Pannier frame 650 GT scooter

Scooter Gal

New member
I've just picked up my new scoot and totally in love with my new travel buddy. I plan on a riding trip in an area where the expectation is 4 seasons in one day this will require more luggage than usual and I would prefer to have it securely stored in hard panniers. Unfortunately I have just found out that Givi no longer make the pannier frame to fit the scoot; I've tried international suppliers; searched forums on how to make pannier frames; tried to get schematics for something that would fit modifying slightly depending on the panniers purchased. I may be able to get some made but my contact hasnt done this before and would be struggling without some guidance. Any suggestions on where I can go to get some schematics or some diy information.

Thanks
Scooter Gal
 

SteveADV

Active member
Hey Scooter Gal, Welcome to the group. 4 seasons in one day is a challenge for sure. I've had similar situations on my fall rides from the northern USA (Ohio) to Florida; low below freezing temps (colder than forecasted) to near 100f within an 18 hour period. I left geared up for cold and stripped down as it got warmer.

Have you considered a topcase and backpack you can carry with you when you leave the bike? That has worked for me, but I travel pretty light. I'm with yah on the hard panniers though. They would be nice to have.
 

bicyclenut

Member
Scooter Gal,

Try http://www.petes-superbike.com/tubular-side-case-holders-c650gt-2013-pl5106-p-46359.html
http://www.petes-superbike.com/tubular-side-case-holders-c650gt-2013-pl5106-p-46359.html

link was provided to me by Greyhound on this forum a couple month ago and when I checked about a month ago via email they still had them. I would verify this. They are out of Canada. I didn't purchase yet, haven't been able to justify the cost of these and the couple of times a year I would use them. I have soft panniers that work for now. I don't think these work with the newer model Givi bags that have the newer quick release as I recall when I looked back in July.

I really wish someone would make a nice hard sidebag/pannier rack for the c650GT that would be readily available.


I've just picked up my new scoot and totally in love with my new travel buddy. I plan on a riding trip in an area where the expectation is 4 seasons in one day this will require more luggage than usual and I would prefer to have it securely stored in hard panniers. Unfortunately I have just found out that Givi no longer make the pannier frame to fit the scoot; I've tried international suppliers; searched forums on how to make pannier frames; tried to get schematics for something that would fit modifying slightly depending on the panniers purchased. I may be able to get some made but my contact hasnt done this before and would be struggling without some guidance. Any suggestions on where I can go to get some schematics or some diy information.

Thanks
Scooter Gal
 

Snowdog

New member
side case rack

IMG_0503.jpg

I made some side racks to take GIVI boxes, and have made racks for other bikes. Unfortunately, there isn't enough interest to make it worthwhile to manufacture racks for low production models, and few people will pay what it costs to make them.
A large water proof duffel over the rear seat will carry enough gear for "hoteling" it for a couple of weeks, and is very cost effective.
 

Scooter Gal

New member
Hey Scooter Gal, Welcome to the group. 4 seasons in one day is a challenge for sure. I've had similar situations on my fall rides from the northern USA (Ohio) to Florida; low below freezing temps (colder than forecasted) to near 100f within an 18 hour period. I left geared up for cold and stripped down as it got warmer.

Have you considered a topcase and backpack you can carry with you when you leave the bike? That has worked for me, but I travel pretty light. I'm with yah on the hard panniers though. They would be nice to have.

Thanks SteveADV - WOW!! now that is extreme! hopefully my experience will not be anywhere near as bad.

Yes I plan on getting a top box in addition to hard panniers; part of my trip will be via ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania and the bike and all the gear will be left in the hold of the ferry; sight seeing and short hikes will leave any luggage vulnerable during the trip and as I am already planning a longer one up the centre of Australia the year after I might as well jump in and get secure luggage now. Previously just had topbox and waterproof carry bag but bike was not left unattended for long periods.
 

Scooter Gal

New member
Thanks Bicyclenut

I checked out their site which indicates their supplier still has some (fingers crossed). Cannot order online - no shipping options to Australia. Might have to contact a friend to organise for me. In the meantime I have emailed them to confirm that they still have some pannier frames available and if they can ship to me thru some other avenue. I have soft panniers as well as a waterproof bag which I strap to the seat and topbox but my travels now require more secure luggage. Life is becoming much more interesting and filled with new adventures.

Yes me too. This search has been crazy - just when I think I might be on the path to finding a set of frames I run into another dead end. Maybe this time will let you know.
 

Scooter Gal

New member

Thanks Snowdog. Unfortunately soft luggage which I already have is not really an option as the trip I am planning involves taking a ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania which means leaving the luggage on the bike in the hold; and on the side of the road when hiking or sightseeing - a little too vulnerable.

I understand completely that people often dont want to pay for custom built components (some things dont change) thankyou for the photos showing how you have mounted them. I know it will be costly but if I get stuck and friends son may be able to make me some from the photos you provided. I'd have a go myself but have no idea how to weld. LOL Who knows what sort of mess I could end up in.
 

Lee

New member
Tasmania! Now that would be a great ride!! I would love to do that, New Zealand ����, North & South Island, and then over to Australia... if I could only take a year sabbatical away from work!!
 

Snowdog

New member
Thanks Snowdog. Unfortunately soft luggage which I already have is not really an option as the trip I am planning involves taking a ferry from Melbourne to Tasmania which means leaving the luggage on the bike in the hold; and on the side of the road when hiking or sightseeing - a little too vulnerable.

