Kawasaki Z900RS SE - An attempt at installing SW Motech Legend panniers!

[@orlandoberry4031]

It doesn’t matter how much of a faf something is - there is still a great sense of satisfaction when the job is done. They look great.

[@brentfowler2915]

Just wanted to say thanks for showing how a normal fit goes, best intentions and all that, no matter how neatly you lay stuff out - it's always worth it in the end though! Keep up the great work 😀

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I appreciate that!

[@BlakesPipes]

This is why drinking before hand is always required. It's always fun to watch the next morning to see how you did it. This makes me happy to see, as I am normally the one that doubles the time it takes to do a job and add one day!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad it’s not just me!

[@jonnyj600]

Thanks for leaving in the gaffs. Mistakes most of us would make. Thanks.

[@anthonyjrustysdad6135]

Fitted these to my xsr 900 with ease but don’t recall trying to fit all the points at the same time. I would recommend fitting a self adhesive rectangular red reflector to each bag. They sit nicely on the smooth vinyl strip at the bottom of the rear quarter (of course). Look good and shine up well to following traffic.

[@keitht3055]

Well done Andy for sticking with the installation, even though it was a bit of a ball ache. Oh yeah, I really enjoyed the live chat on Friday evening, Mrs Flyer is definitely a star after a couple of 'greedy' glasses of wine 😆👍🥂.

[@Sirsethtaggart3505]

I'm so glad it's not just me that makes a meal out of things like that. That reversed washer really struck a familiar cord with me.

[@edwardsenesac]

I’m glad you went with these. I suggested it / them. I just bought the exact same bags in black for my new Moto Guzzi V7 2023. Easy installation, minimalistic, look good, not bulky, and I can swap-out with the “urban” side cases using same rack for grocery shopping and longer rides. Nice too that they lock on from the inside. I use only one daily for my laptop and cafe supplies to work anywhere. Just snap off and carry away in one second. I just waxed them to be more rain-proof. Lots of fun and old school.

[@ToolkiT73UK]

I have them on my V7 too, great bit of kit, much better that the ugly c-bow system I had before..

[@paunixon]

Lovely to see the Z900RS SE out again. Good job for persevering...I find many instructions are an after thought when it comes to bikes, so I'm not surprised by the faffery, but all looks good now. Well done, sir. Handsome bike indeed.

[@essexboydave]

Well this video started my Saturday morning off with a smile Having worked in the motor trade for 30+ years I’ve had the deal with awkward and Fiddley operations like this on a daily basis It’s not something you get used to but you do develop a tolerance for tasks like this But you got there in the end without chucking spanner’s around the garage and it all looks good sir. 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You must be very patient!

[@essexboydave]

@@TheMissendenFlyer you just need to slip into a different mindset when doing tricky tasks I work in restoration nowadays so most jobs I do are all fiddly and awkward but yet it has to be perfect when it’s done so it can take ages

[@waltereisenbeis8652]

I like that you do these and give those of us who are mechanically incomptenet hope that we might be able to do some upgrades on our bikes. Like the video and congratulations on completing the challenge successfully.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@ianezy0828]

Hi Mate, I also have had the same bags on my Z900RS for a couple of years now. It is advisable to have a few drain holes on the underside of each bag because, although the waterproof linings are indeed waterproof, the bags are not so on a rainy day water collects at the bottom. I had 3 equispaced holes on the bottom of each bag with an open hole press stud to stop any fraying.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good tip!

[@lordgibbness]

Look pretty easy to fit, but we all enjoy watching Andy (and Freddy dobbs on his channel) for their honesty...

[@clasqm]

... and this is why we love this channel: Andy making the same dumb mistakes we make when we take the spanners out of the toolbox!

[@stephenspiteri_zunkus]

I do like the brand and the brackets don't distract from the nice bike lines so you can leave them there which is great. The only thing I didn't like was the size difference from one side to the other. Prefer if they were similar-sized bags. But hey you gotta do what you gotta do. It's practical and a good product. Well done!

[@auscurrymaster]

The bags don't need to be different sizes; the large one fits on the exhaust side no problem.

[@HaggisPower]

​@@auscurrymaster I wondered. Sometimes manufacturers ere on the side of caution..

