Questo documento e' stato originalmente scritto da Giancarlo
"Carlo" Albrecht (conosciuto nel mio viaggio in medio oriente). Io
ho solo fatto la traduzione. Personalmente io non conosco molto le borse in
alluminio, dunque fate le domande direttamente a Carlo
per queste borse.
Auguri
Deti
La pagina
delle borse in Alluminio di Carlo
Quando viaggi con la tua moto, normalmente hai bisogno di un buon sistema di
borse. Molti viaggiatori fuoristrada usano borse d'alluminio invece che quelle
in plastica, non solo per l'effetto ottico. Naturalmente queste sono piu'
pesanti che quelle in plastica, ma sono anche molto piu' robuste, si caricano
meglio, e possono essere piu' sicure contro i furti.
Carlo ha confrontato borse tra differenti costruttori e fornitori, e vi offre la
sua esperienza e quella di altri motociclisti.
Tutte queste informazioni vengono fornite senza garanzia. Se tu hai altre
esperienze o opinioni, scrivimi.
Prezzi
I prezzi sono per una borsa e sono solo indicativi.
Impermeabilita'
Tutti i produttori dichiarano le proprie
borse a tenuta d'acqua. In ogni caso e' una buona idea quella di sigillare tutti
i rivetti con silicone, impedendo allo sporco di entrare. Questo vale per le
borse Därr, Woick, Götz e Zarges. Anche tutti i fori di fissaggio delle borse
ai supporti devono essere sigillati con silicone.
Montaggio
How the panniers could be mounted to a carrier depends on if you plan to mount and
dismount them often, or to mount them permanently, and also it's a matter of the amount of
money you want to spend. It varies from simple clamps passing u-shaped section steel up to
lockable clatches. If you decide to mount the panniers permanently, you have to rely to
your local laws. In Germany f.e. permanently mounted panniers have to be inspected by the
TÜV agency. To prevent this, they must be removable without using any tool, by using wing
nuts, f.e.. Best of course are mounting sets with lockable clatches, the panniers could
quickly be mounted and unmounted. However, these sets are not cheap: they are for DEM 50.-
to DEM 140.- per pannier. Don't forget to put disks under the bolts and nuts in order to
spread the forces. Also it is advisable to reinforce those sides of a pannier mounted to
the carrier by the use of an aluminium sheet (thickness 1-2 mm).
Soiling of the luggage
Luggage will rub against the aluminium due to vibrations and movement. That leaves black
dirt on your luggage you can hardly remove. And if this is on your girlfriend's Cartier
dress, you'll have a big problem ;-). Anyway, it's annoying. Hein
Gericke boxes have a white enamel on the inside, avoiding the contact to the
aluminium. Touratech offers an additional bag you can put
your clothes in. Hepco&Becker uses a plastic lining
to prevent soiling of the luggage. Having other panniers, you have to come up with own
ideas. I lined my panniers with self adhesive foil. It's thin and lightweight and works
really well since six years.
Width
Aluminium panniers will enhance the width of your bike more than plastic panniers will do,
especially on bikes with high pipes like the Transalp. In Germany the width of a bike may
not be greater than 1 m. Therefor you may mount a smaller pannier on the site, where the
pipe is. Some manufacturers (Touratech, RMS, Neumüller) offer
panniers with leaves for the pipe. Using those, you mostly have to modify your carrier, or
use the proprietary carriers. It's also a matter of money...
Carriers
Since aluminium panniers are heavier than plastic panniers, you also must have an
adequately solid carrier. For "normal" travel on pavement commercial quality
carriers are good enough, however they should be made from steel tubes and not from
plastics. Steel tubes are simply easier to repair when being broken (try to weld plastics!
;-)).
Aluminium carriers are not necessarily more lightweight than steel ones. To reach the same
steadiness as steel carriers, they must be thicker than those, what will cover the
advantage of the lower specific weight. Besides that, in case of being broken, they are
not as easy to repair as steel carriers, not every garage at the very end of the world has
welding electrodes suitable for aluminium. If you decide to use aluminium carriers, you
should take suitable electrodes with you. It's the same with stainless steel carriers,
even though they can be welded with normal electrodes, if needed. Not least, those
electrodes are a perfect trading object. If you deside to take aluminium, the carrier
should be screwed and not welded. In case a strut broke, it can be simply replaced by
another one, if needed from steel or even wood.
