12Likes
![Reply](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/buttons/reply.gif) |
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jan 2010
|
![Redboots's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar17140_2.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Feb 2006
Location: On the border - NE FR
Posts: 865
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by tedmagnum
Another gripe was that EVERYTIME the bike was dropped at walking pace.. The boxes would break away from the frame !!
|
I have never used MM's so cant really comment, BUT, the frame and mountings looks puny to me. The boxes are not welded, (looks like its just folded round and riveted), so a combination of these two things looks like you just chose the wrong kit
I got side-swiped by a pick-up truck in Pakistan while doing about 80kph. The side he hit just had scrapes and the other side that the bike landed on was bent a bit out of square and the lid popped open. Pushed it back into alignment and used a web strap on it for the rest of the trip. Rack system undamaged.
I also got high-sided on a packed desert road doing about 50kph and nothing happened to the box that was landed on.
I love my Tesch boxes and rack
John
__________________
Nostradamus Ate My Hamster
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jan 2010
|
![Dodger's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar16196_3.gif) |
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by colebatch
I think you can never protect against someone who is determined to be an arsehole, and I am sorry to hear lowlifes have done that to your bike. Would it have been that much more difficult though for such lowlifes merely out for a bit of vandalism, and wearing steel capped boots, to dent the crap out of metal boxes with a few well placed kicks, thus at the very least, taking away the waterproof seal.
|
It depends on what type of metal boxes you have , you'd have to try extremely hard to put a ding in mine .Most crooks and vandals are lazy and take the path of least resistance .Why bother to expand energy when a slash with a knife is easy ?You could cut soft bags off a bike in an instant throw 'em over your shoulder and be gone .
Another incident was when I left my soft canvas backed pickup in a pub carpark .When I came out , some lowlife had slashed that .
It was replaced with sheet metal , end of problem .
Although I always try to avoid rough neighbourhoods ,statistically I must be unlucky ,but I am a bit wiser with regard to human nature.
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
20 Jan 2010
|
![Dodger's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar16196_3.gif) |
Large Golden Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: BC, Canada
Posts: 1,085
|
|
You might think I am trying to bore the arse off everybody , but take a look at Alibaba's boxes and then take a look at Ted's .
What I see as a welder and fabricator when I look at the Jesse boxes is "strength" both in terms of a multi angle design and in the case of Alibaba's bike a secure mounting system .
The multi angle design also avoids sharp edges that will snag and catch if the bike should go down ,also there are fewer sharp edges to hurt the rider .
He's done a lot of miles with that bike and it's proven to be good, you can't argue with that .
When I look at Ted's Metal Mules , I don't see much strength , I see sharp angles, a minimum of welding ,poor mounts and a poor mounting system .
If I'd paid that much money ,I'd be as pissed off as he is .
So ,you've got to do your own research and look very carefully at what you're buying .
__________________
Blessed are the cracked, for they let in the light. - Spike Milligan
"When you come to a fork in the road ,take it ! When you come to a spoon in the road ,take that also ."
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
24 Jan 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: May 2009
Location: Gorinchem, Netherlands
Posts: 14
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by chris reid
i think people are too used to rubbish panniers made from cheese!Honestly i think you are basing your contempt for alloy panniers mainly on the rubbish boxes like zega etc.
|
My thoughts exactly! It's a shame that there are very expensive paniers for sale that are in fact rubbish. But there's no denying that there are very good alu paniers out there, that will nog break when you fall down. We could all see Mr.McGregor fall down quite a few time on LWR and even being hit by a car from behind, and they made it.
I think it just a matter of personal preference and how much you're willing to shell out for a decent set. Prepare to pay a lot for aluminium.
And for security: nothing is really safe on a bike. And since I've succesfully sabotaged an alarm system, I don't trust them either. Just keep your stuff where you can see it. There are not theft-proof bike luggage systems. Thieves are way too clever and have tools to pry open anything.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Feb 2010
|
Registered Users
HUBB regular
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Cluj Napoca, Romania
Posts: 24
|
|
Soft vs hard
Hi guys,
I am facing this dilemma also: soft versus hard. To buy alu boxes is too expensive for me so I've been considering making my own, but that will be a lot of trouble and I risk ending up with some shitty looking, hard to use, piece of crap on the back of my bike. I've used soft luggage until now (but never done long trips, max was 9 days). I am planning a 3 week Morokko trip now so I don't know what to do yet. The problem is that I can't find Cortech here in RO , but I have to admin they look good and are very reasonably priced!
Cortech :: Luggage :: TriBag Saddlebag
Do you of a shop in UK/EU that would ship to RO?
I saw that some blokes here said that soft luggage is not waterproof. Check out the waterproof bags from alpkit and I would say: problem solved:
Airlock Drybags - Alpkit Outdoor Gear Shop
Trekking equipment - living the journey - Alpkit Outdoor Gear Shop
Gday!
