Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Best design for aluminium boxes? Best design for aluminium boxes?
Register FAQ Calendar Today's Posts
Equipment Reviews Post YOUR REVIEWS of ANY Motorcycle, Camping or Travel Equipment and accessories. Tell us what worked and didn't work for you!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 5 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
Best design for aluminium boxes?
It seems that bike luggage box design has reached its limits. The Jesse design, (reflected in the new UK outfit Projectvnd) seems the best. The boxes have beveled edges for lean-angle and for paddling. They are custom made to fit best to maximise space and minimise width. They are 2mm. The racks work, and are strong. All good, and miles ahead of the overpriced TTech. So is there anything more that can done?

I ask cos I am in the process of building some for myself.
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 5 Apr 2004
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
When it comes to Jesse I will not say the rack is strong, I have welded mine several times (10-15) and it’s now rebuild so it works (it didn’t even fit my bike). I have had no luck in ordering parts for the system, in fact I’ve had no luck getting in touch with Jesse at all the last years.

The locks broke and the mechanism for locking the boxes to the frame also broke, the new system looks even weaker, but other then that the boxes are nice….
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 6 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
That is a shame, because the design of the boxes looks very good.

I met an overlander recently who has gone halfway around the world with Jesse luggage.
He complained of the new combined handle-lock system. "Too flimsey" he said. He has added proper locks.

What part of the rack broke? Where is the point of weakness?
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 6 Apr 2004
AliBaba's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Norway
Posts: 1,379
Check this:

http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb...ML/000189.html

Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 28 Apr 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 209
Simon, What kind of bike are you putting the boxes on? I built my own for a bmw r80rt and they (luckily) turned out well. Email if you would like some info. Cheers, Peter
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 30 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Nantes, France
Posts: 392
I am riding a Transalp.

I am just completing a set of boxes for it. Having looked long and hard at all the boxes on offer, I am absolutely certain I can do better. Each one has a weakness or two.

It is worth baring in mind that many manufacturers, despite what their publicity says, are building for the gentle European touring market. Not overlanders. That is why the Touratech ones are so shockingly poor for the money.

The ultimate overlander boxes are only days away...
__________________
Simon Kennedy
Around the world 2000-2004, on a 1993 Honda Transalp
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 30 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
im not impressed with the ali boxes that come with the 1150GS adventure(and cost so much!!) they seem not very well made and too small.i dont think you will get a full-face helmet in any of them. the new 1200GS has expandable plastic boxes as accessories, ive not had a close look at them but its a good idea and looks quite neat. has anyone had a close look? maybe an idea for any of you DIY fans?

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 30 Apr 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2000
Location: Northern Arizona, USA
Posts: 103
I have used Jesse's for years, have crashed badly on them and no damage-infact they act as a crashbar due to their design strength. In China last year in an accident, one was crushed and subsequently repaired and it never leaked. Never damage to the frame system, and never has the frame failed. If you want to spend a dime call them:623-878-7113 USA, and get the parts needed to replace anything they make. They are a busy company but do respond.I don't know how their overseas distributors operate however.
Allen.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 13 May 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: Idaho, USA
Posts: 212
I can recommend Happy Trails rack and pannier setup. I don't know how they compare with Jesses, but they are certainly stronger than Touratechs (I've had both). They're at www.happy-trail.com. The customer service is also outstanding, in my experience.

Mike
Idaho
__________________
Mike
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 19 May 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: flat fenland
Posts: 5
The new R1200 GS panniers?! Mmmmm. I see them for show and not much else. Sure they are nice and square now with neat little bags. But the mechanism for them to widen is a gimmick. The mechanism itself takes up valuable space and I'm always dubious about moving bits, which wear and can break. Stick to the ali panniers, whatever the make.

[This message has been edited by Dream Catcher (edited 18 May 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 19 May 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Apr 2004
Location: flat fenland
Posts: 5
OOoops. One other thing on aluminium panniers. New outfit in the UK called Metal Mule. www.metalmule.com. Riveted boxes with "QuickAttach" system.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 19 May 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
I had the Touratech boxes and pannier frames made by Erni at Overland Solutions. The bike fell over a number of times and even with all the weight of the bike and our luggage there was no damage to the boxes or the frames. Because the Boxes were fitted slghtly lower than with the original frames there was no damage to the bike either.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 21 May 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: B.C. Canada
Posts: 209
Remember not to make your pannier support frames too strong... or "when" you fall over the bike frame may break and your luggage will be intact.
I used the original bmw pannier frames on my R80RT, which are silver soldered (not welded) they withstand vibration better and will bend or break BEFORE the bike frame does.

They have survived two stationary fall overs and two low speed crashes...so far

The boxes are basically like jesse's but with flat, unhinged removable tops.
Cheers
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 13 Jun 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: Berkeley curentlly
Posts: 12
Quote:
Originally posted by Simon Kennedy:
It seems that bike luggage box design has reached its limits. The Jesse design, (reflected in the new UK outfit Projectvnd) seems the best. The boxes have beveled edges for lean-angle and for paddling. They are custom made to fit best to maximise space and minimise width. They are 2mm. The racks work, and are strong. All good, and miles ahead of the overpriced TTech. So is there anything more that can done?

I ask cos I am in the process of building some for myself.
I use to think the same until I saw this
http://patineto.smugmug.com/gallery/108392
Roger the guy that makes them is not only a pretty good designer but a extremlly skillfull fabricator

take a look at this link on ADVrider to learn a little more about them
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showt...highlight=mamf

he custom makes them for anybike,all hand made

i hope this helps

__________________
dios le da comida al que no tiene dientes
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 3 Jul 2004
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Hampshire
Posts: 1
I can thoroughly recommend Metal Mule panniers. They are a result of many years of travelling revealing the good and bad points of luggage and designed to be as tough as old boots. Fast attach system, optional extras to suit individual needs and being waterproof are just a few bonuses with this set up. Have a look at www.metalmule.com
Jim
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

ALL Dates subject to change.

2025 Confirmed Events:

  • Virginia: April 24-27 2025
  • Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
  • Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
  • CanWest: July 10-13 2025
  • Switzerland: Date TBC
  • Ecuador: Date TBC
  • Romania: Date TBC
  • Austria: Sept. 11-15
  • California: September 18-21
  • France: September 19-21 2025
  • Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

Adventurous Bikers – We've got all your Hygiene & Protection needs SORTED! Powdered Hair & Body Wash, Moisturising Cream Insect Repellent, and Moisturising Cream Sunscreen SPF50. ESSENTIAL | CONVENIENT | FUNCTIONAL.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 06:08.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top