Hepco&Becker carriers are rather expensive, but very stable. They are made of a steel
tube-in-tube system and fixed to the frame at six points. Most of my friends and also I
use H&B carriers. We never had any problem with those carriers.
For distant and extrem offroad travel you'll need a very solid carrier. You have to carry
much more luggage with you than on a "normal" holiday trip. Also, you'll run the
risk of having a fall much more than on a normal journey, when riding on tracks or across
the desert. If you plan to construct your own carrier, you should be aware of the carrier
not being more stable than the bike's frame. What helps an undamaged carrier, if the
bike's frame is broken? Forces caused by fall should be absorbed by the carrier and not by
the frame. Also, a carrier with numerous struts just brings you more weight, not
necessarily more stability. It's more important, that the struts are sitting at the
correct places, diverting forces to suitable places of the frame. Some manufacturers offer
good offroad carriers (see accessories sections). Those carriers are often unique and
specifically constructed for certain bikes and have adequate prices. For bikes, often used
for distant travel (BMW GS f.e., or Yamaha XT) you may purchase "ready-to-use"
heavy duty carriers.
Hinges are either on the narrow or the broad side of
the box (see picture), covers are removable. A grip on the cover makes it easy to carry
the box. The boxes are of very high quality and stability. After years of heavy duty usage
and having some dents, they still are leakproof.
Locks
You can lock the boxes with padlocks put into the clatches, but the offered socket locks
are better. You can puchase them as single lock, set of two lockable with the same key, or
set of four lockable with the same key.
Carlo's recommendation: Take the socket locks!
single socket lock:
part no.: 012 236, DEM 12.80
set of two, lockable with same key:
part no.: 012 237, DEM 25.80
set of four,lockable with same key:
part no.: 012 239, DEM 51.20
Därr universal mounting set
This is a set for those of you liking tinkering ;-), consisting of two u-shaped aluminium
profiles, by which you can mount the panniers to nearly every carrier with lateral frame.
Carlo's opinion: Not optimum, better (even though still not optimum) is the next set.
Universal mounting set: part no.: 012 238, DEM 14.80
Därr mounting set for Hepco&Becker carriers
This is a lockable quick out holding device for mounting the panniers on a
Hepco&Becker carrier. For locking it, you may use the same type of socket lock as you
use on the covers. Thus, if you purchase a set of for socket locks, you'll need just one
key.
On his 1996 Middle East trip my friend Stefan used the JUMBO-BOXES and this set to mount
them on his H&B carrier. He rather uses to carry not too much with him, nevertheless
the mounting set was bended on both sides.
Carlo's Tip: Take the genuine H&B mounting sets. I
use them since 1992 to mount my Därr and my Zarges panniers. They did a perfect job
during ten thousands of km.
Därr mounting set for H&B carriers, right side: part no. 029 028, DEM 99.80
Därr mounting set for H&B carriers, left side : part no. 029 029, DEM 99.80
Därr mounting set for BMW carrier
Using this set, the Därr mounting set for H&B carriers can be mounted on a BMW
carrier. Badly required: mount the strud (genuine BMW accessory) between the left and the
right lateral frame.
Carlo asks in surprise: A mounting set for a mounting set ???
Mounting set for BMW carriers: part no. 029 033, DEM 29.80
Strengthening sheet
Aluminium strengthening sheet (290x380 mm) to be mounted on that side, where the mounting
set is.
Carlo's tip: To mount such an aluminium sheet, with a thickness of 1.0-1.5 mm, is strongly
required. Any other sheet, you may find in your stock, will do the same and is cheaper.
