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Tesch Aliminium Panniers and Fuel Tanks
Got pair of what are called TTT2's
They are well made but have one or two things I'd prefer changed. The lids are hinged. Bernd Tesch advises to attach them to the motorcycle with the hinge on the outside, so the lids open away from the motorcycle. By doing this the lids wont bump into the motorcycle. However the lock mechanism is operated from a key on top of the box that moves a lever under a horizontal ledge attached to the side of the box opposite the hinge. This ledge impedes putting stuff in and out of the box. But more importantly, if you've bought the aliminium fuel/water tanks that are designed to fit inside the box you will find that these tanks will not fit under the aforementioned ledge. This leaves a gap of wasted space of the side of the box. You need to put the tanks near the center of gravity of the bike and it would be unwise to site full 10 litre tanks on the outside of the boxes. The fuel/water tanks are well made - but the cap is positioned at a 45 degree angle at the top of the tank. This means you can only fill the tank to the bottom of the cap leaving a wasted space of more than 1 litre at the top of the tank. Also getting fuel and water in and out of these tanks inside your boxes is a pain. Requiring you to empty the box. Think it would be better to strap two 5 litre jerry cans on either narrow side of each box to increase fuel/water storage. This can be done by welding little ledges on the bottom of the box to rest your jerry can on, and then welding eyelets on each side through which you can apply a strap to hold the can in place. |
1. I have been following the details of the Tesch rack and pannier system on his website and think it is a better setup than Touratech's if all his claims are scrupulously correct. For one thing the side fuel tanks are cheaper than an additional or replacement tank such as that offered by Touratech. Another, Tesch's works seem to be stronger, thicker, more robust and offering more choices.
Question is how come then we hear more of Touratech and less of Tesch on the LDT after-market scene? A case of more savvy marketting? Commenting specifically to points your raise, I would think the fuel/water tanks could be easily slid in and out in their own compartments separated by rails. The tanks do take up available space though. The wasted capacity of 1 L caused by the bevelled cap surface can perhaps be overcome by tilting the can so that the cap surface is horizontal and not slanting when filling the tank up. That way you can fill the tank to the brim, so to speak. You have to remember to tilt the cap side horizontal again when opening it so as not to spill the fuel. Subject to opinions from other users or travelers, I too am considering using the Tesch system over Touratech's. Hope my comments are useful in some way. |
Also a "hot item" is service. Especially with post-order company's abroad.
My experiance with Touratech was good http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/smile.gif... until I had a complaint. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/frown.gif They didn't reply to anything anymore. I guess they think they are safe across the border. http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/ubb/mad.gif Unfortunatly I am not the only one with this experiance... Maarten [This message has been edited by mmaarten (edited 12 February 2002).] |
Got the same setup with TT2's and the 10L aluminium water/petrol tank + custom made rack. Havent got as far as the ledge yet, but suppose I can fill up that gap with something useful.. What I am worried about is the smell of petrol in the inside of my TT2 but will see in time.
As far as service, Tesch being just accross the dutch border in germany was happy to post the TT2 and tank in netherlands saving me a bit of money... Touratech however is not the most easy company to deal with when it comes to aftercare as I found out when a incorrect petcock was shipped for my acerbis dommie tank. Lets say a lot of emails and about 4 weeks later its was finally sorted... |
and errrh, also the ledges Ive got on the side of my TT2 for additional jerrycans
... just in case Im thirsty |
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