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Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Marc Gibaud, Clouds on Tres Cerros and Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia

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Photo by Marc Gibaud,
Clouds on Tres Cerros and
Mount Fitzroy, Argentinian Patagonia



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  #1  
Old 1 Nov 2007
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Hi,

I CURRENTLY have the Touratech 41lt Zega's and their rack installed on my bike but I would gladly swap then for the MetalMules becuase they are not that good, so there you go a simple users point of view.

If you want more confirmation then see Charles site here Kazakhstan
There are a few good pictures near the bottom of what happens to these panniers and remember that these guys are riding the very same type of routes that most of us are going to ride.

So Touratech get another one of these I'm afraid
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  #2  
Old 1 Nov 2007
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Another vote for Metal Mules. I've heard of a few people upgrading from Touratech Zegas to Mules, never heard of anyone going the other way.

Customer Service. Two extremes from Best (Mules) to worst (Touratech).

Strength - Mate dropped his bike at 5 mph with Zegas and lids were twisted. Mules are much stronger. Mules are 2mm vs 1.6 mm I think. Downside is slightly increased weight.

Repairs - Mules are riveted and can be more easily repaired.

Security - Proper locks on Mules not Mickey Mouse catches on Zegas.

Mounting - Simple, quick and secure system on Mules. Fiddly system on Zegas.

Costs - Mules are more expensive to buy but last a life-time. They can be had anodised or powder coated to prevent markings.

I can't recommend Mules highly enough. Last positive is that they make you a nice cup of tea whilst you get them fitted.

Sid
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  #3  
Old 2 Nov 2007
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Touratech

I am currently using Zegas for my trip between the UK and Oz.

I have had nothing but problems with them, they leak are not dust proof and are far too thin. Mine have twisted and ripped along the line of the frame.

If you want my opinion I would remove them from your list of options. Untill Touratech come up with a better product their are far more better made panniers these days.

Cheers

Jim
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Old 2 Nov 2007
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Hi Tony

I am busy looking for panniers for my DR650. I will probably go with the Pelican cases - they look to be well made at a reasonalbe cost even though I have to import them to New Zealand. The contact e-mail address is - info@adventure-motorcycle.com

I think they go under the name of 'adventure motorcycles'

Peter
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Old 2 Nov 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Hornet View Post
Hi Tony

I am busy looking for panniers for my DR650. I will probably go with the Pelican cases - they look to be well made at a reasonalbe cost even though I have to import them to New Zealand. The contact e-mail address is - info@adventure-motorcycle.com

I think they go under the name of 'adventure motorcycles'

Peter
Hi Peter,
I can't believe what I am hearing from a Kiwi. There must be a man in a shed somewhere near you who will knock up some panniers for you.

Burt Munro will be spinning in his grave.

Steve
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  #6  
Old 2 Nov 2007
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after feedback from here and other forums touratech are crossed off the list
i like the caribou boxes, which are just pelican cases with added fitting kit, but they dont do top loading cases
so that would mean using standard pelican cases (eg 1440) and making my own mounting system
i even enquired about buying just the mounting kits from caribou but was told
Quote:
Originally Posted by Roger Pioszak
Adventure Motorcycle Equipment
Boulder, CO
(303)786-8947
info@adventure-motorcycle.com
Our bracket system does not fit the Pelican top loading cases.
what a shame
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Old 2 Nov 2007
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anyone have any experience of these?
Caja Sahel
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Old 3 Nov 2007
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Quote:
Originally Posted by juddadredd View Post
If you want more confirmation then see Charles site here Kazakhstan There are a few good pictures near the bottom of what happens to these panniers and remember that these guys are riding the very same type of routes that most of us are going to ride.
Re: the 'Kazakhstan panniers'. Do we know what sort of weight was being carried in them? I'm not defending Zegas here, just wondering.

There is a product available (made by Jon Ladd) which might help prevent Zegas tearing around the locking nut. It's here; and, yes, I bought some and they do what they say.

I bought my Zega panniers before Metal Mule came on the market. To be fair, they have been fine and stood up to a couple of off-road, low speed drops well. However, if there is ever a next time, I will buy Metal Mule. Touratech customer service is so bad, I will only buy when there is no alternative, e.g. GPS mounts, and even then I will use eBay and avoid that waste of space outfit in Wales.
Stephan
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