Aluminium strengthening sheet: part no. 012 735, DEM 16.80
In the '97 catalogue Daerr offers the ECO series of aluminium panniers. They are
looking similar to the well known BIKE-boxes (sorry, no pics) and differ from them in the
following topics:
lower price
cover not removable
dot welded
rubber seal in the upper profile
ECO-BIKE-BOX
ECO-BIG-BOX
ECO-JUMBO-BOX
volume (ltr)
31
36
40
inner dimensions WxLxD (mm)
200x440x350
230x440x350
260x440x350
outer dimensions WxLxD (mm)
240x490x370
270x490x370
300x490x370
thickness (mm)
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
weight (kg)
3.0
3.2
3.4
part no.
011 097
011 098
011 103
prices (DEM)
149.80
159.80
169.80
Special offer
Daerr offers a complete ECO-set, containing:
2 ECO-boxes (after your choice)
2 Daerr mounting sets for H&B carriers
4 socket locks, lockable with one key
2 slings, 1.60 m long
order no. for complete set: 014 008, DEM 498.-
Spare parts
Don't know, if there are any spare parts.
All boxes have hinges on the narrow side of the box
and are leak- and dustproof.
Woick-Box I
Woick-Box II
Woick-Box III
volume (ltr)
33
38
43
inner size WxLxD (mm)
200x460x330
220x460x330
280x460x330
outer size WxLxD (mm)
250x490x350
280x490x350
310x490x350
thickness (mm)
n.a.
n.a.
n.a.
weight (kg)
3.0
3.1
3.2
part no.
PP106906
PP111296
PP112206
prices (DEM)
189.00
195.00
199.00
Accessories
Locks
You can lock the boxes with padlocks put into the clatches, but the offered socket locks
are better. You can only purchase them as single lock, with the drawback of needing one
key for any lock.
Carlo's suggestion: Därr socket locks will also fit, and you can order them as a set of
two or set of four, lockable with one key.
Single socket lock: part no. GG202696, DEM 13.80
Woick-Fixing-Kit
Universal mounting set for Woick and other panniers
Carlo's recommendation: Nobody could tell me anything about this kit, but it doesn´t seem
to be very stable. Thus, I recommend using the genuine H&B mounting set (see below).
Woick offers the genuine Hepco&Becker mounting set for mounting the panniers on a
H&B carrier. The set is screwed to the pannier and fixed to the carrier with a clatch.
Locks are included.
Carlo's recommendation: This is simply the best mounting set. It's also suitable for Därr
and Zarges panniers. It's well-tried and reliable since ten thousands of km.
H&B mounting set right: part no. PP111326, DEM 139.00
H&B mounting set left: part no. PP111327, DEM 139.00
Spare parts
There were no spare parts offered in the '96
catalogue. Check before buying.
Tel (CH): x41-91-468366
Tel (A) : x43 (0)222-5057252
(NL) +31 / (0)412 / 463174
Hepco&Becker provides "Exclusiv 30"
panniers with a volume of 30 ltr and "Exclusiv 40" panniers with a volume of 40
ltr. The covers are completely removable and have two clasps. The panniers are leakproof
and are looking pretty precious. However, due to the low thickness of the material, they
are not very solid. Just take a seat on them, and the cover is bended. On the inside, the
panniers a lined with plastics of a thickness of 20 mm. This will help you to keep your
luggage clean (see above), but it also reduces the volume. The panniers come with a
mounting set for H&B carriers.
Quite recently, H&B offers panniers looking like the Därr or Woick panniers. They are
called "Standard" and you can have them with a volume of 38 ltr or 45 ltr. The
panniers have two big grips and come with a mounting set for H&B carriers.
Exclusiv 30
exclusiv 40
Standard 38
Standard 45
volume (ltr)
30
40
38
45
size WxLxD
230x460x300
260x460x300
240x485x350
300x485x350
thickness (mm)
0.6
0.6
1.0
1.0
weight (kg)
ca. 2.2
ca. 2.2
n.a.
n.a.
price (DEM)
475.00
485.00
340.00
355.00
part no.
left 610.062
right 610.063
left 610.066
right 610.067
left 610.074
right 610.075
left 610.076
right 610.077
Accessories
H&B mounting set
H&B provides mounting sets for nearly any aluminium panniers, but since they now offer
solid boxes under their own lable, the question is, if they will continue providing these
sets. If they would not be available in the future, you should use the Touratech mounting
sets (see below).
