This debate might have come and gone, but seriously, what makes alu luggage better than their plastic counterparts. I've been a huge alu luggage fan for years, but im starting to doubt it now. What makes this Better than I think that some plastic boxes or cases, are thicker and therefor more durable than the alu counterparts. They also wont dent as easy. (imagine alu bumpers on a car) Sure there are some crap plastic boxes, but there are also pretty good ones (Kappa/Krauser) Are the Alu boxes purely for bling or do they really serve a purpose?
I'm kind of with you on the question. So while we're waiting for an answer... What are the plastic boxes in the pic you posted? They look pretty darn cool.
http://www.motorbikesandparts.co.uk...-24732.html?osCsid=a1tfqqdtoollfj25cdempjk3e4 It's a Kappa box from the UK.
Cool. Thanks. This actually brings up a benefit of plastic (at least, in my mind). Even though these particular ones don't take advantage.. A plastic side case can be easily made with the "cutout" to wrap around the muffler, on the left side bag. Even though the left side Vario bag is funky shaped on the inside, I'd still rather have that extra space in there than have a smaller, rectangular bag that was just offset out to the side to keep the bike looking symmetrical.
I've got both, And when it comes to hard bags for me it's so much more about how the bag is made and how it's mounted to the bike then what it's made of. My givi bags have given me great service for nearly 20 years now. and are only now really starting to fade. My Alum bags make stuff black so I'm tempted to have them dipped or annodized or something. I like the ease of use of my Givi mounts, I like the durability of the alum bags I like that in a drop the Alum bags bend hopefully rather then just break. On the road I think if you hole either it would be a toss up to fix either an ABS plastic bag or an Alum bag If it's a rotomolded PP or PE then forget it.
Those Kappas look great, but they are about the same price as the Trax boxes when you throw the mounting racks in. They feel pretty strong. Incase of a drop, the plastic should transfer the energy better. For a blinged out look, the alu just looks good. Nothing like new shiny boxes...
You asked. Pelican Hardigg's Mil-spec Storm Cases. Come in several colours, I went with OD green, get's lots of compliments. Seriously waterproof, dustproof, and effing robust. No, they are not a hassle cause they are sideloaders. You just pack accordingly. Easy mounting. Look great even as they age and get some scuffs. They DO NOT DENT from mild impacts like "tin". Just 8.5 pounds each. Accept no imitations. $116.50 each. How much aluminum pannier will that buy? <TABLE class=specTable border=1><TBODY><TR><TD class=specTopic>Material <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>Exterior: HPX high performance resin Interior: Empty <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Type of Closure <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>Press & Pull latches Two unbreakable molded-in hasps Hinges with integrated feet <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Exterior Dimensions <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>21.2 x 16 x 8.3" (53.85 x 40.64 x 21.08cm) (LxWxH) <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Interior Dimensions <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>20 x 14 x 7.7" (50.8 x 35.56 x 19.56cm) (LxWxH) Lid depth: 2.0" (5.08cm) <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --> </TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Interior Fitting <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>Empty <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Accommodates <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>Items that do not need protection such as; equipment in cases <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Carrying/Transport Options <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>Padded handle <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --></TD></TR><TR><TD class=specTopic>Weight <!--Specs Glossary Layer start --><!--Specs Glossary Layer end --></TD><TD class=specDetail>8.5 lbs (3.86kg) <!-- specs Note --><!-- specs Note end --></TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE> $116.50 each. http://www.bhphotovideo.com/c/produ...e_IM2600_00000_iM2600_Storm_Case_without.html
I've used Pelican cases for various things and they are tough as nails. But the appearance just isn't right. It looks like someone duct taped a set of Samsonites to the bike.
Vin, Did you know that Samsonite made motorcycle luggage in the 70s or 80s? I'd gladly put those on my '70s and '80s bikes. Depends on the look you're looking for. Pelican Storm cases look like my 1st-gen KLR so the cases look fine. (And the post above includes irony that may be opaque to some readers -- I was agreeing with Unstable Rider.) Since his pics seem to have left the building, I'll add my example of packing side-opening cases:
I don't care what anyone says, I hate side loaders. Top loaders make my usage much easier, and sometimes you can't "pack accordingly". And since most plastic gear is side loading, that is the number one reason I tend to avoid plastic (that said, I have Gobis in my KTMs.) Geof
I've been a lot happier with aluminum over plastic, though I think shape is more important than material. My biggest complaint with plastic is I've haven't had one that that quite fit my needs. The stock panniers on my R1150GS fit the bike great, but they had such a terrible inner layout. While my SKB(Similar to Pelican) cases that I replaced them with were a lot nicer, they still were a little to small and side openers. My current aluminum top loaders are the right size and easy to load and unload. I think If I found similar panniers made in plastic, I would be just as happy. I completely, I much rather have top loaders over side loaders. I never found plastic top loaders that were the right size for me.
+ infinity on top vs. side loaders. I had side loaders on my first ADV bike. Hated them. Currently have top loaders. Love them. And as for those top loaders that are aluminum, I just pounded one back into shape from binning it in Baja last year (yes I have been busy). For that reason alone, I'll stick with them. I debated getting a set of the Wolfman soft bags a while back when they had the ones that were just cordura and all fancy shmancy water proof, but those went the way of the dodo and only the high dollar ones remain. Therefore, I'll just stick with my bent and scratched old aluminum ones.
Great discussion and perfect timing. Since weight is a factor for me, this settles it: plastic is the way to go. I'll just have to slum-it and "pack accordingly"
Material doesn't matter to me but the ability to strap stuff on top and still be able to open the casse. I love my FJR and the large stock intergrated bags, but when I take my daughter camping, we have more gear than the three cases can hold. I end up having to strap her bag, tent and fishing rods to the passenger hand rails, which is a pain in the cock to do. When solo, I have plenty of space left in the cases. A flat top with hooks to attach are ideal IMO.
The plastic ones you can get into with a butter knife I find near useless. Other than that it's just personal preference. Or in the case of my used bike... It's what the PO had mounted and I'm not gonna change them till I have to.
I'd rethink that one. The plastic panniers on my GS weigh as much as the Happy Trails I replaced them with. The Pelicans I've looked at seemed quite heavy as well. Plus, I can bang metal back into shape/replace a panel after a crash but I don't have toolking to make my own roto-molds when a plastic one breaks. Another reason I like the happy trails, they are a simple design that I can work with. That Givi above seems like a mish-mash of plastic, thin aluminium and rivets - seems way too complicated to me and more weak points that will to break. And rivets? Really?