Ventura Panniers/luggage For 2017 Street Twin

[SarahP]

I finally got the luggage installed and then had to wait for a day cool enough to ride. After my little dust-up accident in April, I was a bit put off from riding. I knew I'd get back into it, but I just wasn't in a hurry to ride.

I decided to go with a Ventura system based on what a lot of guys here had said about the company. (Looking at you, Rocky!)

After getting a decent insurance check for my totaled 2013 Bonnie , I decided to eventually buy all the luggage I knew I wanted. I got a couple of rear racks (short & a tall one, like a sissy bar), a large bag (the Mistral), and a smaller tail bag.

The one thing I didn't get at the time - after being talked out of it by Max at Ventura-MCA - was the panniers. Bad move! I depend heavily on the panniers! If I put the Mistral bag on the tail rack, I have to awkwardly thread my leg across the seat to get on. That would be ok for a long road trip, but not for just messing around locally.

So I sprang for the panniers. I love them, the size is great! I can carry all my stuff and still get on/off the bike without looking like a doofus. However, the zipper pulls seem flimsy -- I hope they last. With the panniers, I don't think I even need the tail bag.

Here are a few photos from my ride today showing the panniers and short tail rack. I'm fortunate to be able to ride on Marine Corps Base Quantico in Virginia -- the side of the base where the FBI Academy is. There were few people out today (it's a US holiday), so the roads were even more deserted than they usually are. I had a great time and really enjoyed the bike! Thanks for listening!

 

[Rocky]

It's a great looking system and looks great on the bike

You're all set for that cross-country ride

 

[shanered6]

That bike of yours is looking realy sharp with some very nice mods

 

[mrmvolz]

Like the bags!

 

[SarahP]

Thanks for the kind words, everyone! The temperature is starting to cool down a bit and I'm eager to get out there!

 

[DaveM]

Wow that setup looks neat and they did not have all those options when I purchased my setup, I like the panniers they really nice and neat.

 

[hemibee]

Looking good.

 

[Greyfell]

Very good!

A coworker was looking for hard luggage for his 2016 Tiger Explorer. He found Bumot Defender, which is very nice, well engineered.

BUMOT Luggage Review

 

[SarahP]

Very good!

A coworker was looking for hard luggage for his 2016 Tiger Explorer. He found Bumot Defender, which is very nice, well engineered.

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Given my propensity for dropping bikes, those would provide a good first line of defense for me!

 

[SarahP]

I've put about 700 miles on the bike now with the panniers. I like how they look -- they sit close to the bike and don't stick out a lot. They are sturdy enough to carry a lot of heavy stuff. I usually put 3-4 bottles of water in one bag plus my personal junk. The other has a tool roll, a set of hex keys, a tire inflator & plug kit, and other smaller stuff.

My only gripe about the panniers (and the tail bag) is the zippers. They are tiny and not easily secured to each other. I realize that anyone who wants the bag contents only has to whip out a 2" pocket knife and slice the bag open. Hell, I could probably pop them by brute force. But the zippers, if locked, keep most people from fiddling with it. I'm afraid the zippers are going to break just from normal use because they're very thin and flimsy.

Here are the two Ventura pannier zippers

Here's the pannier with the zips locked/secured:

(This is a very small lock!)

Here's what I wish they had. These beefier zippers (from a TravelPro suitcase) each have a metal ring that line up with each other. You slip the lock hasp through the ring and Bob's your uncle, you're done. Much more elegant and strong for daily use.

Overall, I'd give it 4.5 stars out of 5, and only because of the zippers. I do like these bags a lot! I ordered mine from Max at Ventura-MCA in Washington State, USA. He did a good job getting them to me in a timely fashion.

 

[mrmvolz]

Like the bags!!!

 

[DaveM]

@SarahP I suppose you could have those replaced and have stronger ones put on, pity that they do look a bit weak,

 

[SarahP]

@SarahP I suppose you could have those replaced and have stronger ones put on, pity that they do look a bit weak,

(****************************************************************
DaveM,
Well, Dave, you set me to looking, and Google is our friend. I found several options for replacing the slider that should work! Thanks for the motivation!

 

[Rocky]

Hmmm, yes, a determined thief with a sharp knife could easily slice them open regardless of the zipper.
Locked zippers would only keep nosy people or less determined thieves away and I would certainly endorse using them.

If you have to leave the bike parked outside overnight while out on the road I would empty the luggage and leave the zippers unlocked.
Completely unpacking is a PITA, but better than the alternative.

 

[SarahP]

Rocky,

I would empty the luggage and leave the zippers unlocked. <snip> Completely unpacking is a PITA

The panniers are nicely set up so that you can unsnap/unstrap them from the frames and just carry them with you. So overnights aren't a problem. And the need for security is definitely for the opportunistic sticky-fingered moron. I do like the bags enough that I don't want to change them -- they look sharp and the interchangeability is awesome. I'm waiting to use that Mistral bag. You know the one I mean.

 

[Rocky]

I didn't know the bags were so easily detached. That's great and saves a lot of work.
But you still need to have security if you leave the bike during the day and go off and explore so locked zippers would help.
It's a sad commentary that nothing is safe these days

Even here in our relatively low crime area I'm reluctant to leave my bike with soft luggage and go off for a couple of hours.
There are a few out-of-the-way places around here that I would like to explore that are not day rides, but am reluctant to leave a loaded bike.

