Anyone have experience with Soloboxes?

[utahmotorcyclist]

Hello,

I just got a 2012 Super Tenere in Blue. I really like this machine! I am now looking to add some panniers. I ran into a brand called Solobox through facebook. I tried to search the forum and I haven't found anything. Anyone have experience with these? Also, what are your top 5 must have accessories after owning the bike?

 

[TheHelios]

Welcome to the forum!

I don't have experience with them but they did pop up often when I was looking at discount panniers. I got a pair of Quro panniers, instead, shipped from China for a little over $500 total which included the panniers and mounting kit pucks. They're not pieces of crap, that's for sure.

Top mods?

Madstad Adjustable Windscreen Bracket
A new seat


If you plan on doing off-road riding:
PivotPegz
Upper and Lower Crash Bars
Skid Plate
Delorme Inreach Satellite tracker if you plan on riding in the Utah wilderness on your own.

 

[klunsford]

::004:: to the forum from Oklahoma! Farkels really depend on what type of riding you are going to do. A good quality seat is a must if you are doing long distance riding. There are many, many out there to choose from to fit the back side.

 

[utahmotorcyclist]

I am happy I found this forum. It's been a great resource so far! I hope that I can add to the group as I get more familiar with the bike.

Thanks for the tip on the Quro Panniers. I did a quick google search and nothing came up for a direct website. Any idea on how to review the product? Any pics of yours would be very helpful! Also, I am on the shorter side. 5'8" and a 30 inch inseam. Anyone know of a good aftermarket seat that actually lowers the seat height?

 

[Juan]

Greetings from Malta and welcome to the forum.

 

[TheHelios]

Thanks for the tip on the Quro Panniers. I did a quick google search and nothing came up for a direct website. Any idea on how to review the product? Any pics of yours would be very helpful!

Here's a link to their site with pictures.
http://sikkia.com/ProductView.asp?SortID=2&ID=44


If you want the guy's contact info, then I can PM that to you.


I've also attached a couple pictures of the panniers on my bike. I've had them for nearly a year and should really do a proper review on them.


If you want to buy very similar cases from someone in the States instead, you can check out the JourneyRider Panniers:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/journeyrider-panniers-new-improved-for-2015-only-499.1045458/

 

[patrickg450]

caribou cases


LIFETIME WARRANTY

 

[TheHelios]

caribou cases


LIFETIME WARRANTY

But no shiny


My issue with them has been that sideways open mechanism. I like stacking my stuff in the pannier. Yes, I know, you can strap your items down in the Caribou to prevent them from falling out but that requires more effort than what I'm looking for. The Quro is a top loading, front/back opening lid that can be taken off completely, and has easy to use locks. It's a knock-off of the GS Touratech panniers.


There are many great panniers out there (Holan, Touratech, Hepco & Becker, etc.) but they cost significantly more than what Soloboxes cost which is why I'm recommending the Quro ones at a more equivalent cost-point. If I had the money, I would've gotten Globescout or Bumot panniers.

 

[Checkswrecks]

You can also buy Holan, which are welded aluminum from Poland at a really good price for the quality. One of our vendors has some of them or you can buy direct from the factory.

 

[cmoresky]

HI,

New here, I'm moving from a WeeStrom (Suzuki DL650) to the ST this spring.

I have a pair of Soloboxes and can share some thoughts about them.

The Good: They are aluminum and powder coated and inexpensive compared to other brands. Service was friendly and quick. Very large capacity and are water resistant (seal the pop rivets).

The Midline: The pop rivet gear attach points are prone to pull out when you lay into them with a real strap (Looking closely the end barely expands around the hole). The latches rattle the locks and there is wind resistance to deal with the case overall.

The Weak: The single top center attachment point loosened and let go on the highway and luckily my box slid intact to the shoulder and was recovered and usable. The attach is an eyebolt from the inside to the mounting rack. Three points of contact for the case is unacceptable and I needed to use a top hook as a run away strap insurance. I'm still thinking of alternative solutions, maybe a nylock safety nut or pin safety.

I used mine mostly for commute duty for a full laptop bag. I liked the ability to take them off quickly, but the 3 point attachment is not suitable for long term use. I drilled a second top attachment hole in each bag for use Solo riding so the center of mass is a bit more forward and that worked and looked OK. I ended up leaving the back side locked and as a type of hinge making faster access. It honestly doesn't need a back latch, just a hook hinge. I would not use these on anything worse than a well maintained dirt road.

I will not be buying these again and will sell them with the WeeStrom when that day comes.
YMMV

 

[utahmotorcyclist]

Here's a link to their site with pictures.
http://sikkia.com/ProductView.asp?SortID=2&ID=44


If you want the guy's contact info, then I can PM that to you.