[@1Witcomb]

Possibly the funniest video you've done. If Mrs Flyer was there reading the instructions it would have been BAFTA worthy!! :) Beautiful bike by the way. Love it

[@ulsterfly]

The SW Motech Blaze Panniers might have been a better choice , they work with a simple removable rod to prevent the bags hitting the wheel, I have these on my Z900rs

[@Xavier19676]

Not editing while installing is very much appreciated. I am glad that I recognize the difficulties that comes across 😊. Thanks!!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure 😊

[@mattlee4877]

Great video as always. Always like to see an honest video like this. We can't all be experts , nice to see a real world situation. They look good and love the kawasaki in that colour scheme.

[@RobertBowen-b4s]

Real spannering and real frustration here, so great.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@brianchristensen1475]

I love that you leave the mishaps in, too many youtubers don't! Loved the Livestream last night and I always enjoy your content! Many thanks!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you for watching Brian - appreciate that!

[@raycollington4310]

I keep looking at this bike, there is something that appeals to me. The live stream was a lot of fun, you came across as a cheerful and funny couple. Thank you TMF.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you - we try to be!

[@cliveteague2115]

I’m glad I’m not the only one that struggles with ‘simple’ spannering 😀

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it’s not always as easy as it should be is it!

[@Stephen_Martin]

The Joys of DIY..!

[@clifffawcett]

I love how you show the actual reality. Like what really happens when a real person does the job. Thanks for showing it all!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure Cliff, and I’m glad you appreciate that.

[@happytoo10]

Well done Andy,the more you do the easier it gets and the more satisfaction you’ll get, plus you get to know your bike better.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks!

[@richardbriggs1335]

Never a dull day at Flyer HQ. Bags look good on that style of bike.

[@chrishumphries7697]

This vid was pretty entertaining. :) Thanks for not editing out absolutely all the ups and downs of this install.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure - it’s only meant as entertainment!

[@jonathanskidmore4524]

Another great vid. Glad it’s not just me! I recently ordered and fitted genuine BMW Motorrad crash bars and hand guards and for added amusement they don’t come with any fitting instructions. Spaces, washers and screws galore and many attempts and hours later I managed to find a home them all. Garage amateurs will not be defeated!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Hear hear!!

[@ckkrons2338]

Glad I’m not the only one to do a job 2-3 times to get it right. Appreciate the courage to show it and be real! 😅

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No courage needed - it makes for a better video if there's a bit of strife involved!

[@philelsey7639]

Patients of a Saint they look really neat and tidy and a Bloke that reads a manual much respect

[@martingarrett3671]

That was so funny to watch😂 if it was frustrating to do, and shows me that I’m not the only one that seems to have issues sometimes with what initially looks to be something quite straightforward to fit. But we’ll done on finishing it, and without turning the air blue🤬, although I suspect there may of been some cutting and editing going on. 😜

[@johnlenart597]

I was amused watching you spannering the S W Motec brackets on. Being 15 years your senior I know why I let my dealers tech handle this job. I have the same brackets on 2 bikes and they are top notch. You get what you pay for. I caught the live stream and think you and the Mrs are truly a match made in heaven. 👍👍🏍🏍🏍🙋‍♂️

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@JohnHandley-z8q]

Great vid Andy. We all learn by our (or your 😅) mistakes. Love the panniers and inconspicuous brackets but hate the price!

[@edwardt1941]

Saw that rear spacer underneath and thought hmmm thats going to be fun.and now you have learnt a bit. All good!

[@stefanfrittiert1038]

Great! I am probably going for these bags and fitting to my Speed Twin. Brackets look good.

[@robreed2999]

Time to call for Mrs Flyer 🙏 well you got there in the end Andy 👍 the panniers look great and very entertaining to watch 👍🙈

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@MadGingerCat]

11:54 - I think the word you were looking for was "muppetry". Although we all make mistakes and I applaud you for leaving in the issue and not editing it out. Much more authentic and beneficial to viewers as a result. Great content as always Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers!

[@twowheeledsomm]

I just installed these same racks on a Yamaha MT-07 the other day. It literally took me all day but now that I have done it once I reckon I could do it a second time in an hour. On the MT-07 you have to remove the seat to remove the fairings so you can drill a few holes into them! Scary stuff. That being said, now that they're on I'm amazed by the quality. They're awesome racks and bags.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cool!

