R65LS Panniers

[Tony Smith]

I do secure them to the bike with a couple of long velcro type cas-straps (originally intended to secure casualties to a mountain rescue stretcher) just in case the pannier mounting locks fail.

I became a recent convert to cas-straps when I was used as the "crash test dummy" by a heli rescue organization a friend is a member of. Because I would not shut up abotu how good Cas-straps are they gave me some time-expired ones to play with.

I've since discovered a business called "Andy's Strapz" run by a former flight nurse, he makes Cas-straps in lengths more useful for motorcycles.

http://www.andystrapz.com.

[Justin B.]

There are also Krauser K2 bags which are rarely seen.  I ran a set on my R100 for a while while looking for a nice set of K1 bags and still have them if anybody might be interested.

[AJB]

I saw a few mentions of Krauser K2 bags when I was searching, but wasn't sure if the more modern bags would fit on a set of mounts from the 1980's, so I moved on.  Didn't see any with red lids though - was this a special order?

So, if I am looking at the cas-strap option, how long do the straps need to be to fit round a single pannier?

[Tony Smith]

So, if I am looking at the cas-strap option, how long do the straps need to be to fit round a single pannier?

Good as Cas-straps are I would not use them to secure panniers - better a locking flat strap tightened to prevent any movement of the pannier relative to the frame. My opinion (for what ti is worth), a Cas-Strap is not ideal in htis situation because they do allow a certain amount of movement which allows the pannier to "fret" against its mounts.
 
On the other hand, securing a tent and cooking gear bag across the seat and tops of the panniers is 100% Cas-strap territory.