Hard or Soft Adventure Panniers - Which is Best - Pro's and Con's of Motorcycle Luggage Options

[@MOTOTREK]

Get your name in the end credits! JOIN now and become an Associate Producer. www.youtube.com/@MOTOTREK/membership

[@badapple65]

Thank You Brother for convincing my wife that I need both systems.

[@pravinsrivastav2530]

:)

[@saso-gi9sy]

Hahaha... I guess your wife likes her ankles as well as her security lol

[@vivzermattjigosevilla]

Hahahahahha!!

[@Domitianvs]

Hard panniers win, obviously. Soft cases don't offer the same opportunity for stickers, and as such, you can't impress people with where you've been.

[@leeedsonetwo]

@Wes B Come on too many choices

[@richardmilsom3350]

‘Cos that’s why you have em….

[@Domitianvs]

@@richardmilsom3350 No, but that's why you have a sense of humour...

[@richardmilsom3350]

Haven’t you seen all the adventurers riding to the office in the full rallye suit and pannier get up?

[@sirgalah561]

Fridge magnets for when you invite them over for a beer...

[@theponderosa3489]

A very good review as always. I like the fact that you didn’t push one system over the other. When I was young I strapped everything to my bike with bungees and ropes. Sleeping bags were rolled in a plastic trash bag first and tied down. Now I’m pushing 60 and I ride with solid panniers. I have no illusions of traveling the Mongolian deserts or outrunning bandits in Columbia. I still go back country on occasion but what I really need is something secure for my stuff when I’m stopped in some city or out of the way place and away from my bike. Soft panniers don’t do that. Sure you can pry open my bags but that at least takes some effort. A lot more than simply releasing the catch on a soft bag. I went with what I was comfortable with and that’s what matters in the end.

[@peterbrophy9442]

Everything you said equals all my 3 years of research on the subject and I came to the same conclusion. I have both hard and will be ordering the soft for the next season. Great Video. Thank you for the simple way of presenting the Pro’s & Con’s for both options.

[@qnim7]

i don't know what it is but , i like him and like every video in this channal... just me???

[@Cafeducati]

Nope. Brett has style, he has substance, he is kind, approachable and most of all, the man loves to share knowledge. Not force down your throat what might be a confident fib, but proven knowledge that he could easily keep to himself as a power move or retain for his school, which ppl pay for. He freely and willingly opens himself up as a person, mentor, teacher and friend. He is a PNW gem.

[@johan.ohgren]

This is the third video I watch... now I´ll go watch my fourth..

[@BretTkacs]

I'm blushing

[@crusing275]

The most straight forward advice I’ve seen on this subject. This channel rocks!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thank you!

[@signalvideo1]

Thanks for pointing out the differences and best use for each style. I ride a 2022 Himalayan that came with hard panniers. My nephew bought me a set of soft panniers for a gift. I will use use the soft for moto camping and hard for motel trips.

[@Britishshooter]

One other suggestion, use soft panniers on the side and a lockable hard top box to store valuables. You are unlikely to be injured by a top box in a fall.

[@hairyneil]

That's what I was thinking. You can put all the breakables (cameras, laptop etc) in the top box and then mostly nice squishy things are in the sides.

[@linc_y]

That's what I do!

[@juro6]

I've heard of top boxes rattling loose and falling off on dirt.

[@EugeneYunak]

@@juro6 i've experienced this myself, many times, with various top boxes, however all of them were of the plastic variety. just grab something like a mosko moto duffle if you plan to go offroad

[@marksandorf2072]

You’ve obviously never seen me crash! I could figure out a way to injure myself even if they were made of bubble wrap.

[@shoakman]

soft panniers + hard top case for valuables seem like a winning combo

[@Gismo3333]

It is not a safe… A thief may open most of them in 2 sec with a screwdriver. So I would not have any valuables in there. And then you have a broken top-box, lost all your valuables, and a lid flapping in the wind.

[@Radio_180]

Hard pannier on top, soft panniers on the sides = best of both worlds.

[@jimbob7559]

But they don't match. You're probably one of those riders who wears a brown belt and black shoes. I'll bet your Momma tried, poor dear.

