True on the wallet issue, but looks to be a very good solution where hard cases / security is needed, and I like that soft bags can also be used on the frames. I have to admit I am drawn to the black anodized for style, but the bare aluminum for $200 less is good too.
Every time I look at hard luggage, I just look at my stash of ammo cans and get over it. A pair of 20mm cans will set you back probably $30 at a surplus store and give you 35L of storage per pannier. 30mm cans get you up to 40L. Once you have racks, bolting them up becomes easy, and locking them is simple too. Paint them black and you're done. And for the record, I have never owned a KLR. I'm just thrifty. A guy just sold this KLR on ADV. These are 20mm cans.
Has anybody tried looking at the Hepco&Becker rear rack? http://www.capitalcycle.com/Rear-Alurack--Husqvarna-TR-650-Terra_p_4234.html
What the rack looks like (warning pdf): http://neu.hepco-becker.de/Montageanleitungen/6507521.0101.pdf
Received my Pelican 1520 kit from Caribou Cases a few days ago. Thought it was about time to install it.. Very happy with the result. Cheers, JM.
The major downsides to hard panniers are weight, being leg breakers, and cost. Alum. Cases like the Zegas have radiuses on the edges and corners to make it somewhat less likely they will break bones, weigh considerably less, are fast on and off (I assume you would be bolting the ammo cases on and off), are likely more water proof, and do look better. They do, however cost more. Factoring in buying a rack for both, by the time I buy the ammo cans for $30, and all the hardware to bolt them up and tie stuff down and lock them (another $60), I figure there is about a $700 spread. I think it's one area I intend to splurge. On the KLR pictured the ammo cans do look good. To me, the Husky has more style. The sexy Italian girl costs a bit more to keep looking good.
I'm operating from afar, and speculating using photos, but that Caribou rack may be a great start to something a lot better. The achilles heel of the factory rack, other than being plastic, is that it it extends rearward far past the mounting points. At the point that you are mounting weight, there is no support from underneath. This puts a lost of stress on the mounting points too, causing splits in multiple locations. Here is RuggedExposure's recent damage photo: For those of us who are never going to carry a passenger, this Caribou plate be able to bolt directly to the factory mounting points with just some added spacers for clearance over the seat. This would also move the load further forward for better balance. Thoughts?
I was worried about that exactly... Not looking good... needs some support going down to side racks ?
I wondered about this happening.....I think the rack is going in the take off box and a tube steel rack will replace it.........
Yeah, case is the Pelican 1520 size with the universal kit. Holes drilled in the plate to fit to the OEM rack. I was concerned about the amount of flex in the rack with the case positioned where it is, but at this point it is mainly for road commuting. The plan is to see what becomes available in aftermarket racks or get something more suitable to rough conditions fabricated. Cheers, JM.
I see that Giant Loop is now offering some larger bags.... http://giantloopmoto.blogspot.com/2013/05/giant-loop-rider-jeff-simpsons-bmw-1150.html
Hers double as arm rests too! Once she slides back into that pocket...she isn't going ANYWHERE Actually might be quite comfy in there
If ammo cans are good enough to house firearm ammunition, they are good enough for me. Are they classy looking? Not really, but the bike for me is more about function than form. Not to mention, I am not trying to impress anyone. And, personally I would rather bash a set of ammo cans, than dent and smash a set of $1000 aluminum boxes.
Exactly! In the end it's just a sealed box. $1000+ or $30 for a set of sealed boxes. Oh, and the $30 ones are combat ready!
When it comes to things like luggage, and almost everything else, I like to mentally walk through many 'what ifs'... which is how I wound up with what I have (plastic box mounted on rear rack for the time being).
A decision like boxes varies from person to person. I would never second guess another's competence based on their luggage. By the time you buy racks and all the hardware and locks the price difference is closer to $800. I'm self employed. If it takes me six to eight hours screwing around setting up ammo boxes, I've done no better than spending my time on some task I actually get paid for, and would do no better than perhaps breaking even. I'd rather be riding on my time off.
