XTZ Luggage: Real world reviews
 

Hi all,

I'm fairly new on the forum, and although I don't have yet my XTZ, I was looking at luggage options.

There are some very good topics about existing option, but not an easy reference one.

Considering the average price of luggage, it's a serious investment, and disapointment may be very frustating.

I was wondering if we could use a "sticky" in the section with luggage owners filling the following template:


XTZ production year:
Make and model of luggage frame:
Make, model and size of side cases:
Make and model of topcase rack:
Make, model and size of topcase:
Country of purchase:
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency):
Pros:
Cons:
Comments:

I put XTZ prod year in case they slightly modify the subframe over the year (we know there's already a 5mm tolerance maybe some luggage frame fitments akward)
I separate sidecase/topcase since XTZ owner may use combination of pre-owned/new luggage
I put the country of purchase since it does affect price.
I also ask for date as rate of change �/�/$ varies, and to see luggage price evolution over time.
Try to limit Pros/Cons to a few lines. refer to dedicated topic if necessary/existing.
Let me know if it's a good idea or just bin the topic :rocketwhore:

I think it's a good idea, mainly because it will give an idea of the huge range of options available. I think there's an option for every budget too.

Great idea.

Gary :039:

Good idea, will be useful i'm sure.

I'll start the ball rolling shall i? although i'm showing what can be done without spending half a months wages on luggage!

XTZ production year: 2008
Make and model of luggage frame: Touratech for XTR modified to fit Z
Make, model and size of side cases: 35L x2 custom fabricated, mounted with TT mounting kit, lined with neoprene foam, 100% watertight.
Make and model of topcase rack: My own
Make, model and size of topcase: None
Country of purchase: UK
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency):panniers - approx �35 each, pannier rack - �180 in 2007, mounting kit - �45 in 2007, topcase rack - �not sure yet.
Pros: everything i want/need for a fraction of the cost of branded stuff
Cons: panniers are slightly heavy
Comments:

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3598/...f92f1c.jpg?v=0
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3324/...d54c21.jpg?v=0

here's the panniers on my old 'R', i don't have any pics of them on the Z
http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3410/...0412ca.jpg?v=0

and finally my new top rack :)

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3567/...02332e.jpg?v=0

hope this info is of some use.

Pete.

Nice looking rear rack there peatbog - who makes that?

Also, I like the modded XTR luggage rack - looks like it was made for the XTZ! And, it looks like you could mount Metal Mule boxes on your version, as the upper support bar isn't in the way... hmmmmmm...

xxx

I do :)

thats the prototype, it's not quite ready yet but i couldn't resist adding it to this thread.

not quite sure what the forum rules are about selling stuff, but this and other accessories will be available soon :) anyone PM me if interested.

Pete.

In case you don't it already, TT is coming up with new alu panniers: http://www.touratech.com/shops/001/p...oducts_id=6383

They are looking closer to SW-Motech alu cases which has these hard plastic/rubber cushions at the corners. IMHO, they look better than the old boring shape, but not as good as the SW-Motech. Mind you, who knows when they are truly ready for shipment.

Good idea!

XTZ production year: -08

Make and model of luggage frame: Yamaha retail

Make, model and size of side cases: Yamaha retail alu panniers

Make and model of topcase rack: None

Make, model and size of topcase: Random bags

Country of purchase: Sweden

Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency): Side cases + rack = 8000Skr (~800�)

Pros: Looks nice and the rack is neat, doesn't look like something from the postal service when cases are off.The cases and the racks protects the bike well when it falls on its side, did some field testing..

Cons: Creates turbulence on the highway, weak locks.

Comments: If you are looking for reliable tough panniers that can hold a lot of volume, look elswhere. Side cases are actually not needed if you're not planning a longer international trip. For ie a week long trip cross country the cases aren't needed and just limits the offroad abilities of the bike, a roll and a tank bag can hold everything I need.

I use the panniers for shopping though, a good place to store the groceries. :)

OK

XTZ production year: -08
Make and model of luggage frame: SW Motech
Make, model and size of side cases: Caribou 35l
Make and model of topcase rack: Givi
Make, model and size of topcase: Givi e52
Country of purchase: UK/USA
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency): Givi ~ �250 SWMotech ~�200 Caribou ~$500

Pros: Can remove the racks using dzus fasteners (hard bolt mounting kit also provided) when racks and panniers are not in use. Cases are strong. Cases are quick release from the racks. Top case big enough for 2 full face lids.

Cons: Side opening cases, but with the width of the top box, I'm not sure you'd get top opening cases to open.

with people saying elsewhere on the forums that in principle the yamaha panniers seem good but need to be more robust. (Jmo) has anyone tried or seen if they can be beefed up with some additional bracing/supports added?

Hi Tenyamman - it's not so much the cases themselves, rather than the lid locks and/or latching mechanism that seems to cause problems, and perhaps the long-term reliability of having plastic clamps to the frames themeselves?

