Need some side cases

[Shovelhead]

After owning a BMW RT for 900 miles , the side opening cases drove me nuckin futts. All in what yer used to I suppose.
I'm torn on what to do with this bike.

I'm liking the Caribou stuff and leaning towards the 25L top loaders but the way they have the liner on their side load cases makes me think I could live with those. At 35L they would give me more room, and total width across the back of the bike would be the same.

Can anyone convince me I could live with these side loading cases. Reasons or circumstances one design would be better than the other.

I accustomed to chunkin a Bass Pro Shops duffle on the seat and riding off, so this is all new territory for me.

And yes, I've searched my ass off on the subject and still want to ask my own questions.

Thanks for any input.

 

[RCinNC]

I've used both side loaders and top loaders, and ultimately prefer the side loaders. With the top loaders, I had to shift stuff out of the way all the time if I needed something down at the bottom; with the side loading cases (I use Duratool tool boxes), I could just take them off the bike, lay them down and open them like a suitcase, and get whatever I needed without having to unpack a case at the side of the road. I made a quick release system for my side cases so they come off just by loosening one knob on the outside of the case, so it isn't a big hassle to take them off. They are also easier to take into the room at night if I'm staying in a motel, since they are basically suitcases, with conveniently placed carrying handles. I think it's also easier to efficiently re-pack a side loading case, since I can lay it down on the bed to pack.

When it comes to crashing, I would guess that a good Pelican case is as durable as an aluminum pannier. That's just a guess, though.

I will concede though that an aluminum top loader looks way better than a Pelican.

 

[sail2xxs]

Are you looking for side cases for the RT, or for the Tenere?

Having had both, I prefer the top loaders by a large margin. Just a matter of getting used to packing the cases so that the heavier, less frequently needed stuff is near the bottom. Liner bags are great for this.

I've found the Mountainsmith cubes to be really convenient, and a good fit: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-basic-cube~p~6458g/?filterString=s~mountainsmith%2F&colorFamily=04

Liked them so much I got the Hauler for the truck: http://www.sierratradingpost.com/mountainsmith-modular-hauler-4~p~73728/?filterString=s~mountainsmith%2F&colorFamily=01 and then use the color coded cubes on the bike or on my sailboat.

Best,

Chris

 

[Shovelhead]

Thanks guys, both y'all make good points.
Chris, cases are for my Tenere, I sold the RT.

Last bike I had with saddlebags was an 02 Electra Glide Classic. HD hard bags, top loading. My two old bikes have no bags.

I don't like the idea of removing the bag / case (I can't get the terminology down yet -- lol) to unload or load something.
I'm an organizer. I'm used to organizing within a space, be it with soft bags, zippered pouches, old tupperware, whatever.
Take out what I need for overnight at a Motel(clothes bag, etc) and leave the case on the bike.

One thing I've read about the top loaders for travel with this type of bike, is if you pack a large duffle or dry bag that covers some of the top, preventing you from opening the case. I'm sure there's work arounds for that too.

Like to see the Caribou 25L top load with some things inside to get an idea of what might or might not fit.

I just don't see a good way to get things like from a grocery store run, in and out of the side load without gravity taking it to the ground.
got to jack with them dang cross straps to hold it in there, especially the port side.

Still pondering..................

 

[toompine]

I spent 6 months on my research; top load, side load, aluminum, plastic, hard, soft, expensive, cheap

I will make this a simple answer. Bought Happy Trials 7" cliff cuts. Cheap price, well made, very useful, extremely happy, no regrets, would not buy anything else if i had it to do over again. BTW, 20,000 miles and multiple trips with the HT panniers. Zero issues ::013::

 

[snakebitten]

I concur, toompine!

Excellent value. Good stuff.

 

[tomatocity]

I spent 6 months on my research; top load, side load, aluminum, plastic, hard, soft, expensive, cheap

I will make this a simple answer. Bought Happy Trials 7" cliff cuts. Cheap price, well made, very useful, extremely happy, no regrets, would not buy anything else if i had it to do over again. BTW, 20,000 miles and multiple trips with the HT panniers. Zero issues ::013::

And they look good plus have the Timex look.

What model are they? http://www.happy-trail.com/Departments/font-colorFFFFFFspan-stylebackground-color-FF0000Find-Your-Bike-spanfont/Yamaha/XT1200Z-Tenere.aspx

 

[snakebitten]

Teton, 7.5" Cliff cut.

Up close:

 

[Shovelhead]

Happy Trails huh...... made in the US of A, and I've always been a Roy Rogers fan. ::008::

I can name my bike Trigger !!

Hard for me to believe these metal boxes won't rattle sooner or later.

 

[sail2xxs]

One thing I've read about the top loaders for travel with this type of bike, is if you pack a large duffle or dry bag that covers some of the top, preventing you from opening the case. I'm sure there's work arounds for that too.

Still pondering..................

I've found two work arounds for the duffle/dry bag issue you mention. First, you can always have the bag turned lengthwise and hanging over the back of the bike a bit. (My preference). I have an ALTRider tailrack, which is a good bit larger than stock and it is a big help in this regard. Packing the dry bag or duffel so that it is firm enough to support the overhang works. Second, if you prefer to have the duffle/dry bag turned so that it covers some of the top of the side bag/case, many of the cases have front and rear latches allowing lid removal without a hinge. The Zega Pros on my bike work this way. The Happy Trail panniers I used to have on a prior bike have a similar set up if you remove the hinge screws.

Best,

Chris

 

[PowersUSA]

Happy Trails huh...... made in the US of A, and I've always been a Roy Rogers fan. ::008::

I can name my bike Trigger !!

Hard for me to believe these metal boxes won't rattle sooner or later.

Here's a nice overview video of the Happy Trails: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KWpNM9MTe-g

 

[Shovelhead]

Excellent video Powers!! Thanks!

 

[regulator]

+1 for top loaders (Jesse for me) and Mountainsmith bags. I've also had both top and side loaders over the years and prefer the tops.

 

[Shovelhead]

Teton, 7.5" Cliff cut.

Snake, I found another thread of toompines where you said these are 9" Cliff cut and toompine says his are 7" boxes with a 9" top ???

Which do y'all have, the 7.5 or the 9.0?

I was looking towards the 7.5 for the narrower total width across the bike and also the fact of little less chore of swinging my leg over the seat.

 

[snakebitten]

Well, now Im confused too.
I'll measure tomorrow.
Sorry about that.

 

[Shovelhead]

No need to appologize, i'm just tryin to cyper this shit.

Better yet...... We spoke via PM about other members here near me and this Combo feller.............

After some low tech investigation.......I been knowing him for over 30 yrs !! Hahahaha

Can't wait to meet up with y'all, it will be interesting.
::003::

 

[snakebitten]

Combo is the real deal. He keeps all us fringe guys grounded. Lol

 

[Shovelhead]

Snake, did you get a chance to measure them cases?

Looks like from an old post I found toompine said his were 7" cases with 9" at the top.

I'm thinking about getting the 7.5" cases and that tells me they "may" be 5" boxes and 7.5" at the top. ???

Reckon I'll call Happy Trails after Memorial Day and ask them.