I've got a set of soft panniers for when I need to carry a bit extra but for my day to day stuff. I use my tailpack. I'd be lost without it but I've seen some comments about them being dodgy. Apparently, they've caused a few accidents, when they come loose and become tangled in the back wheel. Touch wood, I've never had any hassles and the tailpack sits on the rear seat no problem. So is it a real problem and should I really think about going for something like a tank bag.

Its got to be easy to transport about and carry maybe a pair of trainers or a few cans on the way back from haddows.

Davie I think this one speaks for itself as ive seen a accident with a tail pack.

When the rear luggage is fitted alot of people do not regard safety and apply common sense as to the tying down and the movement under wind pressure at high speeds, they then fall foul of the rear wheel tangle which can with a little thought be overcome very easily, but you also have to remember that the load you carry can move or compress with soft materials inside the luggage so a simple check every now and then wouldn't go amiss and a safe journey will be accomplished with a little thought of attatching your luggage with a safe ride in mind..

tailpacks are no bother if a bit of thought is given to their security on the bike and as me old dad says the fact that at different speeds and wind conditions the forces acting on them will change their shape. so if it seemed tight when you put it on it may become loose through being squashed or deformed by the wind. personally ive never had any bother with tail packs and any catastrophes ive heard have all been third hand .

Have you considered a rack and top box? these carbuncles are scorned by many but once fitted you dont even notice its there when riding. I had one on all my bikes at some point and whilst they dont look the nicest things in the world there usefullness far outweighs this. I had a fifty litre job on the old zed which took two full face lids and a chinese takeaway or some tireweld, wd40 . sensible toolkit, waterproofs, spare gloves and a shed load of beer. Ebay is a good place to get luggage of this type if you're prepared to be patient and wait for the right stuff to come up for auction. this is one area of ebay where some actual bargains can be had - ( ie; my nonfango rack and fifty litre top box with back rest ( unused) for twenty five quid!!!!).

Apologies for the disgusting state of the bike btw. needed a polish.

I know of two folks who've had accidents when soft panniers tangled with rear wheel - like Zombie said, it's all down to common sense really and making sure things are tight - the problems with tailpacks that have been publicised are one particular type where the bungies are not tight enough or can become loose apparently.

I always go a bit over the top with bungies - use enough to make all secure, then add one or two more - it may take a bit longer to unload but better that way.....

(apart of course from when I forget to bungee my rucksack back on after a stop in Bristol and don't find out until I get to Newport)

I wouldn't mind a top box. I use the tailpack all the time, so the top box would make sense.

The only problem that I found is trying to get bits that are for my viffer. They didn't get popular until the single sided swing arm was introduced. From then on, you can get loads of parts but anything before that is a bit thin on the ground. I've bought from ebay before but the last rack that I bought, that was supposed to be for my model didn't fit, without some reworking.

I'll get it a go again. I did chase a tankbag at one point but some bugger bet me on the price. I'll keep a look out.

I'm just about to invest in a decent top-box.

At the mo I'm nipping about with a £1000 laptop secured by a £2.99 bungee net

So I think it's about time

Wouldn't touch soft pannier things with someone else's barge pole - heard of far too many accidents with them. 'Spect my cargo net is somewhat dodgy apart from the fact that it's not secure enough to leave in the service station either

Kappa do a top box and panniers for £500.

Or a top box for £200. I might be able to afford the top box, if I tell her I'll wash the dishes for the next 12 months.