frame mount panniers in the front?

[Lynn]

One of the pix I posted on my other thread (http://expeditionportal.com/forum/showthread.php?t=14784) got me wondering...

Why do you see this type of panniers on military off-road bikes, but not on expo bikes (or have I just missed seeing 'em?)

http://www.witham-sv.com/vehicles/1794.jpg

I realize that in this particular setup you couldn't put 'em in the back because the scabbard is too long to go in the front, but I have seen other bikes with the front panniers and no scabbard.

Inquiring minds want to know!

[Kermit]

Why does the military do it? Why does the military do a lot of things? Adds too much weight over the front, will cause the bike to dive. There is already a lot of weight up there with the fuel tank. Having rear panniers will balance out the weight.

I have seen and used smaller "tank bags". I don't like them, only use them for trail work, they make you spread your legs too wide, very uncomfortable. Your knees are supposed to go where those bags sit.

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tank/TankPannier.jpg

I rather use this.

http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Tank/ExplorerLite.jpg

They could of put the scabbard on the forks. I would rather have my rifle in front of me, than having to reach back to get it. Even still this will have ill effects on handling.

http://65.57.254.60/ktmtalk/photogallery/galleries/Parts_Mods/IMG_0065.JPG

[MuddyMudskipper]

I would say because of the location of weapon scabbard and no other reason.