Im planning to get some touring done when my V85 arrives so need some luggage. For my last couple bikes, I had hard panniers and because I only use them a couple times a year, they’re stashed in the loft so when I need, its inconvenient and theyre covered in dust plus they’re really expensive so im thinking soft luggage might be a better option. Does anyone have any good suggestions? Will the high exhaust be a problem for soft panniers?
Hey Steve, was looking at some pics of the V85 and that exhaust does look set pretty high. I actually have a set of clean near new OGIO throwovers that taper to the rear. I’ll take a couple of pics and measurements if you like, see what you think? They are complete with hidden attached rain covers. Think I only used them maybe twice. If you wanted them you can have them for nowt as I have Kriega bags that I have switched to.
Those btw might be another option but maybe using a combo over the rear rack.
I have 3 GIVI XL09’s on my Stelvio which I really like.
Solid back plate, no issue with high exhaust for me.
Not huge, but I didn’t want big clunky storage.
Link to them here:
This is my set up. Lomo bags modified to fit with the click system. I don’t really go for hard luggage as its not right for me. The Lomo bags are drilled so that the click system bolts on(clamps inside and out ) very easy to do. Then sealed with a waterproof mastic.
It’s never let me down but if it looks iffy I use waterproof bags as well. I use the small adventure bag as an everyday bag as its easy to remove as I do not use the locks.
Hope this helps.
Thanks for the offer. I won’t have anything to measure until the bike arrives in six weeks.
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No worries. Just athought and theye are not going anywhere. Yours if you want them.
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I use hard panniers which doubled as a pair of seats when camping, and the top box as a low table. the other benefit of hard panniers is you can strap stuff on top of them.
I do avoid filtering when them on though as they are wider and lower than the mirrors so hard to judge how much space I have.
soft panniers have some advantages too but I never seem to have enough space so really need the extra space on top.
also I’ve used them in winter moving sacks of coal and wood 
coal strapped on the back seat and panniers and top box full of wood blocks, bike still pulls amazingly well with all that on too
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I would love to see the look on people’s faces as you ride past. 
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I hope that you enjoy your V85 when it arrives. It sounds like you may be getting a new one, so my experience with my 2019 version may not be too relevant. I have tried, and liked, two options.
For a while I didn’t think that I would be able to use my Givi aluminium panniers because Givi’s rails for the V85tt have a wierd design, in my opinion, which requires the indicators to be relocated below the number plate. The picture below shows them with SW Motech rails. These can be adapted using a fitting kit to hold Givis. They have a handy quick release feature, so you don’t need to leave big ugly frames on the bike.
I have also liked using Hepco Becker C Bow panniers. The hangers keep the cases tidy and away from the exhaust. I think the hanger is discreet and like how easy it is to slide the cases on. They offer a variety of cases, mostly soft. They have a semi firm inner, so they don’t sag. They’re not as waterproof or large as the Givis, but they have worked well for me, keeping all but the very wettest weather out.
I hope this is some help.
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These are a good price right now if you’re not carrying a pillion.. £65 at SBS.
That is good. One of those plus a top box should do me I think.
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My first post…
Thanks for having me on the forum… Some interesting stuff on here !!
I bought a new V85tt earlier this year & decided I didnt want solid panniers.
After much deliberation I went for Bumot & must say very impressed with quality & ease of use.
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Sweet! That’s a neat looking setup! Very unobtrusive!
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