H&B universal mounting set for other providers' panniers, left: appr. DEM 130.00
H&B universal mounting set for other providers' panniers, right: appr. DEM 130.00
Contact: Touratech Motorradausrüstung
Herbert Schwarz und Jochen Schanz
P/O box 1082
D-78078 Niedereschach
Tel: x49 (0)7728-979-20
Fax: x49 (0)7728-979-21
Touratech panniers you can have in two sizes: 35 ltr
and 41 ltr. On the cover there are four eyes for fixing luggage or fastening slings. The
cover is completely removable and has two clasps. The panniers are absolutely leakproof. Also check out the Touratech W3 Page
For BMW R1100GS there are panniers with leaves for the pipe. The complete set (2 panniers,
2 pre-mounted mounting sets, carrier, pipe extension and a strut) is for DEM 1599.00
small box
big box
volume (ltr)
35
41
size WxLxD
225x440x380
265x440x380
thickness (mm)
1.5
1.5
weight (kg)
ca. 3.5
ca. 3.5
price (DEM)
299.00
299.00
Accessories
Locks
You can lock the boxes with padlocks put into the clatches.
Set of 2 padlocks, lockable with one key: DEM 29.00
Set of 4 padlocks, lockable with one key: DEM 58.00
Carlo's suggestion: Därr socket locks will also fit, and you can order them as a set of
two or set of four, lockable with one key.
Touratech mounting set
This is an universal mounting set suitable for Touratech and other providers' panniers.
Barrings are operated from the pannier's inner side. Panniers are fixed theftproof to the
carrier. The mounting set is available either made from round tubes or square tubes.
Carlo's suggestion: This mounting set is a clever construction and is very solid.
Drawback: for removing the panniers from the carrier, the panniers must be opened.
Annoying when it's raining ...
Touratech carriers
Touratech also offers carriers, but only for certain BMWs and KTM:
R80GS, R100GS: DEM 349.00
R1100GS: DEM 295.00
F650: DEM 295.00
KTM LC4 '93-> : DEM 379.00
ZEGA-Belt slings
Zega-Belt is a carrying sling you can draw through the eyes on the panniers for easier
carrying them, since they have no grip. However, you can use any other belt, too. It
should have a lenght of appr. 2.5 m.
ZEGA-Belt: DEM 14.00
Zega bag
This bag prevents your luggage from being soiled in the pannier (see above). It has two
grips to carry it. Also, you may use the belt to carry the bag.
Zega bag, 35 ltr: DEM 79.00
Zega bag, 41 ltr: DEM 79.00
Contact:
Hein Gericke GmbH
Postfach 102844
D-40019 Düsseldorf
Tel: x49 (0)211-98989
Fax: x49 (0)211-9898719
... and of course in any Hein Gericke Shop
Hein Gericke aluminium panniers you can have in two
sizes: 36 ltr and 45 ltr. They are absolutely leakproof. On the cover you'll find 4 eyes
for fixing additional luggage or carrying slings. The cover is completely removable and
has two clasps. Hein Gericke boxes have a white enamel on the inside, avoiding the contact
of the luggage with the aluminium. On one small side there are removable holding devices
for additional luggage.
small box
big box
volume (ltr)
36
45
size WxLxD
n.a.
n.a.
thickness (mm)
n.a.
n.a.
weight (kg)
n.a.
n.a.
part no.
21001100
21001101
price (DEM)
619.00
659.00
Accessories
Hein Gericke mounting set set
Panniers can be mounted to any tubetype carrier, using aluminium angles and Z-shaped
profiles, without drilling any holes into the pannier.
Carlo's plea: Up to now neither I did see this system, nor do I know anybody using it. So
if you got any experiences with HG panniers, would
you please share them with me?
Locks
The panniers can be locked with padlocks.
Spare parts
Currently I'm checking out, if there are any spare
parts available.
Wunderlich distributes the Zarges aluminium boxes.