[@Radio_180]

@@jimbob7559 You’re probably one of those riders that are so insecure that they have to have matching panniers, matching belts and boots, buys sticker of places you’ve never been and puts them on your bike, and just cares about having the right image so you’ll feel good about yourself when ordering a Soy Latte at your local Starbucks.

[@W1nDy_Artria]

@@Radio_180 oof burn! Yea I think hard+soft is the best way to go, electronics goes into the hard for extra protection and security. Clothing, hygiene, camping gear goes into the soft as those are soft and/or rugged, your legs will thank you.

[@kennethbuluran2348]

@@jimbob7559 Burn. Idiot

[@charlesx5291]

That’s my setup as well. Breakables and smalls in the hard case, everything else on the sides.

[@DanishSatkut]

This is becoming my favorite motorcycle channel. Great job.

[@justinbarney8198]

This video answered a lot of things I had not considered. I'm more into touring via bicycle(Surly BFD) and the part where he talks about crashing and what it can do to the frame was a HUGE eye-opener for me. I would more likely use soft panniers for my side saddles, but I may use a hard pannier on the top of my rack. That way when I stop I can just pack what I don't want to carry into the hard pannier(w/lock) for security purposes.

[@tommeytommey2742]

Great unbiased review! Short, sweet and factual. Well done!

[@johnburgess5534]

Super informative vid. I use soft panniers, wrapping everything in zip bags or bin bags. I ride a Himalayan. Locked down at present and can't wait to be set free again. Stay safe.

[@MOTOTREK]

Great tip! Looking forward to riding free too, John!

[@mariorad529]

Hey man. I ride a Himalayan as well and am looking to buying panniers but don't know which will fit my bike except the stock aluminum ones, which I do not like and are quite expensive. Can you share the ones you use? :)

[@douglaspeterson7006]

This happened to my Wife in Yellowstone Park. On her 1200GS she caught the back bumper on a pickup she was passing. That event threw her into the soft dirt roadside at about 25MPH. She had factory hard bags. Long story short two hours later she was airlifted to Idaho Falls for an emergency spleenectomy. If she had soft bags the outcome may have been different.

[@MachoBiker]

Buy them both! Decide on which ones to use based on where you are taking your bike! Loved the video👌 simple, unbiased and straight forward! Hope it helps a Lotta ppl out there make up their minds!

[@gregreynolds5576]

These are great videos, keep em coming. Some of the best adv videos on U Tube!

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks, Greg! We will.

[@jebwood9461]

Are we not going to acknowledge sasquatch top right corner at 4:59?

[@EthanAdey]

Where?

[@OneManTrail]

Holy crap 😂

[@OneManTrail]

@@EthanAdey 4:56

[@henryjones7240]

Ahahahahahahaha don’t eat Dusty!!!!!!!!!!😂

[@Navroze]

Always soft panniers for me since 6 decades of riding. They have saved me and my bike on small and big falls.

[@ahmets8787]

Do soft panniers protect the bikes?

[@orangelion03]

Loving your channel! My GS came with a set of HUGE Micatech Pilot aluminum panniers. Great boxes for carrying lots of stuff, convenient side opening, and they hold the bike up nicely if you fall over! But have only used them on dirt once, the first time: I messed up on a rocky road section and ended up with my right foot going under the box...grateful for my Toucans and the rock the front wheel hit that tilted the bike back over. Now I only use the cans on longer asphalt only trips and have a set of old Cortech sport saddlebags combined with a soft seat/tail box for the dirt.

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad you're okay.

[@Dirtpoorhomesteader]

Iv been recommending these videos to fellow riders. Some of the videos especially with regarding technique have already improved my riding tremendously. I’m a much safer rider and have more fun on the bike. And the best part is I’m not asked 10 times to subscribe. Come to think of it I can’t remember ever being asked to subscribe. Which is why I subscribed! Ha

[@Porsche996driver]

I look at it 180* differently. If you fall low side the hard case will hold the bike up. BMWs are so tough you’d need a huge hit to bend the subframe. The boxer motor is equally tough, it will slide for yards without a complaint. Soft pannier only if you need to stay very narrow. I normally ride with just the top case for filtering on commute.

