Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Metal Mule Metal Mule
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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 17 Nov 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Salisbury UK
Posts: 155
Metal Mule
Hi Team

Has any one used METAL MULE Gear?

How do you rate it,
Almost as dear as Touratech What are the benifits of either design?

Charlie

[This message has been edited by braindead (edited 18 November 2004).]
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 18 Nov 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Rivetted construction, not welded - could be argued that this makes for easier repair?

The lids are hinged at one end, not on the side which I find a little strange? If you have a wide bag across the rear of the bike, you may not be able to open the pannier without first removing either the bag or the pannier itself?

Prefer the Touratech removal lids myself.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 18 Nov 2004
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: May 2001
Location: Central Portugal
Posts: 315
Yes I agree, infact I would go further by saying that any hinged lid is impractical. With the Touratech lids if you have something strapped to the lid you can just take off the whole lid with the gear still attached to it. If it's hinged you may have to take all the gear off before you can open the lid. The 'metal mule' panniers look good and strong, but I thought they felt considerably heavier that the Touratech ones and personally I'm not keen on all those visible rivets. I had the Touratech panniers fitted to my GS and dropped the bike, at stationary, a few times with no damage to the box's or the bike. If there is a week point with the Touratech panniers it would be the frames IMHO. I had Ernie at Overland Solutions build me some panniers frames for the Touratech panniers.
__________________
\"Bon Chance\"
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 19 Nov 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
if you asked the guys at metal mule not to hinge your panniers and put another clasp on instead im sure they would be happy to oblige, especially if each pannier was made to order? it might even make them cheaper if they dont have to spend so much time rivetting.

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 19 Nov 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Quote:
Originally posted by DAVSATO:
if you asked the guys at metal mule not to hinge your panniers and put another clasp on instead im sure they would be happy to oblige, especially if each pannier was made to order? it might even make them cheaper if they dont have to spend so much time rivetting.
It's the rivetting that holds the sides together, instead of being welded, so this cannot change unless MM change their construction completely.

If you go for MM panniers, check that the rivet heads do not protude too far inside the pannier or they could damage the contents?

Would be easy for MM to offer a removeable lid with an extra lock at the other end - should not really cost any extra.
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 19 Nov 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: sunny England
Posts: 790
i meant they wouldnt have to rivet the hinge on

------------------
dave
__________________
dave
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 19 Nov 2004
Steve Pickford's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
Still need to rivet the second lock on though
__________________
My photos: www.possu.smugmug.com
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 21 Mar 2005
Jem Jem is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 14
I thought they look good on the website, but unless I am very mistake, they seem to be a fair bit MORE expensive than TT Zegas.
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 21 Mar 2005
Jem Jem is offline
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Jun 2003
Location: Aberdeen, Scotland
Posts: 14
(Oh bugger, how do you edit these replies?)

By the way, it is not clear on their site, but it looks like they attach to any frame with round sections- would they fit on the KTM/Touratech part?
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 26 May 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: May 2005
Location: United Kingdom
Posts: 8
We have 2 sets of MMules on our bikes. We're in South America at present! The rivets are flush so don't go through to your contents and the boxes are surviving far better than we've seen ZEGA boxes on passing bikes recently! The lid syndrome is personal opinion though - our thoughts are 2 locks give more things to break. Price I thought was the same as ZEGA, lastly I don't think they'll fit Touratech frames.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 May 2005
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Aug 2002
Posts: 284
Touratech panniers work, Metal Mule panniers work, soft panniers work.

It's all a matter of personal preference.

If I was to choose between TT and MM though, I'd go for MM because:
a)bar personal preference, there really isn't much between the 2
b)I like MM's personal, friendly service. c) I would prefer to support a small company created by like-minded travellers.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 3 Jun 2005
Shells's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Travelling in Australia
Posts: 175
I've been in touch with Paul from Metal Mule - researching gear for my Dominator. Thought there may be good reason behind the hinge on the pannier, and it turns out (although I'm still on the fence) there are a few:

'The reasons behind the hinged panniers are:-
1. There is absolutely no way the lids can blow off – this is seems to happen on a fairly regular basis with non hinged pannier and top boxes.

2. When ferreting around in your pannier for some stuff, which happen to be near the bottom of your pannier, the hinged lid gives you some where to pile stuff while your find the stuff your want!

3. With a non hinged pannier, whenever you take off the lid you have to put it somewhere, e.g. on your motorcycle seat where it falls off or on the ground where you’ll end up standing on it

4. If you don’t have a hinge then you will need 2 clasps to hold the lid on, one at either end – these are more fiddly to use and are less secure.'

...If only they made racks for the Dommie though *sniff*



------------------
If you don't have bugs in your teeth, you haven't been grinning enough!
__________________
If you don't have bugs in your teeth, you haven't been grinning enough!
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 3 Jun 2005
beddhist's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Whangarei, NZ
Posts: 2,214
We have the best of both worlds: hinged lids that can be removed.

------------------
Salut from Southern France, the bikers' paradise,

Peter.
__________________
Cheers,
Peter.

Europe to NZ 2006-10
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 14 Jun 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: brentwood
Posts: 24
I've been using the Metal Mule panniers for a few months now on my XT600e.

1) I have an ortlieb bag over the top of the panniers, this can be pushed to the side to access the panniers - No fuss.

2) The rivets are flush on the inside. There are a few nuts down one side here and there, but nothing that causes any probs.

3) The panniers are quick to open/close/lock/unlock. They also have a fantastic secure releasing mechanism which I was more impressed with than the touratech style. The pannier can be removed in a second.

4) They certainly are tough - No idea if they weigh any more/less than TT.

5) Paul kindly made up custom panniers to fit TT racks for Matt who already had racks.

6) Customer service was second to none.

7) Panniers are very robust - And that's whats most important when you spill your bike which lands on 1/2 of all your worldly possessions.....

8) If I have any problems, they are 1.5 hours away - not 6 weeks delivery and turnaround time of TT.....

They are however more expensive than Zega.

Will

[This message has been edited by dionysos (edited 14 June 2005).]
Reply With Quote
Reply

« 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 06:15.

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