Advice on panniers

Hi, just picked up an 03 sv earlier this week. Needed one for commuting,
Was just wondering in terms of pannier brackets etc, do I have to buy sv specific or are there other models that will fit?

Lee

[Luckypants]

Most folks use a topbox for commuting. Are you sure you need all the space afforded by panniers just for commuting?

[maviczap]

Originally Posted by Luckypants

Most folks use a topbox for commuting. Are you sure you need all the space afforded by panniers just for commuting?

If you do, then get a tank bag, but LP is right. It'll restrict your ability to filter

[Red ones]

I'd go for a tank bag everytime. The problem with panniers is you end up worrying about what's behind you all the time. If you're commuting through traffic you don't want anything wider than your elbows.
You can take a tank bag off at the end of the journey, but a top box will still look pants.

[Jayneflakes]

I used to use a tank bag as a seat pack that then comes off easily and can carry enough stuff for a nightshift. By using it this way, fuelling up is easy and the bike still feels agile with out things in the way or sticking out too far.

Most stock bikes' mirrors are generally wider than than panniers at the rear, the same way cats whiskers work, people are always paranoid about panniers when filtering, if you can get your mirrors through, you'll get your panniers through.

Originally Posted by Specialone

Most stock bikes' mirrors are generally wider than than panniers at the rear, the same way cats whiskers work, people are always paranoid about panniers when filtering, if you can get your mirrors through, you'll get your panniers through.

This. Panniers will also keep your centre of gravity lower.

That said, I like my topbox and have a tank bag just in case I need more space