[@steve_is_my_name]

Hard panniers you can use as a seat when camping 🏕 and a wash basin for washing your cloths when on the road.

[@richardahola692]

I have both but I like the hard bags better. Keep a lot of gear in them and lock at night. Soft bags on my dual sport worked. A pain to get into during the day. I try not to fall. I'm old and don't heal quickly.

[@beamdoctor5637]

Agree totally with owning both soft and hard. I bought Givi Hard and Oxford soft set. Sometimes I put the soft on top of the Hard Cases on road trips when I am camping and need to carry the extra gear. I just subscribed due to this video quality. Curious if your other video are this good?

[@MOTOTREK]

+Beam Doctor thanks for subscribing!

[@richardahola692]

I ride an old Wing in the US. It came with locking hard boxes. I broke one by overloading it with tools for a long trip. For my adventure bike I would like hard side boxes for all the gear that stays with the bike and a duffel for the stuff I need to carry into hotels at night.

[@ethancheng1595]

Damn, as an OCD person I absolutely love your hard pannier setup, specially when you used the word "stage" to explain your charging setup - that gave me chills. But I do like to keep my legs, though. Tough decision.

[@hwobstj]

I put Bumot hard panniers on my 2018 GS. I had Touratech on my 2007, but found the Bumot to be slightly cheaper in cost yet stronger and better made. Plus Bumot offers a soft pannier set that goes right on the same rack and locks to the rack the same as the hard bags. I haven’t purchased the soft panniers yet, but they are on my list. Having both gives lots of flexibility in travel style and preferences as you mentioned.

[@vicenteaq]

Same like me.

[@kyledormoriz7065]

This was very helpful for someone just getting into riding and choosing gear. Thank you.

[@gpnmoab1]

I can't agree more. I have both soft and hard for the very same reasons. If I plan on a lot of miles off road/ camping, the soft bags go with me, on the other hand, road trips with my wife and lots of eating in restaurants or going into stores where the bike will be out of site - hard cases are my choice. I do worry more about the bike falling on my wife, but in 30+ years of riding road bikes I've only fell once. off road, well more than I can count or remember.

[@GRequinBlanc]

Great video again - beautiful ending.... I've the H&B hard cases. repaired the mounting a few times and hammered out the dents on the panniers. my next purchase is soft panniers.

[@outty77]

I use a roll top Wolfman Expedition, mounted to the top rack and a Krieger backpack for all my gear, My F800GS doesn't like to push all that air in front of the panniers. I sacrifice security and a little storage space for aerodynamics!

[@Vincent-yv1iz]

So it depends on your way if u take on road riding suggest u to use hard panniers compare with if u wanna ride on the off-roads will better using soft panniers... At the point i choose to combine with using soft panniers on side that covers my clothes and top box to covers my electronics and other stuffs

[@induristan]

You forgot to mention the obvious: you cannot apply stickers on soft panniers to show where you've been :) Since 2001 i am using Touratech 42 liters panniers, really satisfied. However, the had their fair share of ground contact and need to be replaced within the next few years (I do long trips every 4 - 5 yrs only). I met 2 riders using the moskomoto panniers this year; had a close look and talked to them in great detail. Awesome product. Later I met to Australian riders who had a very flat 'plastic' topcase for their valuables combined with soft panniers. The topcase was so flat that a big Ortlieb duffle bag could be fitted on top. I guess - for me - this is the perffect combination for a long distance / several months trip. What do you think: Soft panniers, flat top case, duffle bag (and of course a tank bag) for.... let's say Europe - Iran - India?

[@Hp2G1]

Thanks for the great video! You summarize it very accurately. I had soft panniers on my HP2, and before a trip across Labrador, my friend gave me his hard aluminum panniers (he was changing bike). I figure the additional capacity and locking capability would be great. It was a mistake. I dropped my bike in very loose sand, and instead of having only my pride injured, the panniers trapped my right ankle and twist it badly. I can only imagine what it would have been in harder ground. Not the best way to finish a trip (not being able to use the rear brake). Also, although they where expensive panniers made for BMW, they where not as water-thigh as my soft panniers. No more hard panniers in the dirt for me... Cheers.

