Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Equipment, Travel > Equipment Reviews
Plastic vs Aluminium boxes Plastic vs 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
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 27 Oct 2003
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2003
Location: Estonia
Posts: 787
Plastic vs Aluminium boxes
I'm thinking about buying Touratech 2x41L side boxes plus TT aluminum 50L top box.
But before i do that, does the aluminum have a good advances against the plastic? The price for aluminum is sky high compared with plastic.

When to calculate prices then i can broke 3 pairs of hard plastic bags if i crash and broke one pair of TT alu ones.

Or the aluminium boxes are much more crash resistant than plastic ones - can be repaired more easily?

I currently have GIVI plastic ones on my current bike, don't have absolutely nothing to complain. But hoping to get more offroad oriented R1100GS soon, so was thinking about going to aluminium boxes.

Anyone has recommendations or comments about this topic?

Kind regards, Margus
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: Winchester, Hampshire
Posts: 202
Hi, if you crash hard with plastic boxes they shatter, if you crash with aluminium panniers they bend a lot and are not all that easy to bend back, very difficult to swing the equivalent weight of the bike and luggage from the inside of the pannier to replecate the weight of the loaded bike crashing on to it. Shattered plastic can be "glued" together effectivly with gaffer tape though. Soft bags are more impact resistant. I have plastic panniers on my Tiger and aluminium on my G/S and keep them looking ok by not crashing, well so far anyway but have travelled with less fortunate folk. Regards Chris
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 21 Jan 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jan 2001
Location: Nottingham, UK
Posts: 148
I bought a pair of Tesch panniers - they are the business.

Touratech and all the rest seem flimsy in comparison - but each to their own. I looked at the plastic Gobi ones from Hepco Becker - but I don't rate them as much as the Tesch.

I was constantly dropping my bike on my last trip (because I'm rubbish) - but only at standstill - the boxes stood up to the battering.

I was a big plastic fan - until I used the Tesch ones - now I think I made the right choice. I think it would take a major high speed accident to do any damage to them - but they are so simple and tough, I doubt I'll have any problems.


------------------
Fuzzy Duck
(I'm quackers about bikes)
__________________
Fuzzy Duck
(I\'m quackers about bikes)
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 23 Dec 2004
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Jul 2002
Location: Oxfordshire, UK
Posts: 180
I have crash tested Tesch panniers. 80mph, running up against a crash barrier (rider already unconscious from being hit on the head). They did well, good enough to still be useable, although a hole was ripped in the lid. They also stayed attached to the frame (Hepco and Becker), which bent a couple of inches but was easily bent back into shape.

Actually they are so strong that they can be dangerous in a crash. If your leg gets caught underneath them it will break it. Passengers are particularly vulnerable. This has happened to someone, who now recommends soft luggage.

Having weaker rails that actually bend out of shape on impact was recommended to me by a BMW dealer. It may also help to protect the subframe.

Got to go now as my head hurts.
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 5 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Barcelona, Spain
Posts: 68
If you go plastic you can try Pelican these are fairly cheap and are very very tough. I have a Peli top box and would probably buy Peli boxes to use as panniers instead of the zega cases I have now. Lots of fitting instructions and fotos ate www.advrider.com. This is important as they are tool/instrument/weapon cases rather than specifically bike cases.
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 12 Jan 2005
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jul 2004
Location: Gierle Belgium
Posts: 51
Quote:
Originally posted by Margus:
I'm thinking about buying Touratech 2x41L side boxes plus TT aluminum 50L top box.
But before i do that, does the aluminum have a good advances against the plastic? The price for aluminum is sky high compared with plastic.

When to calculate prices then i can broke 3 pairs of hard plastic bags if i crash and broke one pair of TT alu ones.I bougt the Tesh boxes for My BMW R 100 GS and I went down by 90 km/h I just could stand up because they protect me and the bike, because they are so wide, so I would buy the aluminium ones.

Or the aluminium boxes are much more crash resistant than plastic ones - can be repaired more easily?

I currently have GIVI plastic ones on my current bike, don't have absolutely nothing to complain. But hoping to get more offroad oriented R1100GS soon, so was thinking about going to aluminium boxes.

Anyone has recommendations or comments about this topic?

Kind regards, Margus
I sugest the alluminium ones because if you crash, they protect you more than the plastic ones (I crashed by 90km in the mud of A farmers tractor and I could get up directly)

[This message has been edited by wils chris (edited 12 January 2005).]
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Feb 2005
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: Derbyshire UK
Posts: 10

If you can afford it I would go for the Ali ones. I have used Givi for 3 years now and only dropped the bike once,knocking it off. Ever since I have had to use a bungie to stop it popping off when there is some weight in it. Also if you do go for plastic or Ali bolt them on as the plastic ones can be popped off with a quick smack.
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 20 Aug 2005
Jake's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Northumberland, uk
Posts: 761
Hi as a preference try looking at the hepco gobi bags, virtually indestructable plastic cases i have used them on several trips covering about 15000miles so far they have survived several low speed drops a collision and remain intact and totally waterproof even submersable and dont leak. little small at 37 lts each but means you dont carry so much junk.brad
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 20 Aug 2005
Mr. Ron's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Oct 2003
Location: Vancouver, BC, for now...
Posts: 792
I've read this about the Gobi bags from a lot of people on this forum and others. I think there is no question the Gobi bags are durable and acceptable for overland travel. Having said this, i can't help but notice all the photographs i've seen of Gobi bags strapped onto their KTM950's after a crash, obviously rack problems. Any comments on this?
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. 11-14
  • 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 05:10.

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