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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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 😆👍🥂.

[@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.

[@jonnyj600]

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

[@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!

[@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

[@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

[@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.

[@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..

[@fredarthur-art]

just wondering: do they fit with Mistral exhausts or will those burn the bags?

[@edwardsenesac]

@@fredarthur-art Not sure. There are two Motech bag sizes: long and short.

[@fredarthur-art]

@@edwardsenesac thanks, did you have to drill the rear fender to mount the system? Read somewhere about it.

[@edwardsenesac]

@ Huh? Certainly not! Easy install with household tools in 15 minutes.

[@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.

[@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!

[@lordgibbness]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@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..

[@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.

[@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!

[@philelsey7639]

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

[@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!

[@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!!

[@Ripley6867]

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

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure 😊

[@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!

[@MrHewy78]

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

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Much appreciated!

[@barrykrakovsky756]

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

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure!

[@edwardt1941]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@JohnHandley-z8q]

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

[@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

[@bruceg7387]

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

[@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.

[@StephenClarke-l4s]

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

[@jerryharris4458]

They look good. Live stream yesterday was great 👍

[@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 😎

[@clifffawcett]

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

[@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!

[@paulfoulkes296]

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

[@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.

[@RobertBowen-b4s]

Real spannering and real frustration here, so great.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks for watching!

[@andyb6844]

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

[@Peter-wc4kr]

I admire your perseverance.

[@christopherhorton5449]

The panniers look great. I was shouting at you as you were putting the spacer on the wrong side of the bracket 😂 We have all been there!

[@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.

[@davidz8]

Good luck for Tuesday Andy.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@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

[@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

[@MrWibbleman]

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

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@richardgitz2264]

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

[@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 !!

[@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 👍

[@Stephen_Martin]

The Joys of DIY..!

[@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.

[@stefanfrittiert1038]

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

[@garymasterson1174]

Look brilliant, mate.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thank you!

[@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!

[@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.

[@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!

[@samsara3694]

Andy, plenty of laugh out louds, all in empathy! That could have come straight of the samsara school of spannering! Solution looks good, and even the naked bracketry looks fine.

[@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. 😜

[@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!

[@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!

[@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!

[@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. 😂

[@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.

[@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!

[@cramster3495]

Great video Andy, your skills look exactly at the same level as mine. Although your ability to curb bad language is on a different planet to me 😀

[@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!

[@daveo9844]

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

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

No problem 👍

[@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!

[@TheLincolnshireFlyer]

Looks like you had a great time fitting them😂 look great on the bike 😊

[@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

[@adamsnodgrass9531]

I have a Z900RS Cafe (love it) and have the same setup. Had them for a couple years now. IMO the best looking bags for a retro. I roll my tops towards the bike,it looks cleaner. Love the channel, cheers from across the pond.

[@bryangrant2636]

Hello sir Did you go with the smaller bag on the exhaust one side and the larger on the none exhaust side? If so Have you considered larger bag for exhaust side?

[@adamsnodgrass9531]

@@bryangrant2636 I have the 13.5L on the left and the 9.5 on the right. I have a higher exhaust (Hindle megaphone) than stock,there is not enough clearance.

[@johnboyle8452]

Very helpful thanks. Will order them today.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Glad it was helpful!

[@hermanderaeymaecker4134]

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

[@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!

[@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!

[@stevecambers3190]

Love these. Just what I need for my 900rs. Thank you..

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

My pleasure 😊

[@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!

[@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!

[@a13bkd62]

Loving this episode Andy as it's not just me that manages to make a 15min job into a day event 🙂 Looks good though. Just a thought, I found a decent set of T-handle Allen keys easier on the fingers/hands and a worthy investment.

[@andrewdyson4255]

Give that man a medal ………for patience 🎉

[@mikephillips3947]

Well done Andy, got there in the end 😂, me and my son Judd think the bike looks really good top job 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Thanks 👍

[@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!

[@_Archambaud]

Great content,upset i missed the Livestream but i caught up this morning 👍

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Good man!

[@chalkphil]

Haha...good video, and, due to being less than competent with a spanner myself, very much like the experience I had fitting SWMotech panniers to my previous Triumph Tiger 900 GT. I went for the SWMotech ones over Triumphs because they were smaller and lighter, and I really do rate them, but for me, fitting really did try my patience. As a small excuse, the Tiger frame had 5 areas that needed connecting to the bike, and it felt like I had to almost dismantle the rear of the bike (exaggerating a bit!). Good kit though. And by the way, I do love that bike of yours - I like the style, the colour... everything! There's got to be room in my garage for one!

[@123rtheo]

Andy you really made that look like hard work.😂

[@garthmctavish7335]

Looks good 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 .

[@billcotton1551]

looks really great on the bike! Worth the effort in my opinion.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Totally agree

[@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!

[@Thruxtonrider21]

I agree that the SW Motech “directions” leave a bit to be desired. I got the engine bars for the GS and almost lost my religion installing them. 🤣🤣🤣 great job and they really look great on the Z 900. Great choice.

[@TheMissendenFlyer]

Cheers! Glad it's not just me having a bit of an issue with the instructions...

[@paulhooper8635]

If it's worth doing It's worth doing twice Good job Mr Flyer