Tourfella fit and finish

[DanKearney]

I just got the new front 19" with Kenda Big Block installed a few days ago (Had to wait for a new brake disc) so I only have a few miles with both tires mounted. Leaving for a ~700 mile ride tormorrow morning that includes a bunch of Forest Service roads. I'm expecting much better dirt handling with these on, but only experience will tell.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[detours]

You're going to really like that big wheel up front. Sounds like an epic trip. Where are you going?

[SpudRider]

Please take lots of photographs, and post a ride report.

[DanKearney]

Headed down to Sipapu Ski area SW of Taos for the annual BMW rally. Great riding area.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[keithmaine]

Are there anymore owners who have these bags that could add to this review, Or Dan could you follow up after having used both sets of luggage, and give your impressions of both.
Thanks

Of course we know they cannot hold as much gear as a Ural hack can.

[detours]

I'm also curious how the spacers are holding up and how those big boxes affected handling and power on your trip to Taos.

[DanKearney]

KeithMaine,

My last round of email with CSC they offered to send me an entire replacement pannier frame set. I think we had a mis-communication with my response to that offer, and there's been no movement on that front for over a month.

My procrastination and "good enough is good enough" attitude kinda means this issue is closed. I've accepted the situation and moved on.

The Tourfellas themselves are well made and much more practical for traveling than the OEM ones. An added plus is they don't leak like the OEM ones.

Detours,

The bolt and nuts I used to force/space out the rack have held up just fine. I did purchase a grade 8.8 bolt to replace the softer one I installed, but for now it is just sitting in the bottom of one of the panniers waiting for the original to break.

I haven't taken a fall on the panniers or rack (yet. . .) so they haven't been tested to failure, but it looks like it's a reasonable solution.

As for handling, I perceive no difference in handling of the bike as compared to when the OEM panniers were on.

Cheers,

Dan K.

[keithmaine]

Dan

thanks for the quick response, I will be ordering a bike for spring and I'm looking for all the info to make an informed decision as to what I want and need on this bike. Knowing you from your post on Soviet Steeds and your blog I have come to appreciate your input. I am sure all on this forum do as well.

[Riceburner]

DanKearney, thanks for the up date, I'm sure your going to enjoy your trip... (in this case, that's a Bye-Bye, see you later)...

[keithmaine]

I have received my Tourfella pannier set and will add to Dan's review

I find fit and finish good, thickness of aluminum is reasonable, latches are very nice, and locks look good (all keyed alike 4 keys provided). Here are a few shots of the luggage prior to install. There are no instructions provided just a bag of hardware. But there is a CSC blog link here that shows photos
http://californiascooterco.com/blog/?p=17316

Packaging was excellent plenty of bubble wrap and peanuts.

[keithmaine]

I also found this link

[rjmorel]

Excellente' report and pics Keithmaine. I like those, rj

[keithmaine]

Originally Posted by rjmorel

Excellente' report and pics Keithmaine. I like those, rj

I will post photos of the Tourfella install as well as stock luggage removal.
As soon as it actually happens no really I will try to get to it this week

[SpudRider]

Originally Posted by keithmaine

I also found this link

Thanks for posting your initial impressions, along with the excellent photos.

Here is the embedded link, Keith. Indeed, the Tourfella cases are rugged and well manufactured, as befits a Zongshen motorcycle.

[keithmaine]

Spud,
thanks for embedding that video