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BMW vs. Al Jessee Safari Panniers

14348

New member
All BS aside, I have a 2010 R1200GSA on order, and I'm in a quandry between the over-priced BMW metal panniers vs. the Al Jessee Safari Panniers. The Safari's are larger, and appear to be better built (welded seams vs. rivets). And, there's a significant difference in the price. Looks like the full set of Safari's including the 45 ltr top case are cheaper than just the BMW panniers by themselves, then I have to still buy the top case. Any thoughts? The only drawback that I see to the Safari's is having to lower the exhaust pipe. Anyone have any EXPERIENCE with the Safari vs the BMW panniers.

BMWMOA #14348
OTL #15920
AMA#549887
 
I have two sets of Jesses and numerous friends with them as well. Some have been through serious get-offs and all have seen rugged use. They are very high quality and worth their cost. The rub on the beemer cases is that they seem to get tweaked relatively easily and lose their water tightness.

A good second choice after the Jesse bag is Happy Trails. Cheaper, yet still well made. Less refined than the Jesse's but much more bang for the buck than the BMW kit.
 
I have had the Safari bags on my 07 GSA since May 07. I can pack the house and still room, with no top box. I will use a Motofizz bag sometimes.

Installed footloops on the top of both boxes and can strap on Grandmas' Atic with room to spare.

The package came with the material required to lower the exhaust pipe. Will be a small issue if you are going to install an Ohlin on the rear, but nothing that you cannot overcome.

I did not like the BMW bags due to all the holes drilled for the rivits. Looks good on paper, but....


bob
 
I don't even own a GS- got an RT- but am at a rally looking at the many case options for the GS because a lot of my friends ride the GS.

The Jesses are nice,popular, and well made but those Micatechs are huge and built seriously solid- great mounts, etc.

I'd suggest checking out the Micatechs before making your choice.

Both appear to be good choices so I don't think you can make a mistake.
 
FWIW I found the crosswind handling of my 2006 GS ADV was twitchy with the Jesse bags. All the positives mentioned above - build, toughness, durability, are correct IMO. I think bottom line is that if you plan to actually dual-sport on the bike, the Jesse bags provide a great alternative. If you just plan to use the bike on blacktop (like me with my current bike) the stockers are adequate, easy to fit - albeit a bit pricier.
 
I'm happy with the quality of my Jesse's on my F650GS. I went with Jesse based on price, looks and weight.
 
Just FWIW, no issues with the BMW cases. Love 'em. Really like the appearance. Wife and I take take trips, she likes the backrest coming with the top case, and they hold everything. Have thrown serious off road ventures at them and they've always come through.
 
...those Micatechs are huge and built seriously solid- great mounts, etc.

I'd suggest checking out the Micatechs before making your choice.

+1!

I've had them for a year now and I just love them more with every mile.

The build-quality is second to none. They hold LOTS of stuff. The mounts are not ugly or obtrusive when the cases are off the bike.

And best yet, they are SERIOUSLY water-tight! My stuff stayed dry all through last year's Georgia Mountain Rally.

See the review I wrote in the ON last year (I forget exactly which issue).
 
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