They have a volume of 42 ltr and are absolutely leakproof. The cover is mounted at the
side, so that you can pack it like a normal suitcase. Disadvantage: When being bended by a
fall, the leakproof topic is done.
Wunderlich offers the Zarges box for DEM 155.00, in some department stores you can have
them for appr. DEM 129.00, including socket locks.
Wunderlich
Zarges (dep.store)
volume (ltr)
42
42
size WxLxD
240x600x400
240x600x400
thickness (mm)
1.0
1.0
thickness of cover (mm)
1.5
1.5
weight (kg)
4.1
4.1
part no.
1724505
----
price (DEM)
155.00
ca. 129.00
Accessories
Mounting set for H&B carriers
The zinc plated mounting set you have to adjust to the carrier with some sleeves.
Carlo's suggestion: Instead of the thin sleeves you better should use a suitable amount of
disks.
Mounting set, left: part no. 1724527, DEM 89.00
Mounting set, right: part no. 1724526, DEM 89.00
Locks
A set of two socket locks is distributed with the boxes. They also can be locked with
padlocks.
Separation device
For Wunderlich or Zarges boxes, respectively, you can have separation devices for
separating the inner box into smaller units.
Even if Bernd Tesch gave up his shop, you still may
order panniers and other accessories for bike travelling via mail order service. All
accessories offered by him he has used and tested himself on more than 110.000 km in
Africa, and by his experiences, he continually improved his stuff. The difference to other
suppliers is, that Bernd is always willing to share his experiences and to give advise on
planned travels, especially on trips to Africa.
Dirk Heinrichs wrote relating to the
Tesch panniers:
"At Transglobe's you can have a look at the panniers. Transglobe's you will
find in Aachen, Bielefeld, Düsseldorf, Köln, Mönchengladbach and Wuppertal." Translator's
remark: these are all German cities. I don't know, if there are any Transglobe shops in
other countries, nor if you may find Tesch panniers in other shops. Dirk again:
"I suggest to talk directly to Bernd Tesch. Also, you can order a brochure from him.
Details of the panniers I took from the Transglobe catalogue." Thank you very
much, Dirk!
Tesch-Travel-Bags (which is a confusing name for
aluminium panniers ;-)) you can have containing 38, 46 or 51 ltr. The cover is lockable.
The panniers are absolutely leakproof. They have no inner lining, but they are very solid.
Moto-Box 38
Moto-Box 46
Moto-BOX 51
volume (ltr)
38
46
51
size WxLxD (mm)
220x460x400
250x460x400
280x460x400
thickness (mm)
2.0
2.0
2.0
weight (kg)
4.5
4.7
4.9
prices (DEM)
299.90
309.90
319.90
Accessories
More Tesch panniers
Tesch-Travel-Bag 49 ltr, 210x530x440, 5 kg, front and sides sloped: DEM 400.-
Tesch-Travel-Bag 51 ltr, 210x530x440, 5 kg, front and sides sloped, including legs for
using the cover as table: DEM 449.-
Carriers
Tesch offers squaretube type offroad carriers for DEM 499.90 - 549.90 (depending on model,
special models for extra charge):
BMW:
Dual purpose bikes: R80/100/1100 GS
Street bikes: K75, K100
Honda: Africa Twin, Transalp, Dominator (NX650)
Suzuki: DR600, DR650
Yamaha: XT500, XT600, XT600 Ténéré
Locks
2 locks, lockable with one key: DEM 99.80
Fuel canister mounting device
for 10 ltr steel canister (also working for 20 ltr canister, if needed): DEM 100.-
additional aluminium fuel tank for mounting on the pannier, 13 ltr: DEM 199.90
Quando viaggi con la tua moto, normalmente hai bisogno di un buon sistema di
borse. Molti viaggiatori fuoristrada usano borse d'alluminio invece che quelle
in plastica, non solo per l'effetto ottico. Naturalmente queste sono piu'
pesanti che quelle in plastica, ma sono anche molto piu' robuste, si caricano
meglio, e possono essere piu' sicure contro i furti.