[@clifffawcett]

I absolutely love the twin circular analog gauges on a bike. Speedometer and Tachometer. 👌🏻

[@davidbates5310]

Really glad you like them, I can't train my eyes to enjoy panniers on anything other than adventure bikes. That renders me stuck with tank bags and tail packs.

[@bruceg7387]

I enjoy the original intro to start your videos so Thank you for that.

[@GaryWeller-f8m]

Matey, I fitted a set of these to my Jaffa a few months ago and I had the larger bags on BOTH sides with no interference with the exhaust, no problem at all. When I went for a ride with both bags on I arrived at my destination to discover that one of the bags was missing! It had obviously become detached whilst riding but I hadn't felt it come off. I retraced my journey to find it leaning up against a bus shelter so some kind person had retrieved it from the road and put it to one side. Moral of this story (bag was undamaged luckily) is to make absolutely sure that the bags are 100% secure when you put them on. TBH I thought I had made sure but it might require a more thorough check. Great channel BTW

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Crikey that's a good lesson to learn at your expense, thanks for that!

[@barrykrakovsky756]

" ...Why don't the instructions tell you these things?" Exactly. Thank you for posting this video. I really appreciate it.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@rogervallve7375]

I have those bags. Install was much easier on the xsr700. When i was going to work, i bought the strap for one. Works great.

[@kalnwi2023]

I love the looks of the Kaw but the xsr is a better bike seems to me.

[@rogervallve7375]

@@kalnwi2023 I wanted a back to basic bike, less electronics, easy to ride etc. enough power for me.

[@trevjones1315]

Surely both bags could of been the same size judging by the space to the pipe.

[@Jonathan-L]

The right one is 'his' and the left one is for 'her'. Having said that, it's hard to put gender & equality in the same sentence :)

[@operator0]

I have this for my Bonneville. I thought the install process was straight forward enough that I didn't bother with the instructions. It was pretty easy. In your defense, I have a lot of experience assembling complex automation machines. Also, I prefer to roll my bag (I only have the right side small bag) the opposite way than you have them. It looks cleaner with the open end facing the seat of the bike. I bought the bike used with the Triumph leather panniers already installed and I knew right away that I was going to be taking those off the bike. I think they make the bike look hideous. This bag looks so much better, and only slightly more tedious to open and close than the factory bags. Super happy with it. I haven't been in the rain with it yet, and don't intend to.

[@davidz8]

Good luck for Tuesday Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@MrHewy78]

Enjoyed this one, kudos for not hiding your mistakes with editing, bike looks great with or without the bags on..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Much appreciated!

[@Screamifyoumeanit]

I went for the Givi Canyon 25L on my KTM 390ADV prior to a trip around the Devon & Cornwall coast... Absolutely love them. Also a bit 'not enough hands in the right place' to fit the mounting brackets, but the bags just drop on to the mounts at the bottom then click in to the lock at the top.

[@lifesjourneyat50]

This is why I don't do videos on installations....there wouldn't be enough batteries or SD memory on my GoPro's...ha!!....I'm so with you on what can go wrong will go wrong...like putting bolts on backwards...it's always great to see others go thru same struggles...well done and final product looks great!!!!! - FYI - Live stream was great!!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@ToolkiT73UK]

They do a cool set of brushed aluminium race number plates that fit on the mounting points. Makes it look like a feature without bags .. mind you, I normally leave the bags on.

[@stephenscott6570]

I have SW-Motech Pro Blaze Saddlebags for my BMW R1250 R. You have to attach a bracket between the frame and passenger footpegs into which a rod is placed in. Their instructions had a diagram that was reversed and incorrect. I finally figured it out and took photo on the diagram and the parts and sent to them and told them they needed to get their engineers or illustrators to do a better job.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes the instructions aren't the best I've ever come across....

[@hermanderaeymaecker4134]

I think they should get the Blaze mounts working with the legends bags. That would be the most aesthetic solution.

[@koshtie]

Hi Andy well done on the live stream really enjoyed it, Do love your spanner'ing sessions you get there in the end, do those bolts call for thread lock ? & they do look good & not a bad price for what you get, ATB with the shoulder for Tuesday , Wayne.....

[@Samberlong]

I always enjoy your vids and this one didn't disappoint. Congratulations for being open and leaving the mistakes in . I have the same set up from SW Motech on my CB750 Hornet with their Urban ABS panniers. Very pleased with them, good quality and fitted perfectly. I also have SW Motech Sys bags, again top quality. No I don't work for SW Motech just like their kit, glad you are pleased with yours.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes it is good stuff isn't it....