[@SuzukiC41]

Right now, I plan on running a combination of hard and soft for all of the reasons listed above. I normally run my bike with a top case to hold all of my important stuff and I'm planning on eventually grabbing soft panniers for longer adventures. Best of both worlds.

[@kenpage7305]

The hard panniers make a good in-room lock box. If I am staying in a sketchy hotel or hostel, I cable lock them to the bed, radiator, desk, or whatever, so the boxes and the contents (computer, camera, medications, important documents) are not stolen. The soft panniers can be easily and quietly cut through.

[@MOTOTREK]

That's a great tip, Ken.

[@thanhnguyenuc8545]

touring: hard panniers adventure: soft panniers

[@ThrillaPark]

You’re the best. Keep up the good work. Keep making vids please! I wanna go to your school and learn from you!

[@mrbjay5443]

I must say, Bret, your channel is the best, I learn so much from you!

[@gpnmoab1]

Great advice and based on this video I bought the GIVI outback trekker for hard cases as they are just cool and quick to remove and the rack comes off in seconds with a tool. This rack also will work with the Mosko 37 liter soft bags which I'm going to order for the off-road trips. Thanks!

[@amkaplan]

Very good video, thanks. I'm wondering why you chose soft bags for Europe. I've traveled a lot there (not by bike) and would think the security issue would be paramount. Thanks.

[@FranksBmwAdv]

i liked the end clip of you hiking in the sand, I almost broke my leg with hard cases in the AZ desert, going to get some soft cases for that riding. great video!

[@ChrisAdvR]

Thanks for these insights on the panniers. Rarely you hear talking about consequences by the impact between legs and panniers.

[@damienford3587]

Great suggestions and advice clearly backed up by hard earned experience.Thanks Bret

[@MOTOTREK]

Glad it was helpful!

[@wolfganghokenmaier]

The final credits of your movie are just hilarious! Thanks for a thorough summary of the topic.

[@MOTOTREK]

You're welcome, Wolfgang.

[@yair1956]

.... the conflict is over with the new Semi Rigid from Lone-Rider, you can have the advantage of both worlds ... would be nice if you can put your hand on those Panniers and post a review .... I personally, swap from my OEM Aluminum Hard Cases to the Lone Rider, and never looked back

[@chrishill8770]

Thanks for mentioning these. Id never heard of them, but now am going to order some. Great information! Looks like a brilliantly thought out bag.

[@roberthelton7697]

At 5 minutes into the video, is that Bigfoot walking through the woods !! 😁I bought the soft bags, I ride a pig, or, 2011 KLR 650, I feel there is less banging around inside to do damage.

[@dwightbernheimer331]

Very interesting. Here's something to think about. Even if you own both systems you're only going to have one or the other with you... At one time... thanks for posting

[@motovinster431]

Nicely done. Big thumbs up!

[@gabrielamato5460]

Great vids! Thanks for the pro tips, just got a R1150 GS for travelling and your tips have been invaluable for safety and learning. Keep up the good work!

[@byebyetye]

I am interested as to why you chose the soft pannier for the West Africa trip, were there less concerns for security?

[@Gismo3333]

Chartering an extra cargo plane to have the heave pannier, cost to much.

[@mbuyukkaya]

the best video, I've seen about panniers.. great info

[@MOTOTREK]

+Mustafa B. Thank you!

[@mbuyukkaya]

+MOTOTREK What is your opion about plastic hard panniers, such as Givi TRK46N TREKKER.. Should we consider them best of both worlds?

[@MOTOTREK]

It would seem that plastic is compromise between hard and soft luggage, not truly offering the advantages of either. If you're talking about hard plastic, like Pelican cases, then they fall into the hard pannier category.

[@mbuyukkaya]

Now I have second thoughts about, Honda OEM panniers on my Africa Twin.. :(

[@WorldsGoneInsane]

Looking at VIKING APEX system. Hard cases when you need them and soft panniers that use the same mounting brackets. Oh, and they come with a set of brackets in the price. If you damage one, you’ll have a spare. They just ran a 35% off sale for Christmas too.

