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
  #1  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Pannier Frame Touratech or Metal Mule

Whats everyones experiance of each I need to buy the pannier frame but unsure which is the best? they are about the same price and I belive both 18 mm but whats the realworld experiance before i get the cheque book out please.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nieder-Olm, Germany
Posts: 144
Quote:
Originally Posted by andyb43 View Post
Whats everyones experiance of each I need to buy the pannier frame but unsure which is the best? they are about the same price and I belive both 18 mm but whats the realworld experiance before i get the cheque book out please.
Dunno about the other manufacturer, but we have the TT system on the Africa Twin and the Transalp since about 5 years / 40.000km and both are solid and reliable. I must say however that I´m never fully convinced about TT´s coating quality, though, be it with pannier racks or crash bars. But that can be rectified after several years with the help of a powdercoater, which is not expensive.
Cheers
Chris
__________________
Need to fix your Africa Twin? Check out my step-by-step frame strip pictures at
Google+ album: http://tinyurl.com/6u93yv2
Dropbox with zip-File: http://tinyurl.com/czj8qgw
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Cheers chris,
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Vaufi's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Jan 2004
Location: Munich, the beer capital
Posts: 1,060
Technically both racks are very sturdy. I suppose you should take the rack of the company from which you buy the panniers.
At Ripley I had a look at the Metal Mules and was very impressed. But since my Zega panniers are still good after 100 kkms there was no need to replace them ;o)
__________________
Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Cheers Vaufi,

I am getting the Overlander-60 - Kriega so need a good frame to fit. Rather get a good one first time than waste money replacing it after a year but not worried about having it powder coated might even get it done prior to fitting if the coating is thin save time and money in the long run.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Moscow
Posts: 1,117
No contest!

I regretfully had Metal Mule panniers and frames for SibirskyExtreme.
After the very first day off-road the frame suffered one fracture and at the same point on the other side, a complete break. And we had hardly even started in Siberia!

Later I checked with another rider we met who had TT panniers. We found both makes panniers were fully interchangeable to both makes of frames.

Looking at the frames, the difference was that MM do not 'butt-weld' the tubes to mounting points but squash the tube flat (which destroys the inherent strengh of a tube section) and then bends the flattened part to the required angle - providing a further specifically weakening location!

By contrast TT 'butt-weld' the cut tube end to a thick metal plate which looked far stronger.

When reporting the problem to MM their only comment was that I must not have fitted it correctly - nothing wrong with their product!

Additionally, specific to F650GS, there is a sliding unit that holds the frame by gripping the inside of the circular rear footpeg support. The MM unit only grips in two narrow sections of its circumference along about 60% of its length. Givi make a far better expanding unit that grips throughout all its length AND throughout 95% of its circumference

In future I would go for TT frames.


I also learned on that trip that hard luggage can injure and possibly kill, it encourages carrying too much gear/weight and really is best suited for showing off your stickers outside the pub or around the M25, Boulevard Périphérique or МКАД.

For any sort of non sealed roads I would now always go for soft luggage - as in a whole series of different threads!
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2012
Location: Nieder-Olm, Germany
Posts: 144
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tony P View Post
Looking at the frames, the difference was that MM do not 'butt-weld' the tubes to mounting points but squash the tube flat (which destroys the inherent strengh of a tube section) and then bends the flattened part to the required angle - providing a further specifically weakening location!
That would be an absolute dealbreaker for me. Inferior solution.

Cheers
Chris
__________________
Need to fix your Africa Twin? Check out my step-by-step frame strip pictures at
Google+ album: http://tinyurl.com/6u93yv2
Dropbox with zip-File: http://tinyurl.com/czj8qgw
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 3 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
The MM coating was falling off at 8 years old. Never tested them for strength I tend to only fall off at walking pace.

I've gone GIVI this time, can't justify the insane prices for MM or TT just to keep lightly loaded soft bags out of the back wheel.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 4 Jun 2012
Registered Users
HUBB regular
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: cheshire/england
Posts: 57
Cool Hi Andy

Hi Andy long time since oz ,,,,,,you do know that panniers dont go on a disco ha ha,,,,so which bike have you got i have been looking at 1200gs,,we are just off to the german show at badkissingen,,,hope that kas is ok cheers
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 4 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Hi Steve,

I lost touch mate sorry, Kas is living near Rugby I ended up working for DHL for 1 year and now sat in Afghanistan as a Private Security Contractor saving like mad for the next trip hopefully at the end of 2014.

Disco stu is having a rest until we can fit a Bimobil on the back to give Kas some comfort.

So Jeliouse your going to the ultimate Overland show I am aranging my leave for next years show so if your up for some company then let me know?

Kas bought the Super Tenere as a birthday pressie I pick it up in August when I am next back. my 6th midlife chrisis LOL. before you go for the GS have a test ride on the Super before you decide mate.

Drop me a line and maybe we can catch up in August we were thinking of nipping up for a few days to the north lands on the bike.
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 5 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hessen, Germany
Posts: 187
Quote:
Originally Posted by Vaufi View Post
Technically both racks are very sturdy. I suppose you should take the rack of the company from which you buy the panniers.
At Ripley I had a look at the Metal Mules and was very impressed. But since my Zega panniers are still good after 100 kkms there was no need to replace them ;o)
You don't mention for which bike (or I might have missed it), there is a cheaper alternative; holan.pl are of the same quality as TT, but cheaper. Only issue is that their deliver can fluctuate. They should be same size as TT's....

Casper
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 5 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Cheers Casper,

Its a Super tenere, I will look in to the Holan.

Thank you
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 5 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: Kandahar Afghanistan
Posts: 160
Cheers Casper,

£141

for the frame instead of £300 for a TT or MM. and it is the same 18mm x2mm tubing
__________________
www.landroveradventure.co.uk
Land Rover Discovery 2, Yamaha Super Tenere
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 5 Jun 2012
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Feb 2009
Location: Hessen, Germany
Posts: 187
Quote:
Originally Posted by andyb43 View Post
Cheers Casper,

£141

for the frame instead of £300 for a TT or MM. and it is the same 18mm x2mm tubing
Only thing is that Holan does not always deliver when they say they will - which is why they have been dropped by their american distributer....

But if you have time, then it's a lot cheaper than TT.

I was at TT (The Netherlands) the other week to order my paniers, and the pre mounted fits just fine - approx.. 3 - 4 mm gap, but that should not cause an issue.


Casper
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


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
wanted tt600r/re frame ssbon TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 2 23 Dec 2012 00:42
Whats the best Pannier Frame to buy? andyb43 Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? 2 3 Jun 2012 14:29
Metal Mule Series 2 38 litre Panniers richard45 TRAVEL Equipment for Sale / Wanted 3 17 Apr 2012 09:29

 
 

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 10:49.