[@johnalbone3372]

Looks good Maybe you could get some suppliers to help out with some decent tools And maybe consider Locktite on the threads

[@edwardsenesac]

SW Motech also has another side bag that you may like. They are relatively new and fit the style of your bikes. They are called “side bags LH” in the Legend Gear family and use the same rack to my knowledge.

[@StephenClarke-l4s]

Nice one Andy..always enjoy your spannering. Informative and easy on the eye.

[@Sonya_Makepeace]

I'd love one of those Z900's. That's the exact colour I want too!

[@kalnwi2023]

I can't afford it , rs650 maybe.

[@Sonya_Makepeace]

@@kalnwi2023 I'll club in, we can share it. I get to own it from March until September, you get the rest. That's got to be a bargain!

[@stephendavis474]

We're definitely related as I have the same " if there's a way to make the easy go complicated I will " gene😂😂😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad to hear that brother!

[@Peter-wc4kr]

I admire your perseverance.

[@taylormediation1033]

Weve all done it andy. I onceGreased bearings on rear wheel once ressembled bike then had to do it again as forgot to put a part bck on causing full disassembly. Learned for next time though

[@markmundy3435]

A good job you got there in he end, could hear muted cries from the back rows about you handing in your "man card". Make sure the locking clip is all the way home once you have fitted the bags by giving them a good wiggle before you set off! Ask me how I know, almost had to reapply for my "man card" thet day... lol

[@johnboyle8452]

Very helpful thanks. Will order them today.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@RealHooksy]

Sorry but I was yelling at the screen saying “put the top bolt in first “ until you worked it out for yourself. Well done Mr Flyer 😎

[@malmarsden9730]

Don’t worry Andy It’s a age thing . I’ve been playing around fitting things before you where born and I still stuff it up Best thing into get mrs Flyer to do it they have more patience Take care ride safe Mal in Australia

[@peterdane9138]

Well done Andy. Rather you than me. Live feed last night was great fun. I hope Tuesday goes well for you.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks Peter - appreciated!

[@themartiandefender2128]

Great video TMF and well done on the fitting. I’ve got an SW Motech sport rack to fit to my Z900 and that involves drilling the bodywork, nervous as hell !!

[@snuffparrot]

Great to see the Kawasaki again, (as recently promised), TMF. Gotta say, the panniers and brackets don't spoil its gorgeous looks at all. Thoroughly enjoyed the live chat video too, (even though I was sound asleep at broadcast time).

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@jerryharris4458]

They look good. Live stream yesterday was great 👍

[@Bass.Player]

They look good. I need bags because I'm always carrying something. When you put that spacer on the bolt side of the bracket I laughed!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Always happy to entertain!

[@mickthemaverick5998]

Enjoyed watching that no holds barred presentation 😀 I think the reason you initially had trouble removing the offside under seat bolt was that you were actually trying to do it up!! At least that's what the hand strain looks like!! Nice job in the end although, like Rebel_Canuck, I'm not keen on the look from the rear. Worth investigating the swap of bag he suggests, plus of course you'd have more touring capacity as well!!

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I quite like the sound of that!

[@nickprice3605]

Fitting instructions are so easy to follow: 1. Take bike and parts to your local independent motorcycle workshop. 2. Ask/pay nice man to fit said parts. Job done 👍 Love that Kawi BTW, really fancy one 😍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for the tip!

[@andrewdyson4255]

Give that man a medal ………for patience 🎉

[@vikinglab79]

I have the SW Motech system on my Speed Twin and they look and perform superbly. Without the bags, as with your Kawasaki, they don't stand out as an add-on. And even better, they make manhandling the bike on foot a breeze.

[@richardgitz2264]

Thanks for the video, reminded me of numerous "engineering" sessions in my garage, enjoyed your humor. Ride on!

[@daveo9844]

Thanks mate. After watching your tutorial I was able to fit mine in 7 mins 😉🍻

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No problem 👍

[@andyb6844]

Well done. Got there in the end. Looks great.