[@mariusvanniekerk7707]

Hi guys and girls. I'm from South Africa, and my opinion the best country in the world for adventure riding. I believe that soft luggage is the best option, but in our country it's a no go. The risk of having the bags slached when you turn your back, is almost a guarantee. Point I want to make is, plan properly and always keep in mind the areas you are going to travel. If you can, visit our country.

[@Comrade134]

I love your classroom and all of your panniers!

[@mvjoshi]

Hi Brett, I have watched almost all of your videos. Very instructive. I especilly like the ones on 9 mistakes made by adv riders, U turns and lifting the bike. I ride a 2018 BMW 310 GS and a 2019 Versys 650, with soft panniers (SP and HP hereon to reduce typing), so am playing a kind of devil's advocate here. The pros and cons that you listed are all valid but I opine a bit differently on some of them:- 1. For example, a fall with HPs transferring energy not enough to break the HP material itself to the stuff stored inside - in the case of a SP, ALL the energy goes directly to the valuables inside it, causing much damage. And if one encases all the delicate stuff in bespoke cases, the volume goes over even the otherwise generous SP storage volume. I have seen this happen on my 2018 Ladakh ride with a rider - his laptop cracked and was kaput despite being rolled up in clothes within the SP as the energy of the fall was not arrested by any stiff material in the SP. 2. Legs trapped under - I really don't see how one's leg can get trapped under a pannier, HP or SP, on either side. The dynamics of a fall, combined with the reflexes of the nervous system, should see the rider sliding off/getting tossed off at high speeds or in a low speed fall, his (applies equally to ladies, no gender bias here) leg coming under a frame member (the speed would be too low for the bike to move ahead of him to a point where the HP rides over his leg). The pannier(s) seem a little too far back for the leg(s) to come under them. Just food for thought. 3. If you recall your superbly practical "3 great ways to lift a motorcycle" lesson (kzbin.info/www/bejne/ambMp2mmmdSagtE), the HP caused a much better angle, ergonomically speaking, to enable easier lifting of the bike than would obtain had the HPs been SPs. I have yet to drop any bike that I have owned but on my rides, I have seen riders in Rajasthan struggle to panting exhaustion due to the near prone state of their SP laden bikes when fallen in sand - no HP to give that vital angle that gives that vital leverage to lift by either monkey or man method. 4. Luggage limiter: Another great pro of HPs is that their limited physical dimensions force one to limit one's luggage to really the absolutely essentials. You simply cannot make the sides bulge out with that additional pair of trousers or that T shirt or what have you. Limited luggage=limited weight=lighter bike=all the benefits accrued thereof. 5. Convenience of HPs - just open the latches of the frame and take one or both HPs away. Unlike most SPs which need a plethora of straps to be dealt with. And you cannot leave one SP on the bike unlike for an HP; both SPs get detached together and have to be lugged away together even if you don't want one or the other. Two important reasons why I myself use SPs is the much lower price vs HPs and the much lower dead weight over the HPs. Again, a very balanced and educative video. Ride Safe, Live Strong :-)

[@kyliemcwynne]

The Irish tricolour on the solid pannier is a welcoming sight.

[@roadwarrior8560]

TAL

[@BOT-dv9lz]

I have gad issues that the hard panniers are very limiting when something is bigger and wont fit. I am building a rack for two drybags. I am also thinking about changing the outerwall to a soft shell that can adapt to whatever shape you put in it.

[@jsrussi1]

Hey! Just meet your show and i loved it! congratulation fot your enthisiasm and knoledge, how did it went in Colombia? Did you enjoy it??

[@BretTkacs]

I loved Colombia.

[@dirkmertens6926]

Great job, loooooove the music. Gtrz from Belgium !

[@MOTOTREK]

+Dirk Mertens thanks! Music by mattjorgensen.com

[@mattjorgensen6573]

Thanks Dirk!

[@holyscience3763]

thank you for sharing, however i wish that you can share the links to the paniers you use. i already checked your website and amazon products list but it wasn't listed on either of them. can you please share in the description please?

