Do the hard saddle-bag style panniers make significant difference in top speed and mpg ? (this in terms of a quick cross-country ride)
How about in comparison to soft bags equally stuffed ?

 

I'm running the HD sport side cases and a Givi 15L top case on my PAS. I can feel the added drag of the cases and my MPG takes a small hit. I haven't noticed any stability problem with the bags at triple digit speed. Keep the top case as light as you can and you've got a real stable sport touring platform.

 

How much total range are you seeing? I dont really see much above 220 miles without panniers. Spirited riding.

 

I'm getting about the same while running with Mosko soft panniers

 

I guess I'm guilty of enjoying the bike to much I don't think I've ever seen north of 175mi with out the fuel light on and that with just the top case on.

 

Bro...... seriously . You worried about fuel mileage why... spend an extra 20 bucks due to be loaded down... who cares... thats like asking how people's fuel mileage is, with a blower on a mustang... if your asking, them maybe you shouldn't be owning.

Now let's hear about how it matters since your out in the boondocks and want to make sure you don't run out of fuel.

If your worried, get a reserve can mounted on the bike

 

I think the main issue is effect on top speed. Thats why I started the thread. The mpg element kind of proves / shows the aerodynamics of having two big flat panels poking into the airstream.

 

I'm running Anakee Wilds so 90mph+ can be unsettling. I think weight will have a bigger effect than aero. I run Mosko Reckless 80 but I haven't seen this bike fluctuate much though range wise.

Not tied to this bike so grain of salt. When I had a 1200 GSA and the panniers were empty I can do ~300 miles on tank (8gal), when I had the panniers full and bike was loaded up I'd get around 240-250 miles. Speed wise I want to say 70-80 mph on turnpike.

Hope this helps.

 

I seem to remember that the initial launch videos said the Pan Am was designed to go 135 mph with the luggage and a passenger.

I don't know what the ultimate top speed is, but 135 sounds like enough for most purposes, especially when a bike like the BMW K1600B Grand America comes with stickers warning that it's dangerous to drive above 80 mph, and owners in BMW forums confirming that it gets quite squirrelly at 80+.

 

I cruise at 80mph with all three aluminum painers. I loose about 2 mpg. Love them because you can carry so much stuff.