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
21 Feb 2010
|
![*Touring Ted*'s Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15987_7.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,669
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ekkemu
Hi guys,
I am facing this dilemma also: soft versus hard. To buy alu boxes is too expensive for me so I've been considering making my own, but that will be a lot of trouble and I risk ending up with some shitty looking, hard to use, piece of crap on the back of my bike. I've used soft luggage until now (but never done long trips, max was 9 days). I am planning a 3 week Morokko trip now so I don't know what to do yet. The problem is that I can't find Cortech here in RO , but I have to admin they look good and are very reasonably priced!
Cortech :: Luggage :: TriBag Saddlebag
Do you of a shop in UK/EU that would ship to RO?
I saw that some blokes here said that soft luggage is not waterproof. Check out the waterproof bags from alpkit and I would say: problem solved:
Airlock Drybags - Alpkit Outdoor Gear Shop
Trekking equipment - living the journey - Alpkit Outdoor Gear Shop
Gday!
|
I have those Cortect Tribags !! I got them brought to me by an American friend. They are NOT available anywhere but the USA.
They are great bags. Very durable with great zips etc !! Worked great through South America.
You could get them sent over to you, im sure !! Lot's of US dealers will ship overseas.
And no, mine arn't for sale
I have recently bought some ex military panniers for £30 which im using for Africa. I think they are brilliant. Available from a place called SILVERMANS in the U.K.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Apr 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2010
Location: NORTERN SWEDEN
Posts: 15
|
|
Has no one here looked at the SW-Motech Trax panniers?
The lightest alu panniers I have found, good price and very tough...
Homepage - EN
If hard panniers are as bad as some of you argue why are so many experienced trotters using them, like in Globe Rider Movies.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Apr 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Germany, Mülheim
Posts: 7
|
|
First of all... I can't believe it. After only two years I'm really writing in the HUBB again. Isn't that great.
Ok. I've to admit that I read only the first page of the answers, wanted to reply a lot but I leave it short.
There are a good couple of things to say against Tesch and his products but I really have to admit that the boxes are working.
Have them on my Africa Twin and I've beaten the shit out of them. the shape is basic, no fancy shit on them, so they are easy to repair. I had to in fact. Welding, bending... the whole thing.
Compared to known systems like Touratech, which wouldn't be waterproof after the bike tipped over standing still. Or, just for instance TedMagnums MetalMules, which needed a bike-lift and a BMW on top to bend them back into shape... and they still weren't.
BTW... the Tesch-design is easy enough to rebuild it, need just some aluminium and a guy who knows how to tread it.
So long,
Sebastian... still in argentina
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Apr 2010
|
![*Touring Ted*'s Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15987_7.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,669
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by Tauradan
First of all... I can't believe it. After only two years I'm really writing in the HUBB again. Isn't that great.
Ok. I've to admit that I read only the first page of the answers, wanted to reply a lot but I leave it short.
There are a good couple of things to say against Tesch and his products but I really have to admit that the boxes are working.
Have them on my Africa Twin and I've beaten the shit out of them. the shape is basic, no fancy shit on them, so they are easy to repair. I had to in fact. Welding, bending... the whole thing.
Compared to known systems like Touratech, which wouldn't be waterproof after the bike tipped over standing still. Or, just for instance TedMagnums MetalMules, which needed a bike-lift and a BMW on top to bend them back into shape... and they still weren't.
BTW... the Tesch-design is easy enough to rebuild it, need just some aluminium and a guy who knows how to tread it.
So long,
Sebastian... still in argentina
|
SEEEBAAASTIAAAN !! Welcome back ! Yes, funny times indeed. Dropping Shauns BMW on a bike lift onto my Metal Mules to try and straighten them hahahaha ! Dakar Motos is a fun place.
BTW, love your signiture. I feel responsible
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
2 Apr 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Melbourne
Posts: 166
|
|
caja rubbish
whatever you do don't go near caja sahel.
absolute crap. designed with corner welds, made from shoddy chinese aluminium.
if he's still making the dodgy sh1te he sent me, he'll be out of business by now anyway.
cheers,
andrew
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 May 2010
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: Donegal ,Ireland
Posts: 16
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by desert dweller
whatever you do don't go near caja sahel.
absolute crap. designed with corner welds, made from shoddy chinese aluminium.
if he's still making the dodgy sh1te he sent me, he'll be out of business by now anyway.
cheers,
andrew
|
HEY , Everyone over at UKgser swears by them ,
There have been quite a few Major Trips undertaken using them
and i have only ever heard Praise for the Pannier set .
What happened yours ?
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
15 May 2010
|
![Steve Pickford's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar13346_1.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2003
Location: Oxford, UK
Posts: 994
|
|
Re: Metal Mules - friends have them on an F800GS & R1200GS Adventure. I notice that many of the mounts just consist of the frame tubes squashed flat & a hole drilled through. To me, this looks very weak, is this where they fracture? I deliberately avoided this design when I made pannier frames recently despite it being the easiest option by far.
Re: Caja Sahel - I can't comment on their durability but I think that the mounting system is primitive to say the least. I've seen a set on a friends R12GS, where the mounting bolts pass through the back of each pannier, the holes had ovalled. They really need to be bushed to support the weight properly.