[@TheWorldRealist]

I have a Plano gun case as a top box which is tough and secure. Side bags are Nelson Rigg deluxe. Secure stuff goes in the box. Clothes, tent etc go in the side bags and roll bags which can be added as required.

[@TheWorldRealist]

Ps I do not have a big budget! Retired.

[@intercept7965]

How about Soft panniers on a luggage rack with a surrounding frame like a cage on some Royal Enfields. I use Soft panniers as I just remove them and take it to my stay dorm or room so no parking security issues.

[@willief7863]

its all very simple. buy both. be prepared for every senario..... one thing i do like about the hard panniers is you can sit on one as a chair and use the other as a table

[@MOTOTREK]

Yes!

[@azdesertdog]

Well said. My personal preference is the soft bags. I like the light weight, they most likely won't break my leg and if they do get damaged they are easily bungee'd back on. If someone wants to steal my dirty skivvies that's less laundry for me and toxic waste disposal for the thief ;-)

[@tomg6284]

Chainmail bags will do both. Security and soft and comfy in a wreck.

[@Tarsys]

Ever heard of Pedro Motta on his old Transalp crossed the whole world on and mostly offroad with his topsuitcase and rollbag. Whatever you choose it's just a choice which suits you there is no necessity!

[@verdonrocksphotography3510]

What about soft ones on the sides and hard one in the middle back....? Just thinking, great episode, thank you V!

[@sctpc]

I subbed and watched the 22 videos yesterday and was going to ask you why you used the hard panniers in the snow ans today you put a video about them. I liked you stuff with rider radio also it would be good to show what you talked about on this channel

[@MOTOTREK]

Thanks for watching 'em all! When we found the snow last March Bret paddled out into the snow and then back to pavement where he removed the panniers for the 2nd go at the snow.

[@sctpc]

Yes that was shown in the video

[@irishrover63]

I don't have any. Carried all my gear in a 30 litre Drypack strapped to my rear seat when we did the North Coast 500 earlier this year. I do prefer soft though. Giant Loop do good soft luggage as you will already know or maybe own.

[@MOTOTREK]

Giant Loop makes nice stuff.

[@MrTerry0505]

Noticed a Zimbabwean flag sticker on the hard panier 🇿🇼 hope you enjoyed riding through. Looking to do a trip from Cairo to the Cape

[@jerrymorales6501]

I know this video is a bit dated. But still excellent and relevant nonetheless. It helped me decide between hard and soft panniers. Because I need security when I leave my bike and I'm in the city, that is a much better choice. Having to be honest with myself, even though I'd love the soft panniers, I don't do as much adventure riding as I'd like. That's strike two against soft bags. The third, well like you said in the end. Maybe you just need two of each. THX

[@erikfreeland1139]

Can you show how you pack your cameras? I am looking to do my first long trip and have expensive gear I'd like to bring. Thanks for the channel - I have devoured all of them.

[@BretTkacs]

That wasn't on the list. I always travel with cameras and a computer. I think that's not a bad idea. are you traveling with hard luggage or soft luggage? [e-mail]

[@Uliio]

Quality channel. Can see this one go big

[@MOTOTREK]

+Ben Thanks. We hope so!

[@igorbardales1771]

You just convinced me. I'll go for the soft panniers. LEGS ARE MORE IMPORTANT.

[@Highvis_Rally]

good cutting and paceing in your video. its a great way to end sentences for an outdoor view in the office to make it more interesting to watch.

[@mattblyther5426]

Simple answer if ur mainly riding roads and wide gravel roads use hard panniers. If ur gonna be doing more off-road or technical trails use soft luggage, much more forgiving if u tag a branch or lay the bike down.

[@MySharpify]

What about plastic panniers? I have a set of Varios and went down with them recently. No sharp edges, not completely rigid so able to absorb the impact.

[@davidrahbany]

Did you notice the Pelican cases on the bike in his office? I've used them on my bike and they both protected my bike during falls (three of them) and were replaced with no questions asked by the manufacturer. I think Pelicans are a very affordable and viable alternative with some disadvantages in mounting options and security/locking convenience.

