Pelican cases / Caribou luggage / SW Motech
 

I think I have found the best hard luggage solution for anyone who wants to take their Tenere off-road seriously - Caribou Cases modify the Pelican 1550 cases with locks, lid retention straps, internal bungees etc. to make them better panniers, and have a very nice quick release mounting system and heavy duty rack...

Unfortunately, being a US company, they are reluctant to develop a specific mounting kit for the new Tenere (even though there is a global market out there... grrr.) but can supply their boxes to fit on the SW Motech quick release pannier frames, which are available for the new Tenere.

I'm tempted to get a set while I'm over here (infact standard Pelican cases are around $100 USD each), it's just a shame I can't use their pukka connecting system.

Does anyone have experience with the SW Motech pannier frames - how robust are they? and particularly the quick release mountings? I'm talking for trail use, not the M25 here...

xxx

JMo, just had a closer look at this system and if the SW rack for the Z looks ok we would seriously consider this. Did you pursue this at all ? Do you have any views on the news SW frame ?

SW Rack details - PDF
 

Here is the PDF for the SW rack that would go on the Tenere to fit the Caribou system, http://www.mo-tech.de/anbauanleitungen/kft_06_570_200.pdf [/

Have a had a quick look and I like that the frame can come off easily so when not using panniers you don’t look like a pizza delivery bike. So for a prolonged offroad trip I would replace � turn fasteners with bolts and lock nuts, The Caribou cases already have a quick detach system from the frame.

Then for future use assuming you may use the pannier for a weekend away I would go back to � turn fasteners.

I also like that it uses the intended fixing points on the frame , although I would not bolt it to the rear mudguard, that is going to be chopped anyway

Or for plan B I would just bolt cases to the frame and use the 1/4 turn fasteners as the quick detach

Any comments

Well after some research and debate on luggage systems I have gone for the Caribou cases and the SW Rack.
The primary reason I went for them was a) the cases are indestructible, b) they have a life time guarantee c) I like the idea of a rounded plastic case you can carry easily d) the SW rack detaches easily from the bike and finally cost. Including a set of inner bags total cost is �700

I bought the 35L cases, these were recommend as they are the strongest around the handle area. As they are side opening cases they come with a retaining strap and a lanyard to stop them opening all the way. This stops all your stuff falling out when you open them. If you use an inner bag as I plan to then this is not an issue.

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0522.jpg

To install the SW Rack you first bolt the brackets to the bike and then fix the rack with � turn fasters. These fasters seem fairly heavy duty but if you plan to do a long trip over rugged terrain you can replace these with hard bolts. The big benefit of this is that when you are not using your cases the rack comes off very quickly so you don’t look like a pizza delivery bike.
http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0507.jpg

The rack fitted well and uses the intended points on the frame. You do need to remove the rear mudguard to get the bolts in. The rear bracket does mount to the rear mudguard across the back of the number plate, if you have cut your mudguard it does not need to but then of course it will show.
So overall the quality of the cases and fitting system looks very good, the quality of the rack looks ok but until it has been used in anger we will have to see how it holds up. I do think the design of the rack also lends itself to be able to repair.
Once all together they seem sturdy, although I to put a washer on the Givi adapter to force the case snug. I also plan to put some hard rubber on the rack that will be slightly compressed when the case is locked into position.

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0519.jpg

So will it all stand up ? the bottom line is if you have a big incident something has to give, the cases will not break and you don’t want to bend the subframe of your bike, so it’s likely that the compression lock at the top will break. In that case you tie the case to the rack to get you home and then buy a $25 replacement lock. Seems sensible to me.
The only modification I plan to make is to possibly lower them a tad. I’ll give more feedback as I start to use them.
more pics
http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0520.jpg

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0521.jpg

caribou cases
 

Excellent job and great photos. A few questions.
What is the overall width of the bike?
Did shipping from the states cause any problems? Why do you think you may have to move them lower?
Do you think the overall weight is a lot more than Aluminium panniers?
Again thanks for the thread, I think a few may go this way also.
:):coolsmiley:

Nice cases, but how does the rack hold up to impact? Looks weak to me, but I've never seen one live so I have no idea.

HI, answers below

What is the overall width of the bike?
-> The panniers are 870cm that's about the same as the handlebar width with the weights. I have Rentahl Dakar high bars

Did shipping from the states cause any problems?
-> No problem to ship , they use USPS arrived in a week. They can ship anywhere in the world.

Why do you think you may have to move them lower?
-> No specific reason, its only that you want them as low as possible to lower the weight. The holes are drilled from a template. If you order them and mention its for a Tenere they can either drill them 20mm higher (so the case is lower ) or not drill them. Then you can drill them to suit you. I will leave them as they are it's not going to make a big difference.

Do you think the overall weight is a lot more than Aluminium panniers?
-> Its about the same or a little less.

As for strength, they are yest to be tested in a crash ( hopefully never) but I have looked carefully at Metal Mule and the standard Yamaha system. I think it's stronger than the Yamaha system and as strong as Metal Mule.