I know what I'll do, I'll turn my underwear inside out and get another day out of it and not bother with luggage

 

[D Kirk]

SarahP, about your panniers, does the passenger have room to use the pegs? Got look around for some bags. Is your luggage rack a Triumph item. Thanks, Dave

 

[SarahP]

SarahP, about your panniers, does the passenger have room to use the pegs? Got look around for some bags. Is your luggage rack a Triumph item. Thanks, Dave

Hi, Dave!

I bought a Ventura system, based on a lot of positive comments on this forum. I initially wanted to get the classic Triumph waxed cotton panniers, like the ones I had on my 2013 Bonnie, but at the time they weren't available for the 2017 Street Twin. They *are* available now, but I'm very happy with the Ventura system. (EDIT: I *think* they're available for the 2018 ST, but I'm not 100% sure!)

Ventura is a NZ outfit, but they have a distributor in Washington state, Max Martin - who was very responsive to all my questions and concerns. Thumbs up for customer support from him!

As to your specific question about a passenger and the pegs, I was initially doubtful. It didn't look as though there was enough room on the bike with both Ventura saddlebags to have a pax sit comfortably and reach the pegs.

I was wrong! I sat in the pillion seat/position and was easily able to use the pax pegs. I'm 5'6" and am not a small person, so I don't think most people will have a problem.

I have the tail rack Ventura system installed, with a Ventura tail bag on it. I could definitely feel the bag against my lower back - I don't know if this would be annoying over a long ride, or if it actually might be good as an ersatz back support.

Attached are some photos. I'm sorry they're not very clear. It's raining like crazy here and I couldn't take the bike outside for better photos.

(I'm embarrassed about the yellow Velcro in this photo. I was in a hurry before a ride, wanted a bit of extra security for the bag, and only had the yellow Velcro. LOL)

This is what I specifically ordered: the Bike-Pack Pannier Kit.

I also ordered the Sport-Rack system and some extra (larger) bags for overnight trips:

Item code: T043.1/B * L-Bracket - Triumph - D* Street Twin 900 (one, $174)

Item code: PF20/B * Pack-Rack - Adjustable Pack-Rack 20/Black Pack-Racks (one, $95)

Item code SR18/B * Sport-Rack - 18 Black Sport-Racks (one, $75)

Item code: P1247/B * Ventura Pack - Mistral I - 47 Liter - Black Packs (one $175)

Item code: P1310/B * Ventura Pack - Sport-Pack III - 10 Liter - (one, $56)

(Thank the Lord for insurance settlements. It covered the purchase of these farkles.)

I found the website to be a bit confusing, though, plus there's an occasional page that isn't working for the Triumph bikes. I ended up calling the Max Martin, the distributor, (800-688-6439) and telling him what I wanted to do (day trips, carry some tools, plus 2-3 night camping trips, no pillion, etc). And then he recommended the systems/gear to me. I've been very happy with them all and never felt as though he were trying to upsell me on anything.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any more questions!

 

[mrmvolz]

Hi, Dave!

I bought a Ventura system, based on a lot of positive comments on this forum. I initially wanted to get the classic Triumph waxed cotton panniers, like the ones I had on my 2013 Bonnie, but at the time they weren't available for the 2017 Street Twin. They *are* available now, but I'm very happy with the Ventura system. (EDIT: I *think* they're available for the 2018 ST, but I'm not 100% sure!)

Ventura is a NZ outfit, but they have a distributor in Washington state, Max Martin - who was very responsive to all my questions and concerns. Thumbs up for customer support from him!

As to your specific question about a passenger and the pegs, I was initially doubtful. It didn't look as though there was enough room on the bike with both Ventura saddlebags to have a pax sit comfortably and reach the pegs.

I was wrong! I sat in the pillion seat/position and was easily able to use the pax pegs. I'm 5'6" and am not a small person, so I don't think most people will have a problem.

I have the tail rack Ventura system installed, with a Ventura tail bag on it. I could definitely feel the bag against my lower back - I don't know if this would be annoying over a long ride, or if it actually might be good as an ersatz back support.

Attached are some photos. I'm sorry they're not very clear. It's raining like crazy here and I couldn't take the bike outside for better photos.

View attachment 42564

View attachment 42565View attachment 42566

(I'm embarrassed about the yellow Velcro in this photo. I was in a hurry before a ride, wanted a bit of extra security for the bag, and only had the yellow Velcro. LOL)

View attachment 42567

This is what I specifically ordered: the Bike-Pack Pannier Kit.

I also ordered the Sport-Rack system and some extra (larger) bags for overnight trips:

Item code: T043.1/B * L-Bracket - Triumph - D* Street Twin 900 (one, $174)

Item code: PF20/B * Pack-Rack - Adjustable Pack-Rack 20/Black Pack-Racks (one, $95)

Item code SR18/B * Sport-Rack - 18 Black Sport-Racks (one, $75)

Item code: P1247/B * Ventura Pack - Mistral I - 47 Liter - Black Packs (one $175)

Item code: P1310/B * Ventura Pack - Sport-Pack III - 10 Liter - (one, $56)

(Thank the Lord for insurance settlements. It covered the purchase of these farkles.)

I found the website to be a bit confusing, though, plus there's an occasional page that isn't working for the Triumph bikes. I ended up calling the Max Martin, the distributor, (800-688-6439) and telling him what I wanted to do (day trips, carry some tools, plus 2-3 night camping trips, no pillion, etc). And then he recommended the systems/gear to me. I've been very happy with them all and never felt as though he were trying to upsell me on anything.

Good luck, and let me know if you have any more questions!

These look great!

 

[shanered6]

I know what I'll do, I'll turn my underwear inside out and get another day out of it and not bother with luggage

I thought you were suposed to do that any way !!!