As the boxes themselves are plastic, I'm not sure there would be a satisfactory way of beefing them up (if they needed that anyway)?

xxx

Well, I'm still undecided about hard luggage...

Looking at the Touratech website again it does irk me how much they have increased their prices this year...

The standard Zega set up is 719.00 Euro in Germany, 785.00 Euro in France, and bloody 799.00 Pounds now in the UK! Based on current exchange rates, it should be around 665.00 GBP... humph.

However, what I really can't understand is how the the price can be significantly different between Germany and France?!

Personally I blame Metal Mule for pricing their set up at well over a grand, making the TT set-up still look reasonable value...

xxx

ps. could anyone who has Yamaha's factory panniers measure the inside dimensions of the boxes please and let me/us know... many thanks x

Cases
 

There is a guy who makes custom cases, they are called Ard Cases. They have a good report on other sites. The photo is of a set fitted to a bike. I believe he does them in many colours and they were �300 a set i think.
I have no connection with the maker but they do seem good and going on the posts he is a good guy.

I have the same setup as Russ ( in total 4 of us have this setup)

XTZ production year: -08
Make and model of luggage frame: SW Motech
Make, model and size of side cases: Caribou 35l
Make and model of topcase rack: Givi
Make, model and size of topcase: Givi e46
Country of purchase: UK/USA
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency): Givi ~ �250 SWMotech ~�200 Caribou ~$500

Pros: Case's have lifetime guarantee and are reputed to be indestructible, cases are water & dust proof Can remove the racks using dzus fasteners (hard bolt mounting kit also provided) when racks and panniers are not in use. Cases are quick release from the racks.

Cons: Givi top box will not hold two helmet's with a peak ( Enduro style helmet's).

luggage
 

XTZ production year: 2008, Hearing-Aid Beige.
Make and model of luggage frame: Hepco and Becker
Make, model and size of side cases: Hepco and Becker "Journey", 42 litre. Buell branded, as they came with my Ulysses. Inner bags for panniers.
Make and model of topcase rack: Ventura rack, modified to fit with pannier frame.
Make, model and size of topcase: No topcase, but I have a Ventura Euro Rally Pack, and a Ventura Sportpack that fit on.
Country of purchase: UK
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency): Panniers-�can't remember (�288 a pair from MotoBins), they came with my Buell Inner Bags-�44 each H&B Pannier Frames-�140 Ventura Euro Rally-�99 Ventura Sportpack-�40

Pros: Can remove the side frames using dzus fasteners when panniers are not in use. Cases are robust and totally waterproof. Cases are quick release from the racks, with just one key. I had the cases, rack and bags already, and only needed to buy the frames. Inner bags make packing / unpacking a doddle.

Cons: Very wide with panniers in place. Don't look as "cool" as Aluminium ones.

I measured them in inches 'cause that's the only ruler I have that I brought from the states, which is appropriate as you are over there! Just pulling your legs:

Length: 16.25" or 41.275cm
Width: 6.625" or 16.8275cm
Height: 13" or 33.02cm (plus there is 1.25" or 3.175cm extra depth from the lid)

So basically you are looking at 22.9 litre comfortably to 25.1 litre if you squeeze it in.

Many thanks Josephau - I'm consideringt gettnig a new tent, and wondering if it will fit inside the panniers...

Interesting that your Yamaha '30 litre' panniers turned out to be a significantly less when you actually measured them?!

xxx

However, the TT 29l Zega bags fit inside these , although neatly - So it's not just Yamaha taking the weewee then...

I do like these panniers from the outside and they are tougher than they look or feel, but I can't help feeling Yamaha could have made them a bit less fussy, a simpler attaching method (the TT method is a brilliant one) and a different locking method, even just a catch with a padlock option. It would have fitted the bikes ethos (simple & easy to maintain) much better I think

...but you neglect the overall look of the bike WITHOUT the panniers. The stock pannier frame is by far the least intrusive in terms of look - you barely notice it's there when the cases are off - whereas any other aftermarkets ones have this big cagey-looking thing hanging on the sides.

Hey JMo, not sure what size tent you are looking for, but I got a Vango Tempest 200 into the Kriega US20 tailpack, along with clothes when camping last weekend

http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3553/...305e3e9ae7.jpg

Good tent for one with kit.

Hey, that's a pretty decent size tent Tripletom! I'm looking at the Big Agnes (I know, silly name) Seedhouse 2 which a lot of people over here seem to recommend - it packs down to 6 x 18 inches, which is nice...

xxx

Regarding TT vs. Yamaha cases, I tend to agree with Joshephau - what I like about the Yamaha systme is the way they attach to the bike without a huge frame. I've always thought the Touratech puck system a bit Heath-Robinson, and you have to open the boxes and shift stuff around to reach the pucks inide of course (good for security I guess)... also, the Touratech catches are pretty rubbish* - and charging $30 for four mini padlocks is a joke - they are a fiver from any airport!

*btw. I have the Touratech Top box, and fitted their key locks, which are better, but the catches are still pretty flimsy...

My quest for perfect luggage continues!

