Hepco & Becker Junior Saddlebags - Opinions

[willowstreetguzziguy]

I'm considering purchasing a set of Hepco & Becker 40 liter saddlebags/brackets for my 1200 Sport. I currently have an older H&B 45 L rear trunk that I use a lot. I like the quality and functionality of the rear trunk and assume the Junior saddlebags will be the same. They will not be on the bike all the time, primarily be used for running errands, hauling supplies to the job site, and 2-up touring.  I realize they are fairly large, but I need the space. Any opinions positives or negatives on these H&B bags?

[Chuck in Indiana]

I've been using HB bags since the 90s. They're not the most beautiful things, but work really well.. *as long as you don't overstuff* them. They are sealed by a fairly thin rubber gasket that can be compromised if the lid bulges open.

[Rotten Ralph]

Have the Juniors on my V7 Special. Well made, easy on and off, good capacity. They used to be an MG accessory and someone still makes the Guzzi sticker to replace the HB sticker (down in the corner). I definitely like them a lot.

[rocker59]

They're good.  I have 30s and 40s. Have used them for years with no regrets.

Sent from my SAMSUNG-SGH-I337 using Tapatalk

[Carlo DeSantis]

I had the three pieces on my '01 EV and loved them.  Much better, IMO, than the OEM panniers on my '91 K75 and '94 K1100.

Best,

Carlo

[Yukonica]

I try to ride at least once a season without those ugly but effective buggers mucking up the silhouette of my bike.
But then I remember I need to pick up groceries on my way home.
On style they'd earn a C, on fit & finish they'd earn a C+, on ease of use they are an A.

[pebra]

I've had two sets, on different bikes, and think they do a good job.
Easy to put on and take off. Usually waterproof. On multi-day trips I have the stuff I want/need to bring into hotel/motel/ferry cabin in a liner bag that's made for the Junior bags.
Don't put too much or too heavy stuff into the bags! They probably won't be waterproof, and can be permanently compromised.

[SmithSwede]

Excellent quality.   Have used them for years.   But I suggest you get a couple of tie straps to loop around the bags and cinch them shut.   You don't want them opening up on the freeway and dumping your gear.    And the strap takes the load off the two little latches, which I figure can't help but make it last longer.

[LowRyter]

there the best.   

they do make my ass look big.   

[Vagrant]

Excellent quality.   Have used them for years.   But I suggest you get a couple of tie straps to loop around the bags and cinch them shut.   You don't want them opening up on the freeway and dumping your gear.    And the strap takes the load off the two little latches, which I figure can't help but make it last longer.

10 years ago I bought 2 cheap dog collars that have the plastic snap and the normal belt type adjuster. I suspect they have about 150000 miles on them and still work well.

[lorazepam]

I have a set of 40's on my V7 stone. They work great, and I am very happy with them.

[roadscum]

Ya know Norge panniers will fit the 1200 Sport. My '09 had matching red panniers, they looked great and functioned well. Why not do the same?

Paul

[willowstreetguzziguy]

Ya know Norge panniers will fit the 1200 Sport. My '09 had matching red panniers, they looked great and functioned well. Why not do the same?

Paul

I love the look of the Norge panniers on and off the bike BUT I can't stand the fact that you have to use the key every time you open or close them! That's a major deal breaker for me since I carry a passenger who needs to get their stuff in and out of their  saddlebag and so do I! Stupid concept! I'll forego the beautiful styling for functionality.

[JJ]

When I lived in Aachen, Germany, (2004-2005), I had the 30L H&B bags on my '93 Triumph Trident 900. 

They were excellent!    :1:   Personally, I think the 40L are too big...but I guess it depends on what bike you are mounting them on.  Either way, H&B are great (IMHO). :1:

[pebra]

I love the look of the Norge panniers on and off the bike BUT I can't stand the fact that you have to use the key every time you open or close them! That's a major deal breaker for me since I carry a passenger who needs to get their stuff in and out of their  saddlebag and so do I! Stupid concept! I'll forego the beautiful styling for functionality.

I strongly recommend locking the Junior bags with the key before you start on your ride.
And/or, as someone recommended above, secure them with a strap in addition to the closing mechanism.

[wyno]

I have the H & B 40 litre bags for my Griso and a 52 litre top bx. Unfortunately, because of the height the top box rack, I can't use the panniers and the top box together. The rack needs to be about 6-8 inches higher. You should check out the rack for the sport and see if there will be the same problem with yours.

[Dean Rose]

They're good.  I have 30s and 40s. Have used them for years with no regrets.

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Yep

Dean

[flip]

I have 30 liter Juniors on my Breva 1100. They work well. I actually prefer the looks of the HB 42 liter Journey hard bags.

[Zoom Zoom]

I strongly recommend locking the Junior bags with the key before you start on your ride.
And/or, as someone recommended above, secure them with a strap in addition to the closing mechanism.

Just asking here, but are you confusing H-B with Krausers? In over 200K, I have never worried about the H-B's flying open or taking a trip of their own. I have generally only worried about locking them when I'm someplace I needed security. Otherwise, the stay unlocked.

edit: I realized I may have mislead a little here. Actually, I always lock the bags to the mounts. I seldom lock the bags closed unless I'm somewhere that I feel the need for security.

Anyway, to the OP: Another vote for H-B's They do a great job under all conditions.

John Henry

[twodogs]

Got the 40l on my sport, no problems with the bags just a little nervous twitch at higher then posted speeds

[twhitaker]

I have 2 sets, one 21 years old. I use dog collars between the carrying handle and the bikes grab rail to tak the strain off the mounts.

[Recht]

New V7III Special incoming! Trying to decide between the 40 vs. 30. Looks like 6 inches wider overall for the 40's. Is that accurate? Anyone have pics of Journeys mounted to a V7?

[Chuck in Indiana]

Go with the 30s. Just MHO..

[roadscum]

I strongly recommend locking the Junior bags with the key before you start on your ride.
And/or, as someone recommended above, secure them with a strap in addition to the closing mechanism.

Have you had problems with the panniers opening or coming off in flight?

I've gor a pair of 30L H-B panniers on my III Special. I like the appearance far better then the 40s.
The 30s have far more capacity then I need when touring.
Paul

[LowRyter]

I like the 40s but they make my ass look big.   

[pebra]

@ roadscum and Zoom Zoom

I have never had problems myself, but then I always lock them, both onto the bike and the lids.

I believe there was a post recently in another thread where a bag opened. I'll see later if I can find it.

@ Recht
Get the 40 liter bags. Probably not wider than the bars, and not really much wider than the 30 liters.

[Arizona Wayne]

I had Krauser 22L bags that opened up on me unknowingly.  Never had any issues with my 30L, 40L HB bags.  Prefer them to Givi 36L bags I've had. Of course if you over stuff any hard bag you're just asking for trouble.