Kriega Overlander-30 bags, Perun moto KTM 690 Enduro Lugage rack SD and Heel guards
As described in one of previous blog posts, I use Mosko moto Reckless 40 bags for shorter rides. I choose Reckless 40 among other great rack-less bags for few reasons and I believe that these bags are best for what I use them for, but there are few competitors that are close.
One of the bags that were on top of my list is Kriega Overlander-30 pannier set. Overlander-30 set consists of two Overlander-15 bags and harness, and it can be purchased as a set, or separately.
As all Kriega bags, these are really well built. I like that bags are not too stiff, yet from my personal experience with other Kriega bags, I know that they are built to last. Each bag has two separate layers - outer, black, rugged but not waterproof layer and inside layer - white and waterproof. Layers are connected with Velcro around the opening, so once put together, these two bags actually form one waterproof bag. This is very convenient, easy to clean and pack or to change pinched inner bag or teared outer bag. Closure is standard roll closure, proved on many bags as simple and good waterproof and dust-proof solution, with two quick release buckles on the sides. On outer bags there are two compression straps, and there is one quick release buckle on the top of the bag. This construction make it very easy to put stuff in the bags and to pull it out.
Bags are perfectly sized for my needs (for shorter trips) - 2 x 15 liters of capacity.
Bags are attached to the bike using harness, actually set of straps - one over-the-seat strap is connecting the bags, one upper strap on each bag is attached to the rear of the bike and one lower strap on each bag is attached to the lower middle area of the bike. Here is nice video showing how to install the bags.
As shown, once bags are prepared (straps bolted to them) it is very easy to secure these bags quickly. Also, bags can be attached to wide variety of bikes. But, this 3 point mounting system has its disadvantages - one corner of the bag will remain unsupported and loose. Bags can be attached very tight and they will stay in place even on very rough stuff, but one corner will be flapping around, which can be annoying. On the other hand, bags will stay where they are supposed to be, so this flapping is just that - an annoyment. MrWithgusto shows flapping issue in his video below.
Kriega provides four rack loops, that should be bolted to the rear fender of the bike. I never liked an idea that plastics on my KTM 690 Enduro have to be drilled for this. Also, KTM's have really tough plastics and I am sure Kriega guys know what they are doing, but I prefer to bolt the loops to something more solid.
Since I like these bags a lot, I incorporated one design feature in Perun moto KTM 690 Enduro Luggage rack SD to improve how Kriega bags are attached to the bike - there are pre-drilled, countersunk holes on Perun moto KTM 690 Enduro SD luggage rack, made for Kriega rack loops. Rack loops are easily bolted on, providing perfect strapping point under the rack.
There are four holes (only two Kriega rack loops are needed for Overlander-30 set), so any bag from Kriega's US range can be attached this way. Since holes are countersunk, upper surface remains flat.
Using this method bags can be placed right where rider wants them to be, so they are not obstructing riding in any way. Also, gas cap is clear, so refueling is not an issue.
Also, using Perun moto KTM 690 Enduro Heel guards as lower strapping point proved to be very convenient and clean solution. Bags are aligned just as they are supposed to be, so riding position is not compromised in any way.
Heel guard details.
Very important, bags are safe from exhaust.
All things considered, this system is very good. Paired with Perun moto KTM 690 Enduro Luggage rack SD and Heel guards it is very safe, secure and easy to mount/dismount. "Flapping issue" is still present, but bags will stay in place even on very rough rides.