Panniers

Panniers, I noticed that the OEM panniers were on the bikes that Ewan and Charlie received from BMW but later in the show they had been changed. There were many changes throughout their trip, my favorite was a scene in a hotel where they were tossing out stuff that they did not need. I am going over my gear carefully and realize that I may also have items packed that I do not need. Both Ewan and Charley had the rear box with electronic gear in them, there was an antenna sticking up that was for their communications set up. These boxes were gone by the end of the trip.

My rear rack will hold the yellow bag with my camping gear, this rack came with the bike and had a gas can mounted on it. I need a camp more than I need gas, my trip will never take me far from a gas station or a Wal-Mart for that matter. The hard points on the bike are the two side panniers and the rear rack. The panniers will hold my heavier gear so I keep the weight lower, Tools, Cooking supplies, and Electronics are in separate bags that slide into the panniers. I will have a 1000 ml reserve can of gas and riding gear as well. I will plan on keeping the weight equal from side to side as well as low as I can.

My personal clothes bag is the black bag that I will talk about later; it is mounted directly behind me and sits on the rear seat. The black bag attaches to the yellow bag and is light weight as well. In addition to the bags and panniers I will have a tank bag with my maps and gear that I need accessible, both panniers will have two small insulated food bags on them for trips to the market. These two bags fold flat when not being used. I do plan on having a couple of water bottles in them and a few snacks.

My luggage consists of:

• Right side pannier, tool bag, reserve gas can, rain gear.

• Left side pannier, electronics bag, cooking bag, riding gear.

• Rear rack, Yellow Bag with camping gear.

• Rear seat, Black bag with personal clothes.

• Tank bag, maps, and gps.

• Two food bags. Bottled water, snacks.

The Panniers should have room for my helmet so I can lock it up when not riding as well as my Tourmaster riding coat and pants. Weight is an important factor so I will keep them as light as possible and attempt to keep my gear to the bare essentials. I will never be far from a store or gas station so I can always pick up additional stuff on the trip.