Street Twin Rack Compatibility

Not the same prob; but luggage related.
I bought used, as new leather and wax cotton panniers for my Street Twin, (Came off a Thruxton) with leatherette bits that screw onto the frame under the seat. Also included was the metal work.
The metal bits fitted, but the leatherette bits (Which actually join the panniers to to frame) had different centres for the fixing screws,so, I ordered new leatherette bits for my Street Twin... few days later I screwed the new leatherette bits to my frame, then offered up the panniers, doh! The plastic clips (Female) on the leatherette are at different centres to the male clips on the pannier! Apparently the whole setup is different for the Street Twin and Thruxton And goodness know which other models.
I can see no reason why all the panniers couldn’t have their clips at the same centres with leatherette to suit, then, the screw holes on the bike frame could differ to suit frame design.
I didn’t really want to ask the forum member to take the panniers back (He had stated they would fit Strret Twin) so, undeterred I took the two sets of Leatherette bits to a lovely old Vietnamese cobbler craftsman who’s wife told me was unwell. As I’d stapled the pieces together where I wanted then sewing I left them with wifey. Went back week later and hurried home and straight into the garage...no, he’d sewn them in the wrong place! Looking at the job I could see how his thinking had gone but it was wrong.
I undid all his stitching, offered all the stuff back up to the bike and super glued the damn things together, the took them down to Bury Market where a chap asked £15 to stitch ‘em. Other guy charged £6 but gave him £7.
Anyway, Bury Market won the day and they now fit perfect. I’m happy with them.
I originally chipped the vendor £25 but by the time I’d done I’d payed £17 more than the original asking price...but still got a bargain.
Still think Triumph coulda standardised ‘em.
Regards,Ken.

 

My Street Twin is going to the Triumph store to have Street Scrambler handle bars fitted on Tuesday.

Going back to my panniers, the plastic clips are all at the same centres, just the male and female parts not compatible.
Ken.

 

Just thought I would list my black Street Twin accessories in case anyone wants any advice or info about any of them. Triumph spoked wheels (added these as part of the original deal), bar-end mirrors, barrel grips (reduce vibes that were numbing my hands). TEC Parts shocks, end cans, oil filler cap, paddock-stand bobbins (spindle through rear axle). Motone petrol cap (black to replace cheap, nasty chrome thing & no key needed), X-pipe, tail tidy (I tested a prototype for Sam at Motone and got a discount), indicators, brake light. British Customs chain guard, 'dress up' shock bolts. Down & Out brushed ally front guard. LSL brake fluid reservoir (to replace fat, ugly plastic original). Square Deals adjustable clutch/brake levers (black), carbon side panels.
Bought a used, original seat and had a local seat maker rebuild it to my design. Switched the circular, black covers on engine cases for brushed silver/gold ones from the Thruxton.
Many changes are obviously cosmetic, it looks more stripped down and aggressive; a better mix of old style and new, which is what I wanted. Engine response is sharper and certainly better with the X-pipe & end cans. And the sound is wonderful.
Having second thoughts about the carbon side panels. Possibly a step too far although I wanted rid of the 'Street Twin' logo. Might replace them with Motone panels.
Discovered on the first day, on the twisty, lumpy roads round here, that the rear shocks lacked damping but the bike didn't warrant pricey Fox replacements (this isn't a sports bike and I've got 2 of those), so TEC shocks are sufficient.
I was a little aggrieved when Triumph introduced the upgraded model which addressed the ST's lack of power and handling (which they must have been aware of). I didn't want to fall into their trap of changing bikes so mine partially gets there..and looks a hell of a lot better! Subjective I know.
All original parts are stored but I can't see me ever switching them back but maybe they will help resale value.
Finally, a lovely, small, totally illegal black number plate with silver letter&numbers (switched for MOT's) completes the picture..probably.

 

AdrianS
Welcome to the family. I got a cure for you. Take that back box get a big hammer and after smashing it to pieces dump it in the skip. Bonnie's don't have back boxes. They do all sorts of things to the handling and look like Granny has gone shopping.
Regards & Ride Safe
Joe.

 

AdrianS.
Sure thing. I actually like the small screens and they do help in a small way to keep that wind blast from your face. The back box like you say is a thing of necessity and can be removed. Around town and potting about they are useful. But when you get out there on the go they can play havoc with handling. You will have to let us all know how you get on.
Regards
Joe.

 

I agree on the suspension, I put Hagon 2810's on the back and progressive springs up front, added to the Continental Road Attack 3 tyres and she rides very differently than when she was delivered.

 

As for panniers, thought I'd share my experiences.

I looked at dozens, bought Oxford Heritage throw overs, Triumphs own and concluded none met my needs. I ended up buying Hepco & Becker C-Bow left side frame and the spare part bag adaptor. I've attached the bag adaptor to a wax canvass messenger bag to carry work laptop etc. Also use it weekends to carry waterproofs, lock etc. The nice thing is the bag locks to the frame and there no faffing with straps connectors etc, also you get to choose the bag size, colour, cost etc.

Works well as it does not look out of place in the office.

Phase two will be to buy another bag adapter £40 ish and attach to a touring bag, maybe a hard airline cabin trolley bag that said the updated Hepco Street Re-Loaded bag looks good

 

You said . ps any recommendations for bar risers?

Three options I can think of, (1) Motone do a set which add an inch up and back Expensive (2) Jack be Quick 22mm simple risers from the US (I used these) (3) a clever chap on the forum has made some, search over the past week or so and you should find thread.

You have limited cables and lines so an inch is about max before you need to replace them.