[@barney3417]

Great to watch an expert at work Andy !!!! I was typing about the spacer when you coughed to putting it on wrong🤣 you are entertaining when using spanners, hope you don't do work on your plane!!! Loved watching you and Mrs Flyer last night !! Do more..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@ColonelBandit]

Don't beat yourself up Andy, I've got SW Motech kit on my bike and the quality and design is excellent - but the instructions do leave a lot to be desired - I've learned to read, re-read, lay out the bits, offer them up for a look, dry test fit and then final fit 😂😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes that’s the way to go!

[@johna6968]

Anything requiring a modicum of mechanical aptitude always makes for comedy gold here.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Indeed it does....

[@MarkATaylor]

I’ve just spent the best part of Sunday afternoon faffing in my garage enjoying similar levels of grief 😂 , so I feel your pain. Good effort.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Yes I'm quite sure I'm not the only one who suffers in this way!

[@paulfoulkes296]

Read instructions twice, spanner once!! Very entertaining though, and thank you for making me look like a master mechanic!!😂😂 Great vid!! Looks great!!

[@garymasterson1174]

Look brilliant, mate.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@malcolmpatton7817]

Looks great. What I did fitting crash bars to my Honda asked my wife to read the instructions we had two bikes to do first one was ok but on the second bike we noticed an engine bolt had been over tightened and the head of the bolt Was actually missing from new ! So as not to be blamed for this had take the crash bars off back to the dealership had get the bolt replaced under warranty. Then fit the crash bars again what a nightmare. So much so when I trade the bike I will probably leave the crash bars on the bike. 😂

[@chrishammond5414]

I bought hepco and Becker for my Yamaha fz8n for exactly the same reason, didn’t want the look of scaffolding when the panniers weren’t fitted, good on you mr flyer, very fidderly .

[@ToolkiT73UK]

Btw you are right with the capacity for a weekend trip. Add a lomo motorcycle rollbag and you can carry camping gear too :)

[@Poaflias]

Thank you Andy, I always enjoy your videos, but this one made me laugh out loud on more than one occasion. I can't believe that you managed to avoid swearing. "aw for Petes sake!" brilliant😄. I applaud your patience - keep up the great work.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it - thanks for watching!

[@slimdowndaddy7919]

Andy, you are gold... you deal with the same shit I deal with working on my bike...

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I’m glad it’s not just me!

[@darrenhall6509]

Smart bags and look good. Good luck, for the opp tomorrow by the way. Great Missenden's own Steve Austin, "we can rebuild him". Sure it will be fine.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

So far so good!

[@savr1200gs]

Always thought my garage skills needed some work but after watching you Andy I now think I'm pretty good 😂.. great entertaining video as always 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@andrewhayes4246]

OMG that's the best laugh I've had for ages! Please do a complete bike restoration for us, the vids will go viral! 😂seriously though, they are great looking panniers 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@Nick-Emery]

RS se in that colour combo is a dream bike for me. I need to do my cam chain tensioner on my street triple this weekend 🫣 I wish I could just ride bikes without washing and wrenching on them 😂

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Me too!

[@ticthedog6095]

Great honest video, panniers look good quality. I’m a massive fan of the Z900rs and it reminds me of the best GS made.

[@auscurrymaster]

Andy, you definitely don't need the smaller bag on the exhaust side. I have the non-SE model and have the larger bag on both sides, and the bag sits well above the pipe, on the exhaust side, and being non-SE or SE is not material to how the bags sit on the bike (and it's the same exhaust). Another thing you may find is that the top straps on the bags are too short if you fill the bags up. I think there are strap extenders out there which I'm currently looking into. Apart from that, the bags are beautifully made and a joy to use.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Great tips - thank you!

[@123rtheo]

Andy you really made that look like hard work.😂

[@barrydaly7174]

That is Real world "Tinkering" TMF and all the more entertaining and useful for it.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Despite my muppetry I do love a bit of garage tinkering!

[@oliverwhitby4778]

Someone mentioned this on the live stream and please dont think im taking the mickey as i am useless with spanners myself but a spannering show with tmf , dobbs and millyard there to make sure nothing blows up would go down in history.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

I think Allen would leave the room in disbelief!

[@oliverwhitby4778]

Yes the look on his face would be priceless

[@MrWibbleman]

Thanks for this video. Made me smile.. glad you got it sorted. A great looking bike..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@danymaes252]

Very good instruction video, thanks a lot for sharing it, greetings from Belgium

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

You are welcome!