Jmo, have you given up on the Caribou cases, with the detachable SW racks its a neat solution, and the cases are good quality. Only reason I bring this up is that if you are in the US it would be crazy not to buy them there and have to ship them

Ref touratech (not just the luggage but all of their wares), just got my catalogue few days back; lots of nice goodies in there but bloody expensive! I'll be plumping for yamaha's luggage rather than a grand odd for metal mule or t'tech..

Yes, suddenly the Yamaha stuff looks good value doesn't it?!

Not sure about the Caribou set up Scottnet - I like the cases, but not the SW rack so much... what I'd like is a system like the Yamaha connectors, but with Pelican cases... it's a shame Caribou won't make their own mounting system for the Tenere...

xxx

What you want is someone to make you something bespoke JMo ;)

Hee hee - know anyone who might be able to do that?

I must say, I'm tempted to buy a pair of Pelicans over here before I leave the US ($100 each), and a pannier frame from Touratech when I get back... and then see what can be developed as an external quick release clamp that can mount to the Pelicans...

Hmmmmm... yet another project to get my teeth into!

xxx

Yeah, I've got a small pair of Pelicans that I want to put onto the MM frames for days out trail riding instead of the much bigger MM aluminium panniers. Just trying to figure out a method of attaching them without compromising the integrity of the boxes themselves. Where there's a will there's a way!

Take a look at the Caribou Cases ALS system - that modified to fit the 18mm rails of the MM or TT frames would work a treat I reckon...

Thinking about it, you could already use TT pucks or the MM brackets for the lower mountings, and just create a top clamp that holds the 18mm rail when locked. Caribou use a back plate that fits inside the Pelican case and locates the external components in the correct places, and helps spread the load...

xxx

I bit the bullet last week and ordered up a set of Hepco & Becker Gobi cases.
I got them of ebay for �220, the racks i had to buy new for �143 from motorbikeandparts.co.uk, having said that the racks were ordered 11 days ago and still haven't arrived, hmmmm.
Hoping they will do my job, a cheap solution at just over �360. If not they can soon be resold on ebay again.

Sounds like a right bargin to me!

I've always liked those Gobi boxes, even if some travelling types don't think they're up to crashing much? They are a little wide perhaps, but suit the styling of the Tenere really well I think?

I see they also do them in black now too... Mmmmmmm...

Hope it all arrives soon Portmarco - post up a picture please when they are all fitted!

xxx

Hopefully i should have all the parts here this week.
I would of loved the black boxes but at �425 for a new set i reckon beggers can't be choosers, colour doesn't matter much anyway i'll probably have them kicked to death with me sort ass legs.

XTZ production year: 2009
Make and model of luggage frame: Yamaha OEM
Make, model and size of side cases: Yamaha OEM
Make and model of topcase rack: none
Make, model and size of topcase: none
Country of purchase: UK
Date/Price of purchase (by elements, including VAT, in local currency): Rack 113.99�, Side case 512� (both )
Pros: rack is very small and not noticeable without cases, set looks nice
Cons: lock a bit fidly to use, locking method a bit awkward
Comments: nice but narrow (30L only), plastic cases with aluminium covers, not full metal (but that's nice for waterproofness). Locking system is awkward to use.

How much did you pay for your top bow Zou?
I'm planning to buy one
Kev

I do not have a top box yet :p

I was reading the luggage instructions and apparently Yamaha recommends riding with either the sidecases or the top box but not all 3.

Finally Arrived
 

I finally got the Hepco & becker racks after 36 days Grrrrr.
Got them fitted tonight and realised that i need adaptors to secure the panniers onto the racks. As i bought the panniers 2nd hand i wasn't aware of this.
They are big, sitting about 1 inch wider than the handle bars on each side.

And the whole setup cost me Just under �400. All i have to do now is cover up the KTM logo.

http://2.media.tumblr.com/e0bwUg069m...2H2co1_500.jpg
http://15.media.tumblr.com/e0bwUg069...vz2No1_500.jpg

here's a couple of pics of my Ardcases fitted to my metal mule racks.

They are built to order so can be any size you like. I chose a slimmer pannier as I have a full set of metal mule luggage but wanted a smaller box for solo weekend trips/ shopping etc. They come with easy to follow fitting instructions and are very well made. Price varies depending what you want but I paid just over �300 for mine delivered
http://stumpy.smugmug.com/photos/532885023_AjoyV-L.jpg

http://stumpy.smugmug.com/photos/532885343_vssgn-L.jpg

Stumpy, the cases look very functional but that number plate is just brilliant!!!

Barry.

Its a great ice breaker and always raises a smile:003:

Hi, in your opinion, are the yam side cases easy to pry out(steal) with simple tools?

I have heard of TDM900 oem side cases being stolen in my country before, very easy to steal as I have heard...

I wouldn't say they're easy to steal.

You need to unlock the cases to be able to manoeuver the 2 differents levers needed to release them from the rack.

the locking system itself is "stuck" between the case and the exhaust so not easily reachable for prying/brute force.

I may be wrong, but I trust them.