In a big incident an Aluminum pannier will twist or buckle. As these cases will not break it is intended for it to come away from the frame at the lock.

So if you are unlucky and have a big incident at least all your stuff is still in a case so you can somehow strap that to your bike and get home.

Something has to give but I suspect its going to take a big incident ..

Wow - thanks for biting the bullet Scottnet - please keep us updated with how it's all working out...

Have you tried the bike with the luggage full yet?

I must say, the 35l cases look bigger (in the pictures) than I imagined, and I see what you mean about lowering them slighty, although I guess you are limited by the SWM racks?

I must say, I am tempted with some hard luggage for general traveling, but I can't help wondering if it would be a liability off-road (and boy, have I been doing some of that recently!)

xxx

I would not try and lower the frames. The cases can be lowered by max 20mm by drilling them higher, but as for handling I don't think its going to make a significant difference. On the other hand higher gives you more clearance.

Have not tried them with weight yet but having compared the position to the MM panniers, the Caribou cases are slightly more central and lower on the bike so they should carry the weight better or just as well as MM.

The good thing about using them off road is that if you have a base and want to go off road for the day the frames come off in a minute..

Having had a closer look at the fitting of the frame the left side fits perfectly but the right side is not perfect. I suspect this is one of the frame struts not having been welded on straight. I am speaking to SW to see if this is a design or manufacture issue.

I will let you know

I think you are an avid enough off-road rider, riding with hard luggage would be a matter of getting used to it. Initially it would be a liability, perhaps the number of falls (and lifting up the bike) would double as you have had on your trip. During the transition, you may be more cautious in terms of choosing the route, you may think about traveling with a buddy, strategizing how to lift up the fallen bike, and yes it would be somewhat inhibiting to your 'freedom' of movement. At the end, you probably won't think about it anymore, then you will just ride to nowheresville away from civilization with your belongings that are sufficient to make you self-sufficient no matter where you are. That's an added freedom. Then again, if you can find and are happy with a 'base' wherever you go, then riding unloaded is thrilling.

Hi Scottnet. is the SW rack the same as the Givi rack?
If not do you know what the difference is or which one is best to use?

Did you get hit for tax shipping them into the UK?

Your cases look great and i think thats the way i'm going to go.

Portmarco

Where abouts in N Ireland you from?

Live just outside belfast myself just incase you maybe wanna meet up someday when the roads arent covered in ice. Not that i dont ride all year round just takes the fun out of biking really.

Hi Maxwell

I'm up in Portrush. Sure would be good to meet up sometime.
I'm going to the NEC show on Tuesday and on my return I'll be ordering a XTZ through Ray's Motorcycles Galgorm, want to wait now for 2009 reg.

I know what you're saying Josephau - I'm already traveling 'self sufficient' with a minimalist kit in a couple of dry bags on the rear seat, it works well on and off road (makes a nice back rest for my camelbak x) but is a bit of a faff strapping everything on and off. Mind you, they are pretty quick release when I do drop the bike and can't pick it up with the extra weight on board!

Certainly for 'everyday' use and weekends away, I would appreciate having my gear in panniers - I'm just not sure how well the (SWM) mounting system would stand up to endless pounding on dirt roads? - I have/had a Touratech Top box for my Honda XR650, but that ended up shaking itself (and the mounting plate) to pieces after 12,000 miles...

xxx

No the Givi racks and the SW racks are not the same. I was advised by the guy that makes the cases that SW were better than Givi, so that is all I can go on.

As with all these things only time will tell if they will hold up.

Wow, I thought Touratech boxes were indestructible, I think this is the first time I hear about its sorry state.

It wasn't so much the box itself (although the catches are pretty rubbish - one was always loose and you had to lock it to keep it closed) - it was the way it mounts to the quick release bracket:

To create a snug fit, Touratech fit little rubber pads to the bottom of mounting plate that attaches to the box itself. These eventally wear out/fall out and the box starts to rattle on the corrisponding bottom half that bolts to your rack/bike. This caused the bottom half of mounting to bend and eventually crack - although to be fair Touratech did replace the cracked part under warrenty (even though it took about a month to get the part from Germany!)

The cases themselves are pretty tough (I like their simple, fuss-free design) although if you crash hard they can bend and will need a bit of straightening before the lid closes properly. Also, the lid seal is not 100% waterproof I've found. Finally, like all aluminium boxes, unless they are painted/anodised, anything you put in there tend to get grubby as it rubs on the bare metal which puts a black layer of oxidization on your gear.

It's a shame people don't rate the HB Gobi boxes particularly highly, as they seem a great concept. I guess the Pelican case solves all the problems in one?

xxx

Just looking at the pictures of your set-up again Scottnet... and thinking about all those long highway miles across the country next year...

A couple of questions - is it possible to remove the racks while the cases are still fitted to the racks? (ie is there enough room to get to the quick release fasteners).

