ANOTHER pannier topic..MM, TT or another brand?

[Bombman]

I have been spending weeks online researching and making Pro/Con lists for a set of panniers for my '13 S10. I have narrowed it down to a few choices and each has really good points which I have considered. Has anyone heard of or used Darr Panniers? I believe they are/were a German Company making aluminum hard boxes. They look like a cross between and TT Zega Pro and Metal Mule. Apparently they were priced right but I can find no one or any place that carries them. If I have to give up Darr as an option, I have narrowed it down to 3 choices for aluminum hard boxes (I do not care for Wolfman bags as I want protection for my stuff in case of a get off). The three choices are of course Touratech Zega Pros, Metal Mule, and Jesse. I like all three, but as far as aesthetics go it is the TT. Lids go to MM, as I prefer the single lock and hinge, TT lids are pricey if you loose one. From a price standpoint the TT win hands down. I am a firm believer in you get what you pay for. The MM win for durability in construction and base model standard features. TT you have to pay for the extras that MM already come with, although you are still paying for them. MM uses 2mm aluminum, TT uses 1.5mm. MM aircraft rivets, TT welds. I think the rivets will have a tad of give that the welds do not, which snapping an aluminum weld is a no go. The MM is my 1st choice, TT is a very close second. I am planning/saving $ to get the 31L/38L system. I have a request for a quote from MM direct in the UK. Paul is a fantastic person to do business with by the way, I recommend if you have any, I mean any questions about their product just email him, he is a true gent! I did not feel as though he was trying to sell me anything, as I am sure he knows his product sells itself. I contacted TT and I felt like they were trying to sell me, not pressure, just their tone and how I received the message. I also have a request for a quote from Best Rest Products, who by the way are good to deal with as well. They offered me 50% off shipping which came to $62 shipped from $125. Just working the angles to get a good deal. I doubt MM in the UK can beat it, but we will see. Anyway,, I have decided on MM and I am wondering if anyone has any input on anything that I may be missing? I do want to know if anyone has purchased an aftermarket slip on for their S10 that will allow the balanced MM system to be used. I would love to be able to have 2x 38L cases instead of the 31/38L. Oh by the way, the extra heavy duty complete MM system only weighs 35.5 lbs, the TT Zega Pros weigh 34lbs without the extra accessories you need to make them secure etc. etc... I can live with 1.5 lbs. on the Metal Mules.

 

[nani]

On the pannier thread there is a s10 that has the MM balanced system, using a scorpion slipon and elbow i belive.

 

[Dallara]

~

All I know is I've pondered this subject probably way, way more than I should have...

And if I were ever to replace my Yamaha panniers I'd definitely go with the Metal Mule's. The trick latching set-up alone is a major reason why, as I'm one of those who doesn't care for bag liners, and likes to take the whole side case in with me at hotels, etc. Add to that that a easily removed side case makes a great camp stool, but not if you have to pull half your stuff just to get to fiddly knobs inside the case to remove them.

That's another plus for the Metal Mule's... There are no knobs or other protuberances inside to hang up on stuff or tear it up. And I love top loading bags, but not ones where the lid comes off. I hate looking around for where in the hell to set the lid down on the cases where the lid comes off.

Many of these reasons are why I like the Yamaha side cases, too, and why I have been happy with them for the past 2-1/2 years and 38,000+ miles.

Still, if (and most likely when) I replace the Yamaha cases I see a set of Metal Mule's in my future. I think you've made the right choice! ::008::

Dallara


~

 

[barryd]

My Yamaha panniers have served me well so far.

Bombman, I am just north of you in Hopkinsville.

 

[Checkswrecks]

For less money and built in the US is Wendell Case - used to be Muffin Top. Single guy operation, brick shit house tough, and he will custom anything you want if you don't see that he already makes it. Call Wendell and ask about simply changing the locks and hinges.
http://wendellcase.com

 

[Bombman]

CHECKSWRECKS. What mounting rack are you using? TT, MM, SWMotech, Givi? Is it a balanced system, as in both sides are the same capacity? Or did you go with the 34L/37L? Look very similar to MM's but welded instead of riveted. What is your overall width across the back with your rack system?

 

[nga]

I love my Jesse's. They're tough, hold a lot (105 liters combined), easy to mount / dismount, made in the U.S., you can order direct from the factory, great customer support, and if a case gets damaged, you can send it back for repair (right in the States)!

See reply # 571

http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=2767.msg120119#msg120119

 

[Iago]

The combination of MM boxes on TT frames would be my choice. MM "flatten" the frame tubes before the welds. Vibrations work harden them at this point. TT frame tubes are scalloped to match then welded.

 

[toompine]

I spent months asking the same questions; top or side, metal or plastic, rack types, overall widths, reputation, durability and PRICE. I did not want to put big bucks into my choice and later regret it.

I also had begun to understand that big panniers had their drawbacks, like you could load lots of heavy stuff into them. I loved the Jesse's but they were in that too big, too expensive categories.

I spent months on E bay looking at home made, foreign made, new manufacturers.

I finally ended up with Happy Trails. Now I will tel you it was a leap of faith but the price point with panniers and racks was so good I figured if they were not all They were supposed to be I could afford to move on

36,000 miles later: Crashed in the dirt about 6 times; no damage. Lots of rain; no leaks. Flexible, compact; narrower than the width of my bars. The tops: I debated that topic too; loose, attached, hinged. The Happy Trails are hinged at the end and never get lost, flip open about 175 degrees and make a perfect place to stack stuff when you are digging in the pannier.

Love the locks. side flip over cam locks for easy in and out and top key lock when you need the security.

They square tube racks are solid and sturdy, not a crack or bend in any of the tip overs

Delivery can be a bit sketchy as they are a small shop and often are making to order and not keeping a lot of stock on hand. I will tell you the wait is worth it. Best value of anything I have purchased for the bike.

Mine are the 7" cliff cuts; 7" boxes and 9" tops. I packed most of what I needed for a 21 day 9,000 mile camping run to Prudhoe bay and back. All I had was a small top case for my cooking gear.

Buy small, pack light you will be happier ::013::

 

[PowersUSA]

My Super T is a dedicated "Lone wolf" One-Up machine and the symmetric Metal Mule's is the best overall setup I've seen when you remove the pillion foot rests (and go with an aftermarket muffler).

Post with pics of symmetric Metal Mule
http://www.yamahasupertenere.com/index.php?topic=5815.0

BTW another brand to check out is Globe Scout:
http://advdepot.com/globescout-world-class-pannier-kit-super-tenere.html
http://www.globescout.de/home.php

 

[Checkswrecks]

CHECKSWRECKS. What mounting rack are you using? TT, MM, SWMotech, Givi? Is it a balanced system, as in both sides are the same capacity? Or did you go with the 34L/37L? Look very similar to MM's but welded instead of riveted. What is your overall width across the back with your rack system?

The SW-Motech rack, although they will fit on any.
These are the 34L and 41L, which are 9" and 11" wide respectively. Total is 39" wide.
For about $380 unpainted, it's would be hard to beat these. Powdercoating adds $30/box.