; you eventually will need them (usually a dirt nap is involved) and will be glad you have them.Last fall, I broke a male portion of a Fastenx bag- buckle that I bought in 2004. Not bad for a tank bag that has been installed 14 years, and some 60K miles. Proper-sized zip-ties/cable-ties will also work as a field-expedient buckle repair, etc. In my tank bag, I had zip ties, and made an immediate repair, =
m1.
On Sun, Mar 18, 2018 at 7:47 PM, bryantburke@... [DSN_KLR650] DSN_KLR650@yahoogroups.com> wrote: I'm thinking about getting a tank bag and panniers to slightly increase my cargo capacity. Wolfman looks good and I am willing to spend top dollar for a quality product made in the USA. At present I'm looking at the Explorer Lite tank bag. That's probably a done deal unless someone has a negative review. (And yes, I know I'll need different straps for the Gen 1 and Gen 2 bikes). Does anyone have experience with the Wolfman panniers? Photos make it look like they would be very close to where my knees are. Wolfman of course says "no problem" but there are no reviews of the panniers on their web site. Any comments or suggestions about adding cargo capacity up front would be welcome. I've never ridden with tank mounted luggage. Bryan