What's best, panniers that come off in a tumble, hopefully before too much damage is done or securely bolted on panniers that stay on the bike in a crash & take the full impact?
I nearly bought hard panniers last year for my 950SE but was let down by the supplier. With hindsight, I'm glad & am now a convert to soft luggage. Louis roll bag on the back, Ortlieb panniers & a TT tankbag borrowed from my 1150.I'll soon be replacing the Ortliebs with Wolfman Expedition Panniers, Ortliebs going on to my partners DRZ.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 May 2010
|
![Selous's Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/avatars/Avatar117.gif) |
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2010
Location: England
Posts: 437
|
|
Well my 10p worth,
1) it would depend on your riding & where your going i.e. if all road tarmac it don't really matter of soft or hard box's, just bear in mind the speed your riding & & loss of fuel over the wait by the distance & drag factor. (not much i suppose really),
if going on some of the more adventures roads (dirt track etc) I would suggest you look @ the Ali box's full stop. they will help protect your gear & possibly the bike's wheels. I find it strange they can fall apart that easy!!
I know on the GS forum there is a guy who makes his own £300 loads of guys buy them from him as they are really good, (no i have not got any),
as for the panniers frames look @ Motohaus Powersports Limited S W Motech Side Carriers, Alu Racks and Boxes
I honestly think the only reason 90% of ppl riding any bike have used the Ali style box's because a certain 2 ppl used them good free publicity. If KTM had gave them the bikes would every one be bimbling about on ktm's probably.
Overall look at style of riding & where your going/distance, look at the amount of gear you will need/want to take.
btw I have used both & found the soft option ok for going a way for a few days or quick bit of shopping, the ali for more distance
only my 10p worth
__________________
We are the Pilgrims, Master, we shall go Always a little further: it may be beyond that last blue mountain barred with snow, Across that angry or that glimmering sea.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 May 2010
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: May 2008
Location: SW France
Posts: 304
|
|
I would like to suggest another option. When we did our UK to Cape Town trip - my wife and I on a 1989 R100GS we needed decent luggage capacity for as my wife puts it 'living on the bike for a year'. I knocked up plywood panniers and some fairly heavy duty frames (20mm square section tube) which used the existing mounting points. In the whole design there is no attempt to save weight which may be the only downside. Everything you see on the bike i.e. panniers + contents and frames, all the other bags including tank bag, water carriers (empty) and the front rack weighed in at 91kg just after this photo was taken on our return to Devon, which I don't think is too bad for 2 people. The bike was a bit of a handful in the desert and the panniers were mounted a little low and tended to dig in on twisty tarmac roads. After a number of hard falls in the Kalahari we did manage to cause some slight damage to one pannier but this was easily fixed after a quick visit to a hardware shop in Ghanzi for a few wood screws.
It appears I unwittingly incorporated some interesting features not seen on other hard luggage: - Panniers are side opening. Lid is about 2/3 of the pannier height and folds down to make a shelf ideal for making a roadside brew! The bottom part of the pannier was used to store stuff we didn't need everyday. Waterproofing was not a problem although we never completely submerged them.
- The panniers lift off the frames and make ideal camping seats. The black bar around the top is hinged and padlocked at the back to hold the pannier to the bike and the lid closed.
- The frames pick up on the standard fixing points and are braced across the back as well and I believe this added strength to the rear subframe. I know the paralever subframe is better than the monolever but with rider and passenger totalling 150kg and 90kg of luggage it needed all the help it could get
If we have the opportunity to do another overland trip I would try to make up an improved system in aluminium with at least some attempt to keep the weight down. Definately be on the same bike.
Last edited by Magnon; 16 May 2010 at 20:45.
|
![Old](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/images/statusicon/post_old.gif)
16 May 2010
|
![*Touring Ted*'s Avatar](https://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/customavatars/avatar15987_7.gif) |
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Wirral, England.
Posts: 5,669
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by The Civil one
HEY , Everyone over at UKgser swears by them ,
There have been quite a few Major Trips undertaken using them
and i have only ever heard Praise for the Pannier set .
What happened yours ?
|
Major trips on UKGser usually consists of a cafe on a Welsh hill though don't they ?
Just joking, I've got no experience of them.
Quote:
Originally Posted by Steve Pickford
Re: Metal Mules - friends have them on an F800GS & R1200GS Adventure. I notice that many of the mounts just consist of the frame tubes squashed flat & a hole drilled through. To me, this looks very weak, is this where they fracture? I deliberately avoided this design when I made pannier frames recently despite it being the easiest option by far.
|
My Metal Mule frames showing their strength
That was a 70mph crash on sand/gravel and they still worked once they were straightened up with a metal fence post. Can't really complain there.
Touratech ones are stronger I think, they use the same hoops.
__________________
Did some trips.
Rode some bikes.
Fix them for a living.
Can't say anymore.
|
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
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
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...
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.](/stuff/ripcord/ripcord-logo-250.jpg)
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!](/stuff/grahamfield/graham-field-2021-280.jpg)
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.
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.
|
|
|