I guess if yes, then it's feasible to use standard pelican cases on the racks (saving money) and just disconnect the whole lot if you want to take them into the hotel etc.

If no, then at least it's a good security set-up, in that the boxes/rack can't be removed when they are left on the bike...

Also, on the Tenere specifically, do you think there is enough room on any of the tabs to fit the locks that SW Motech offer as an option?

Many thanks,

Jenny xx

Yes its possible to get to all the 1/4 turn fasteners, the only one that is a bit awkward is at the top but with a stubby screwdriver you can do this, see pic

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...IMG_0534-1.jpg
Carrying the case with the rack is also not a huge problem but you need to just be a bit careful with the protruding struts. This pic shows the case with the frame attached

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...s/IMG_0533.jpg

Not sure of the security attachment but in the PDF showing the fitting instructions they show this part so I'm sure its feasible.

Now the big questions is is this worth the hassle, I priced 1550 cases in the UK at �150, fairly sure in the US you can get them a lot cheaper. But the value add that caribou do is
1) Quick attach
2) Lock
3) lanyards - to stop stuff falling out if you open them on the bike
4) Retaining straps to stop cases opening all the way if opened on the bike

Sure you can do all these yourself but you will lose the life time guarantee. As he does the mods you keep the guarantee.

So if you price in the difference vs the hassle of having to take the frame off every time over the number of times you are going to do this, for me personally I would go for the Caribou case.

Also if you are planning a very rough off road trip I would recommend replacing the 1/4 turn fasteners with a hard bolt kit ( Caribou also do a hard bolt kit). So then you would need to take the cases off.

On the other hand if you use inner bags you don't have to take off anything overnight just take the bags out, so in that case if the case was bolted direct to the frame you would only take the rack off once in a while

Many thanks for the info (and pictures!) Scottnet - that is a pretty thorough case for getting the Caribous...

I agree with everything you're saying, I just wanted to see what the alternative was (and for anyone else considering)... from the photo with the screwdriver, it looks like the SWM locking connectors would fit in that space if you wanted to fit them?

Thanks again...

Jenny xx

Awesome.
 

For every day trips and weekends away I find a combination of panniers (left at base) and topbox on bike the ideal solution, whilst for longer trips Panniers and bags draped across the back seat, no Top box is the answer.
(Not the tenere yet - a BMW which is rapidly heading towards the classifieds)

[/FONT][/SIZE]
http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMG_0520.jpg

Thanks for this - answered a Question I was pondering and SWmotech appear to be the way forward.



Scottnet would the original Yamaha Top box fit on the bracket with the pelican cases in place as well?

Can you get a jerry-can or any other 20 liter fuel cannister inside the pelican case?

Any chance I could get a pic of the Top box from the rear with the SWmotech rails in place?

Thanks again Graham

Scottnet, I am considering the pelican route on my XT660R. CAn you maybe post closeup pics of the bungi straps on the inside, the plate, and the quick release mechanism for a possible diy project? Which brackets would you recommend I get?

I agree on the idea . We plan to use an empty top box on our travels, this will be empty when we are riding and used to store helmets, Jackets etc at stops.

I am using a Givi top box (E460) that�s fits fine, and I know the very large Givi (E52) also fits fine. Btw the problem with all the top box�s is that if you use an offroad style helmet, you can get it in but you need to place it sideways so there is no way you will get two in .

I don�t know about the Yamaha box but if you look at a picture�s with the Yam top box on I think it would be fine. Personally If I was to go for the Pelican cases ( matt black finish) I would go for the Givi top box .

Only have very bad pics i'm afraid that shows how it fits with the SW frame hope this helps.

As for the DIY project I dont have any more detail but its simply a piece of elastic on some self tapping screws

http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMGA0010.jpg


http://i420.photobucket.com/albums/p...n/IMGA0031.jpg

ok cool, but can the cases be quick released?

Yes if you but the cases from Caribou

Thanks for the photos Scottnett.
I have a similar case to the Pelicases for my cameras, and it would be ideal to figure out a way to adapt it to use as a top box, but I really liek the yamaha one...

However for the side cases I will probably go for an Aluminium set. Undecided where specifically. However one train of thought does actually like the side opening cases, because you are able to open your luggage when you have a bag and equipment strapped down across the top seat.

Hmmm

I have an old set of Aluminium ammo cases that I used on my stolen bike that open sideways, but not sure what to do now.

Anyway thanks for the input on the dimensions, its a pity that the caribou guys had to drill through the pelicases: sooner or later the metal threads will erode their way through the side and open up the hole allot more:
I suggest that you keep an eye on it, and possibly use a silicon sealant called 5200 to bond it together. Widely available from Marine suppliers, and it does not ever come off!

Cheers Graham

Oh and does a jerry can fit inside the pelicase? from the dimensions it looks like it may well fit, but a tad tight.

Graham, I have used silicone sealer around the holes. I don't know if a Jerry can will fit as I don't have one, if you check out the internal dimensions you can measure this up.