[Matrid]

Planning a 6 week outback trip early next year (with a mate also on a KLR). Flinders Ranges, Birdsville, Camerons Corner and wherever else we find ourselves (open to suggestions from those of you who have been out there....)
I have AndyStrapz panniers (on my Tiger 800), so will get the KLR frames for these so my rear end will be sorted.
Now looking into up front options - so

Tank bag - any advice out there on these from those of you have tested them on long trips? The key is both volume and ease of access to fuel cap - may be filling up a few times a day in some long stretches.....
The OEM hits both - as it is expandable and designed to hinge away easily for fuelling - but will set me back $220 (Aus).

Crash Bar/ Tank Panniers - I want to be able to carry some weight up front, so any suggestions for these? I have the SW-Motech bars - my research shows a few types - that either fit inside the frames - or outside- like the Givi Side Bag Set. And then there are those that strap to the tank and hang down.... like the Wolfman Luggage Tank Panniers

I am keen to hear from anyone with experience on these combinations and any drawbacks you found.

Cheers and thank you
Matrid

 

[Matrid]

Rephrasing the question...
I have no experience with carrying anything up front apart from a small tank bag.

I reckon I'd be able to fit all my gear in the rear panniers/on the seat but figure I should try to balance it out....
So - are the crash bar/tank panniers a good idea for both balancing the weight I'll be carrying and keeping it low?
Any downside to having this extra weight forward?
Cheers

 

[pdwestman]

These questions are best answered by members who live nearer than I do to the Blue Mountains of New South Wales.

They will have a better idea of which brands of luggage are available in your area.

But, I will help drive up your post count and create some activity of your posting.

 

[Damocles]

Cycleracks rack; Cycleracks panniers and top case; Kawasaki tank bag and handlebar bag; Happy Trails nerf bags on Happy Trails nerfs . . .

A front fender bag (I have one, but not shown installed) can carry tire irons, spare tube, patch kit; make sure you button it down GOOD (I've lost more than I care to remember).

Kawasaki tank bag has advantage of filler neck cap opening without having to unfasten bag. Handlebar bag most handy. And . . . forgot to mention; Lincoln welding rod holder fastened to bash plate with hose clamps.

And . . . I have a fairing rack by Steadman; one can lash not-too-heavy items (e.g., compressed sleeping bag) there with furnished Fastek straps, or with bungee cords.

P.S. Get your OWN polar bear mascot!

 

[DPelletier]

Rephrasing the question...
I have no experience with carrying anything up front apart from a small tank bag.

I reckon I'd be able to fit all my gear in the rear panniers/on the seat but figure I should try to balance it out....
So - are the crash bar/tank panniers a good idea for both balancing the weight I'll be carrying and keeping it low?
Any downside to having this extra weight forward?
Cheers

On the contrary, I think balancing the load is a much better idea; most of the "wobble" or instability posts I read are bikes with heavy panniers and top boxes.

Dave

 

[Yeravener]

On the contrary, I think balancing the load is a much better idea; most of the "wobble" or instability posts I read are bikes with heavy panniers and top boxes.

Dave

+1 on this, says the guy that spent weeks sorting out instability caused by heavy loads on the rear.

 

[Grant S]

Matrid, Not much advice from me. I did Broken Hill to Cameron Corner 2 years ago. Up front I had the OEM tank bag & a tool tube attached to the OEM bash plate. Last year we did a longer trip that included riding at Waraweena in the Flinders ranges. Smashed the tool tube & bash plate on a rock in a creek bed.
This is just a long way of asking if you still have the OEM bash plate & if so suggesting that you replace it with something more substantial. I now have one from B&B engineering in Ballarat.
On the back I used OEM panniers (not a suggestion they happened to come with the bike) & 2 dry bags strapped down with Andy Strapz.
Enjoy your trip I was very disappointed that I didn't get to go back this year.

 

[Dread]

I’ve used tank panniers with great success. Put as much road gear in them as I can. Wolf man is the brand I’ve used before. Very convenient.

 

[Matrid]

Thank you all for your input - pdwestman for your very effective "bump" and Damocles for the detail and photo.
In a few days I'll have the AndyStrapz frames (to fit his Expedition pannierz that I have for my Tiger800) and will then get the OEM tankbag and from there see what my finances can afford - I hope the Wolfman tank panniers!
Cheers
Heh Grant - thanks for mentioning Warraweena - I'd read about the conservation area years ago but it fell off my radar - now firmly back on

 

[Grant S]

No worries, Warraweena has some great riding & scenery but be prepared to take everything you need.
I would have liked a beer after a long days ride but neglected to stock up before we got there. Best to contact them well in advance. The caretaker "Stoney" is a great guy.