I've also attached a couple pictures of the panniers on my bike. I've had them for nearly a year and should really do a proper review on them.


If you want to buy very similar cases from someone in the States instead, you can check out the JourneyRider Panniers:
http://advrider.com/index.php?threads/journeyrider-panniers-new-improved-for-2015-only-499.1045458/

Those panniers really look good! I have sent you a PM about the Seller's contact info.
Thanks!

 

[utahmotorcyclist]

HI,

New here, I'm moving from a WeeStrom (Suzuki DL650) to the ST this spring.

I have a pair of Soloboxes and can share some thoughts about them.

The Good: They are aluminum and powder coated and inexpensive compared to other brands. Service was friendly and quick. Very large capacity and are water resistant (seal the pop rivets).

The Midline: The pop rivet gear attach points are prone to pull out when you lay into them with a real strap (Looking closely the end barely expands around the hole). The latches rattle the locks and there is wind resistance to deal with the case overall.

The Weak: The single top center attachment point loosened and let go on the highway and luckily my box slid intact to the shoulder and was recovered and usable. The attach is an eyebolt from the inside to the mounting rack. Three points of contact for the case is unacceptable and I needed to use a top hook as a run away strap insurance. I'm still thinking of alternative solutions, maybe a nylock safety nut or pin safety.

I used mine mostly for commute duty for a full laptop bag. I liked the ability to take them off quickly, but the 3 point attachment is not suitable for long term use. I drilled a second top attachment hole in each bag for use Solo riding so the center of mass is a bit more forward and that worked and looked OK. I ended up leaving the back side locked and as a type of hinge making faster access. It honestly doesn't need a back latch, just a hook hinge. I would not use these on anything worse than a well maintained dirt road.

I will not be buying these again and will sell them with the WeeStrom when that day comes.
YMMV

Thanks for the review! It sounds like the Soloboxes may not be what I want. Also, I was really having a hard time deciding between a ST and a Vstrom this last month before I bought mine. Why are you moving to a Super Tenere?

 

[Ramseybella]

What was the total price shipped?

 

[cmoresky]

Thanks for the review! It sounds like the Soloboxes may not be what I want. Also, I was really having a hard time deciding between a ST and a Vstrom this last month before I bought mine. Why are you moving to a Super Tenere?

Howdy, I have an '09 DL650 with not a lot of miles on it. I used it as my all purpose bike between bikes. I honestly thought I would have replaced it after just a year or so but my free time never seemed to match my dreams. I'm a former Honda ST1100 rider and I long for the Four Corners distance rides/rallies of my youth. This year I have a few trips planned and the WeeStrom won't do what I want all day long. Just too many little things that add up. It's still a great do anything bike that my son is begging to ride. I just think there are better for distance and since i like the upright seating and all terrain capability, the ST10 is where my head is. Oh, and i'm too young for a Goldwing ;-)

 

[cmoresky]

What was the total price shipped?

Last summer it was $605 for bags, DL650 mounting, and shipping.
He has a facebook page search Solobox, where he announces his latest production run and prices.

 

[Jeff Milleman]

There are a lots of luggage options , read about them and get what fits you best !! As far as the seat same goes for that , I got a Seth Laam and love it . Seat Concept came out with a lower seat , it comes complete and may be what you want . There is also a lowering kit if you are trying to get the s10 lower .. Read on get what you think after research ,have fun with it and make it yours.. Good Luck

 

[default]

A word about these: search the KLR forums about them. Also I think ADVrider had a few mentions. A while back, he was into some bad business of not delivering. I ordered some for the KLR when I had it.


First off, I wasnt impressed with the hardware. The bolts used to mount rusted quite fast, as did the insides of the racks. Nothing that, at the time I sold it, compromised anything, but the look of rust stains irked me to no end.

I also did not like how the top mount point used an eye bolt, so I went to hardware store and bought a large knob that was threaded the same and used that. Much easier on the hands and it didnt get as in the way as the eye bolt. Still took forever to unscrew.

Last negative thing was the seal. It never really made as tight of a seal as Id like, and ants ate thru it one summer while camping. Plus, with the top mounting hole, there was a leak point and I frequently found water in the cases after a good rain, not to mention than when they were off the bike there was a 1/2" hole in the side to allow whatever in (water, bugs etc)

The build of the case themselves were good, aside from above. The tie downs never bothered me aside from being a little short and having to use thin hooked straps (I had been using flat straps with thick plastic hooks that wouldnt fit under it)

I also would have prefered hinged lids, but I didnt know that until I got them.