I understand completely that people often dont want to pay for custom built components (some things dont change) thankyou for the photos showing how you have mounted them. I know it will be costly but if I get stuck and friends son may be able to make me some from the photos you provided. I'd have a go myself but have no idea how to weld. LOL Who knows what sort of mess I could end up in.

If someone wants to get into your luggage it doesn't matter what you have, they will get in. Put your most valuable stuff under the seat, they might not know there is storage there. I have left soft luggage on my bikes on ferries with no problems,most motorcyclists travel with soft luggage, usually today's ferries don't allow passengers on the car decks while underway for safety and have camera's to monitor the area's. As I got older I realized that worrying about stuff getting stolen was worse then it happening.
 

Scooter Gal

New member
Hey Lee

Apparently a ride around Tassie is a right of passage for riders down under - along with the Great Ocean Road in Victoria/South Australia. Called the Great Ocean Road because its a road beside a great big ocean - you can see that us Aussies are very imaginative. LOL

NZ would also be a great ride - but as yet not on my list but who knows.

Aaahhh yes a year off - now wouldnt that be amazing!!!
 

Scooter Gal

New member
So very true Snowdog. I havent done ferry crossings even with a car; and am still relatively new to two wheels; so I am still trying to figure things out. Wont be taking anything of value except maybe phone or camera but they will be with me - just dont want to bother with inconvenience of stuff going missing or getting damaged. Thank you again for your advice - I definitely wont stress out about stuff - in the grand scheme of things stuff is pretty irrelevant.
 

Scooter Gal

New member
Arrived and fitted

Thank you for providing the details of the supplier - I had gone almost all over the world searching for the pannier frames and was sure that my only option was to have someone make some. But Petes were able to get a pannier frame and topbox fitting from their supplier - only difficulty was he wasnt prepared to send it to Australia. A friend here organised for a friend of his to reship it for me and although the cost of shipping was as much as the items (or pretty close to) Ouch! They finally arrived and have been fitted to the scoot. A set of panniers the same shape as in the BMW adverts were located and eventually found their way to me; now just to save up for a topbox - my birthday present to myself.

Finally done and starting to purchase those annoying things like puncture repair kits and additional tools.
 

bicyclenut

Member
Scooter Gal,

If you get a chance can you take some photos of the frame and how they are fitted to the bike, especially the mounting points. I am still considering getting these or having some made, but I'm interested in seeing how they are attached to the bike. Thanks, and glad you were able to find these - like a needle in a haystack to locate any.

Thank you for providing the details of the supplier - I had gone almost all over the world searching for the pannier frames and was sure that my only option was to have someone make some. But Petes were able to get a pannier frame and topbox fitting from their supplier - only difficulty was he wasnt prepared to send it to Australia. A friend here organised for a friend of his to reship it for me and although the cost of shipping was as much as the items (or pretty close to) Ouch! They finally arrived and have been fitted to the scoot. A set of panniers the same shape as in the BMW adverts were located and eventually found their way to me; now just to save up for a topbox - my birthday present to myself.

Finally done and starting to purchase those annoying things like puncture repair kits and additional tools.
 

Scooter Gal

New member
Hi Bicyclenut and SteveADV - The pannier frame requires the top box fitting as well. I will take photos from all angles tonight or tomorrow and photo's of the fitting instructions as well. Will post in the next day or so.

Lee my scoot is 2014 compliance plate.

Loved my little scoot and its great for around town and easy parking; but Boris - yes I have named him - is amazing and I am looking forward to some longer weekend trips soon.

Having trouble posting from my phone. Will download photos and try again from home.
 
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JaimeC

New member
FYI: I've been touring for a few decades now on various machines (starting WAYYY back on bicycles) and I've learned a few things. You RARELY use everything you bring; after awhile you learn what to leave behind, and what can be picked up on the road if you do need it. Every trip you make a list of what you ACTUALLY used, what you NEVER used, and what you used infrequently. That second list can be omitted on any future trips, and the third list should be scrutinized carefully.

I've also reduced my packing requirements by having a separate set of "travel clothes" that I only use on motorcycle trips. These are ALL made of quick-drying microfiber. If you get caught in the rain, it dries very quickly and doesn't stay wet and clammy against your skin for long. It also packs up much smaller than traditional clothing and in a pinch you can easily hand wash them in the bathroom sink when you stop for the night and it'll dry overnight and be ready to wear the next morning.

My riding gear is also multi-purpose. I wear either my Aerostich Roadrafter Suit, or my Aerostich Darien Suit. Both are well ventilated and I've worn both comfortably in the hottest weather (just don't get either in BLACK). Although my Roadcrafter 2 suit is not 100% waterproof (rain will eventually work its way past the long zippers) the Darien Suit is as effective as any rainsuit I've ever worn. Supposedly Aerostich's new Roadcrafter R-3 suits are just as waterproof. They're expensive, but they last for YEARS. They'll save you having to pack rainsuits (which can take up a LOT of room).

On trips that last a week or longer, I pack three days worth of clothing plus what I'm wearing. Every third day I stop to do laundry. With my C650GT I've gone on camping trips and I've never needed more than the locking top box and underseat storage.

Always remember: this isn't the same as back-packing. There isn't any need to bring EVERYTHING you need because in a pinch, it is simple enough to hop back on to the scooter and head down to the store to buy what you might've forgotten; no real need to overthink everything.

Have fun!
 
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