There is nothing on the market quite like the Kriega OS-Platform. It provides an interface between the most popular OEM and aftermarket pannier frames and our OS-Soft Panniers. To keep up with demand we have released an updated and improved OS-Platform.
The OS-Platform offers many benefits over more traditional panniers and mounting systems, giving a 100% secure mounting for soft panniers and more. Previously, most soft panniers were ‘throwovers’, the two bags linked by fabric that sat on, or under, the pillion seat. This throwover solution is an option with our OS-Soft Panniers (thanks to the optional OS-Straps), but by fitting OS-Platforms, the OS-Soft Panniers simply and quickly strap to the lightweight, virtually indestructible OS-Platform.
Here’s what you need to know about the new for 2024 OS-Platform in the form of a Q&A with Kriega’s Design Team.
The new OS-Platforms look very similar to the original design, what’s changed?
The changes are the material they’re made from and the method of manufacture. They are now injection moulded, using a material called Zytel, a type of thermoplastic nylon produced by DuPont. These changes mean the new OS-Platforms are 40% lighter than the previous design, and have also allowed Kriega to significantly lower the price.
If they’re injection moulded now, how were the made before?
Because these Platforms were a brand-new concept, and we didn’t know how popular they would be, we began by CNC machining them in our own headquarters. When we couldn’t keep up with demand, we contracted a specialist CNC machine shop to produce them for us. When they couldn’t keep up with demand, we knew we had to invest in relatively expensive tooling to allow us to mould them. As stated above, the change in material and manufacture has allowed us to make them much lighter, but they are virtually indestructible.
They’re now packaged as a pair with all the fittings you could need to attach them to a wide range of pannier frames from companies including: SW-Motech, Hepco & Becker, Givi, Outback Motortek, Touratech, plus OEM pannier frames offered by BMW, Honda, KTM and Yamaha.
Plus, it’s only a small thing, but the packaging, with all the mounting instructions included, is really attractively designed too.
Why should a rider consider this luggage solution?
There’s the safety issue when you compare soft panniers to hard luggage. If ADV riders are taking their bikes off-road, there’s a real risk of getting their legs pushed back and under their rigidly-mounted hard panniers with pretty serious results. Soft panniers avoid that risk.
The OS-Soft Panniers are an alternative to rackless luggage, like our very popular OS-BASE system. When considering touring on the TET (Trans-European Trail) or similar off-road routes, some Kriega staff choose the OS-BASE rackless luggage and some prefer the OS-Soft Panniers. Those who choose the OS-Platform/Soft Pannier solution, say they find them easier to pack, and repack on a trip. It’s a personal choice. ADV riders love rackless luggage, but others swear by the OS-Soft Panniers.
And the OS-Platform is modular too, right?
We try to make as much of our luggage systems as modular as possible. If a rider has fitted the OS-Platform, they can then fit different sizes of OS-Soft Pannier, depending on the length of their trip. We make 22-, 32- and 38-litre sizes, and obviously you can have different size panniers on each side of the bike.
The OS-Platforms are also designed to carry Overland 4.5-litre fuel or water containers, on their own or with smaller OS-Adventure Packs next to them on the same Platform.
Accessories, like the OS-Bottle can be fastened directly to the Platforms or strapped onto the Soft Panniers, and so can smaller OS-Adventure packs. The options make the OS-Soft Pannier and Platform luggage system really adaptable.
Another benefit of this system is, if you sell the bike you can simply and quickly unbolt the OS-Platforms and fit them to luggage frames on your next bike, whatever make or model it is. You take your luggage with you, so you don’t lose money selling it used with the bike. It makes Kriega luggage a long-term, worthwhile investment.
Anything else to add?
Just one thing, some people seem to be of the opinion that it’s tricky to fix the OS-Soft Panniers to the OS-Platforms, but it takes seconds once you understand how simple it is. Do it a couple of times and it becomes second nature to take them on and off.
Explore all the options of the OS-Platform and OS-Soft Pannier luggage system and accessories at KRIEGA.COM
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