Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #16  
Old 14 Sep 2004
BklynDakar's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: NY, USA
Posts: 356
I know a lot people like Jesse's and I have nothing else to compare them to but after my a long weekend trip testing my installation I think there could definately be improvements.

The locks are worthless. Any kid with a large screwdriver should be able to pop them open. There are latched for using an external padlock but the are secured by two philps screws. I didn't use an external lock but the latch fell off somewhere between NYC and Canada. This is a heavy piece and I hate to think that this flew into a car. Several bolts came loose, but I do no attribute this to a design flaw. I didn't use locktite because I wanted a test run first.

They get very hot. Again, this is probably true for all bags, but I have a suggestion. Add vent holes and an optional fabric cover like the rain covers for tank bags. Preferable a light color, either white or bright yellow. Perhaps this could be lockable as well. How about some rubber washers or something to help reduce vibration.

There are no means to attach items to the exterior of the bags.

------------------
Brooklyn Dakar
http://motorcycleramblings.blogspot.com/
__________________
Prevously known as JSherm
My blog: http://www.motorcycleramblings.com/
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/tstories/sherman/ I will up date this soon, really Grant, I will....
"This is the story of America. Everybody's doing what they think they're supposed to do." J Kerouac
"Who's more foolish: the fool, or the fool who follows him" OW Kenobi
Reply With Quote
  #17  
Old 21 Oct 2004
richardb's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Mar 2003
Location: guildford, surrey, UK
Posts: 138
I really like the look of those custom ones by Roger from Germany, especially the minimal rack, but the weakness I see here is that they might be difficult to take on and off. I notice for stability that the box attatches to the pillion footrest, and there is a bar between the two boxes at the back, so the boxes are themselves perform part of the role of a more traditional rack.

How often do people like to remove their boxes? I have touratech 41litres on an F650 dakar, and needed to take them off sometimes just becuase of the width, other times it was useful to be easily able to remove them for other reasons. This is a good aspect of their rack and mounting, but where I think it really falls down is the amount of stress around the mounting with fully loaded cases - after a year on the road my cases have cracked around the plastic mounts - due I think to a combination of weight and vibration

Richard

------------------
Richb
http://www.postmaster.co.uk/~richardbeaumont/60684/
Reply With Quote
  #18  
Old 23 Oct 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Nov 2000
Location: Wirral,UK
Posts: 172
Hi

Ahhh... doncha just love ally pannier debates.

FWIW I've been very happy with the Touratech frames and boxes on my R80 GS. Survived Indian full-contact traffic and a 40mph crash with minimal damage. Nice and light, easily beaten straight. I'd use 'em again, no question.

------------------
Sean
__________________
Sean
Reply With Quote
  #19  
Old 25 Oct 2004
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
Hello. I recently built a set of boxes for my GS and would like to comment on removal options. I chose to make mine solid mount with the bar across the back, similar to the ones featured earlier on the KTM LC8. The bags contain my tent, sleeping bag, cold weather gear, cooking equipment and food. These are items i prefer not to carry into the hotel when i choose to stay at one, and i usually park my bike where it is secure. Fully loaded i can still pick up the bike after a dump and if i really want to do some hard off-roading, there off tn 5 min. With four allen-head bolts each. Most important is the strength added to the frame with solid mounting. Been on the road for a month now, both on and off road, and this has worked out very well for me. Just my 2 cents...
Reply With Quote
  #20  
Old 25 Oct 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Vancouver, BC - now at large in the world
Posts: 411
Here's what I had built by Overland Solutions in the UK.

http://www.nohorizons.net/framed.htm
__________________
http://www.nohorizons.net
Reply With Quote
Reply


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!

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 05:20.