[@neilarmstrong1948]

I'm a fan of soft luggage mostly, and had everything for a 2 week trip in about 40L (no camping). We did discover that sometimes the convenience of a hard top case can't be beat for odd shaped things. And also for simple things like getting some beers and groceries if you are staying in one place for a few days, trying to carry a box of beer etc any other way is a real pain!

[@blackskunk9034]

Use a rucksack?

[@shootermacgavin1]

Just came across your videos. Great stuff! I have subscribed.

[@FanOWater]

There is also a significant weight advantage to soft luggage. That should really help when riding off road.

[@blackskunk9034]

...and when you have to pick the bike up after a fall...bikes are heavy already

[@Visian]

The angled bottom of the Jesse boxes provides clearance for your lower leg, to either paddle though a tough spot, or reduce the chance of breaking your leg in a get-off.

[@diegofianza3525]

Weight-mpg, handling, lifting a fallen bike; the bike’s overall width-entering hotel doorways, lane splitting, navigating tight spaces...

[@T0BBi94]

Those are all words, good job!

[@Flyingjaffacake]

@@T0BBi94 they're also valid considerations. Don't be so dismissive.

[@saso-gi9sy]

I think they are actually relevant considerations... As opposed to what the video offers. Legs and ankles... Give me a break 🤣🤣

[@remid1994]

I prefer one hard top, two soft sides.

[@Runner_fatih]

Loves from Turkey. You are good man. 👍🏽

[@moshrom]

Awesome video, but I think you missed one point, which was the most important for me, weight. I use a mosko Reckless 80 (love it!), it weighs like 5kg, with drygbags and included a top bag, compare that against a hard pannier system, where only the frame to hold the panniers weigh between 5-10kg, then you add panniers on top of that. Thank you for excellent videos!

[@BretTkacs]

moshrom when I asked these two systems the weight difference was small. But for me I wanted systems that used a rack. There are lighter options for sure from many brands and ass you mentioned even from both companies seen here

[@moshrom]

Bret Tkacs Ah ok, I thought the video were more general. But for showing your setup I understand.

[@BretTkacs]

When I teach there is a lot more that I cover such as the points you made. For KZbin we keep it simple and to the point. We enjoy the feedback.... Thanks!

[@riderskc]

Thanks sir for ur knowledge that you share with us..it's really helpful for us to deside what to buy

[@MOTOTREK]

So nice of you, Sumit!

[@blipco5]

Great review on the points of both systems. But one question....When you say you walked away from your bike in South America, you meant by like ten feet, right?

[@BretTkacs]

That depends... we certainly were not attached at the hip. I always looked for secure locations when possible. I did not have anything on the bike outside of the locked panniers so I was not as easy a target as many. no tank bag or crap they could grab quickly.

[@blipco5]

I read a book by a guy who rode solo from San Diego to the tip of South America and back. He did it on a KLR 650. I forget but I'm sure you must know the book. If you haven't heard of it and are interested I'll find it and get the title. Anyways, what a miserable trip...captured by rebels, bike stolen with all possessions, paying off the border guards at every border crossing, nearly froze to death. Pretty much took away my desire to take such a trip.

[@BretTkacs]

I think I know the book (Two wheels through Terror). The guy was looking for trouble and found it. I have traveled all of the Americas, Europe and Africa and the times I have paid "bribes" I can count on one hand. I can go on an on on this but in short... hogwash!!! Danger is real but just like at home if you don't go looking for it you will likely not find it. If you want to do it or find someone like me an join them. (maybe you can join the tour I am organizing for South Africa next winter, November 2018)

[@blipco5]

+Bret Tkacs ...Thats the one. I didn't get the idea that he was looking for trouble but he certainly didn't plan his route so as to stay in safe ares. He wanted to reach the southern tip and apparently didn't care how he got there. Anyways, he became a fan of the soft luggage because he saw how damaged his hard luggage became when he crashed, which happens off road.

[@BretTkacs]

I planned one country ahead on my trip and stayed in places that cost me $3.35 to $20 a night. I averaged $10 a night (2014/2015). Local housing, camping, hostels and two hotels.

[@kennethvernonprivate]

Loving all your videos.....Thanks for sharing!!

[@MOTOTREK]

+scooter_kenny thanks!

[@user-dk7vt8jy3b]

Lone Rider #MotoBags have the advantages of both. Safe (for your ankles) and light like soft bags but also lockable and with large capacity+ accessories on them possible!

[@kaba9995]

I'm curious how the weight of the hard paniers effect bike maintenance over time. I have hard paniers that came with my klr650 and they're a little heavy seeming. I might invest in soft to save my bikes longevity and perhaps some gas. I don't know

[@peelypeelmeister6432]

Good point. As my brother used to say , every ounce counts. But having said that, I decked out a Honda Winner 150 with hard Givi panniers and a top box in Vietnam. The peace of mind leaving my gear on my (chained up ) bike was worth the the weight. My girlfriend had a nice back rest on our longer travels. I'm looking at buying a cb500x and I'm torn between the malleability of soft panniers over the solid security of hard ones. I know one thing for sure my friend, I am very happy to have this dilemma.

[@pcmountaindog]

Weight? Maintenance over time? We are taking about 2 aluminum boxes which might weight 20 pounds total. Hardly enough make any difference.

[@derrickmurphy9988]

Enjoying your channel and most of all your knowledge thank you.with your cap and the irish flag on the hard box i would think your of irish decent?

[@BretTkacs]

Derrick Murphy, Czech The flags are from some of the counties I've ridden through. I am at 48 so far...

[@ronanrogers4127]

I always pack my valuable electronics in the soft bag on the side that I know I won’t fall on, it works 100% of the time.

[@CaptainCaveman782]

hard panniers for me every time. You can stop off at a park, restaurant, museum or whatever and spend the afternoon looking around without worrying about your gear. I guess it depends on what you're after in a long bike ride

[@EmJay2022]

Mosko makes lockable metal cable reinforced straps that you can wrap around the bags. Not a perfect solution but it'll get the job done.

[@peelypeelmeister6432]

I agree. I had hard panniers and a hard top box with some expensive gear in it. I felt pretty confident leaving it for a while, never overnight though. Mind you I always carried a cable and padlock to secure my bike to something solid as well. I'm talking Asia/Vietnam.

[@littlebitofeverything652]

%100 hard case pannier for me all 3 cases hard. 2017 bmw adventure 1200

[@pcmountaindog]

I have hard boxes on my GS800. For long haul road touring camping with some easy dirt roads I like them. For my DRZ I use soft. If I ride on rough terrain where I could dump the bike I would rather not land of a hard box which can't cushions the fall. As for security, I don't ride in places where that is a big deal and if I was in such a place I would leaving ASAP. I have never lock the boxes on my GS800 and never will.

[@Gismo3333]

Hope you know that criminals can open them in seconds. Then you have to leave your bike there, and when you are back to pick it up. The bike is probably also gone.

[@claydistler811]

I don’t understand. I thought a hard bag would be great protection because it would create a nice space for my leg to go if I crash. I understand it if my leg was between the bag and ground but that seems unlikely. Please help me get it. Thanks!

[@BretTkacs]

Clay Distler the safety vote goes to the soft bags... No debate Best to you

[@MOTOTREK]

Safety goes to the soft bags. (Thanks autocorrect)

[@bob20120000000000]

@@MOTOTREK why is that ? if the bike falls with hard panniers there is the space soft there isnt ? not trying to start a turf war here :)

[@zzxx33mh]

In my opinion, the top case is best to be hard one..but for panniers are depending on many factors..but soft are Maybe preferable.".best choice in the end.."

[@daphnedevi]

agreed

[@CanadianTexaninLiguria]

I did 50,000 km (21k around N America) and My hard top case was a lifesaver and the most useful place to keep the laptop, electric gear and things I might need to change during the day. The tank bag came in second.

[@SteveH98264]

Please tell me about the small soft bags attached to the frame of your GS below the seat.

[@BretTkacs]

Steve Heywood those are from Wunderlich

[@SteveH98264]

Bret, how did you work around the brake fluid reservior on the right side?

[@jamesalexander1441]

Great video, personally I'd go for removable soft panniers on the sides, and one secure hard pannier on top. Any thoughts?

[@BretTkacs]

James Hope I know several riders with that combo. In the end is all what works for you.