Pelican Based Luggage System Questions

[avc8130]

I am working on my own Pelican case based luggage system and was hoping others might have some advice after having Caribou or Twisted Throtte variants.

1. Anything you would change? Any comments/criticism?
2. I was thinking about putting the hardware in the LID of the case rather than the base. My thoughts:
a. When on the bike, this would let the bases pivot down and present the contents nicely (fantasy land?).
b. When removed from the bike, the hardware would not prevent the cases from sitting flat on their bottoms for loading/unloading.

Thanks for any advice/help.

ac

 

[3putt]

My wife had them on her F650GS (sold bike), I thought they were heavy. Big heavy plate in the bottom to mount. Water proof and bomb proof tho, she dropped the bike about 3 times and no damage to bike, barely scratched the corners of the cases, but bent the racks slightly.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Sandwich the plastic with metal. We're using 1/8" aluminum inside and out for my son's VStrom.

 

[avc8130]

Sandwich the plastic with metal. We're using 1/8" aluminum inside and out for my son's VStrom.

Yeah, that was EXACTLY my plan. I was thinking aluminum inside the case and stainless steel outside.

ac

 

[mrpincher]

I am working on my own Pelican case based luggage system and was hoping others might have some advice after having Caribou or Twisted Throtte variants.

1. Anything you would change? Any comments/criticism?
2. I was thinking about putting the hardware in the LID of the case rather than the base. My thoughts:
a. When on the bike, this would let the bases pivot down and present the contents nicely (fantasy land?).
b. When removed from the bike, the hardware would not prevent the cases from sitting flat on their bottoms for loading/unloading.

Thanks for any advice/help.

ac

I mounted my Pelicans in reverse the way you're proposing. My cases have seen about 10,000 miles of both on/off-road travel and a few Tenere drops and falls along the way. The cases are scarred up a bit - I cringe when I think what those nice Tourtech aluminum cases would look like after my foolishness. I have the Hepco Becker racks. The racks, Pelican Cases, and the Caribou hardware are all operating perfectly at this point.

One thing you have to pay attention to is the length of the mounting bolts on the lock set. Mine barely had enough threads for the nut after going through the additional plate of aluminum on the inside of the lid. This is something you will not understand until you have already drilled holes in your cases and attempt to mount the locks. That = a very big "Oh shit" moment. I used a good dose of thread locker and have had no issues. BTW - I purchased the large pelican cases like Caribou shows on their website..

I can report no ill effects to the cases, the case latches, the lid hinges, or the Caribou mounting hardware from reversing the mount. The cases remain 100% waterproof despite the unconventional mount. It will take some thought and tinkering to get it all set up.

Would I do it again? I dunno? The system I have works fine - I'm happy with the way it all works.

One thing I realized later, I bring my cases into my tent sometimes. Because the hardware is on the lid and not the bottom, the floor of my tent is spared the abuse from the mounting hardware. That is a very good thing!

Good luck. PM me if you want some pictures. Mike

 

[avc8130]

I mounted my Pelicans in reverse the way you're proposing. My cases have seen about 10,000 miles of both on/off-road travel and a few Tenere drops and falls along the way. The cases are scarred up a bit - I cringe when I think what those nice Tourtech aluminum cases would look like after my foolishness. I have the Hepco Becker racks. The racks, Pelican Cases, and the Caribou hardware are all operating perfectly at this point.

One thing you have to pay attention to is the length of the mounting bolts on the lock set. Mine barely had enough threads for the nut after going through the additional plate of aluminum on the inside of the lid. This is something you will not understand until you have already drilled holes in your cases and attempt to mount the locks. That = a very big "Oh shit" moment. I used a good dose of thread locker and have had no issues. BTW - I purchased the large pelican cases like Caribou shows on their website..

I can report no ill effects to the cases, the case latches, the lid hinges, or the Caribou mounting hardware from reversing the mount. The cases remain 100% waterproof despite the unconventional mount. It will take some thought and tinkering to get it all set up.

Would I do it again? I dunno? The system I have works fine - I'm happy with the way it all works.

One thing I realized later, I bring my cases into my tent sometimes. Because the hardware is on the lid and not the bottom, the floor of my tent is spared the abuse from the mounting hardware. That is a very good thing!

Good luck. PM me if you want some pictures. Mike

Mike,

Thanks for the great feedback.

The ability to beat these up pretty good before any real issues is my #1 attraction to the Pelicans. Their ridiculously low replacement cost is also a large factor.

I will be basing my setup off the Givi racks. Mostly because they were $100 cheaper than the Hepcos and a bit tighter to the bike.

Which bolts are you referring to? I will be supplying my own bolts as I am not using a "kit" so I don't think length will be an issue for me.

Does my hope that the stuff doesn't fall all over when opened pan out?

Not having the hardware on the bottom of the case when off the bike is my main goal of mounting by the lid.

ac

 

[SisuTen]

avc8130 said: "The ability to beat these up pretty good before any real issues is my #1 attraction to the Pelicans. Their ridiculously low replacement cost is also a large factor. "

+1!!!

My Caribous remain flawless in operation and durability. By "ridiculously low replacement cost", you must mean "free". Damaged in any way, by any means, Pelican as well as Roger at Caribou will replace destroyed cases at no charge.

The Caribou latching system, combined with Hepco Becker racks results in an absolutely vibration/rattle free installation. Mount and dismount is a simple turn of one knob.

Mounting the cases in reverse as you guys have done is exceptionally unattractive, but Pelicans are ugly any way you mount them
Sounds like a reasonable solution.

Did I mention how much I like my cases? ;D

Paul

 

[avc8130]

avc8130 said: "The ability to beat these up pretty good before any real issues is my #1 attraction to the Pelicans. Their ridiculously low replacement cost is also a large factor. "

+1!!!

My Caribous remain flawless in operation and durability. By "ridiculously low replacement cost", you must mean "free". Damaged in any way, by any means, Pelican as well as Roger at Caribou will replace destroyed cases at no charge.

The Caribou latching system, combined with Hepco Becker racks results in an absolutely vibration/rattle free installation. Mount and dismount is a simple turn of one knob.

Mounting the cases in reverse as you guys have done is exceptionally unattractive, but Pelicans are ugly any way you mount them
Sounds like a reasonable solution.

Did I mention how much I like my cases? ;D

Paul

Paul,

Caribou is my inspiration. My plan is to fab the interface somewhere between their design and Twisted Throttle as I feel they are both wonderful, but could use a little tweaking. If one were to combine the best of both of their systems, I think you would arrive at the best overall system.

I am not 100% fond of Caribou's Givi interface and I am not 100% fond of Twisted Throttle's locking interface.

I keep looking a the Pelican case behind me, and I really can't see a visual difference from the lid to the bottom. The ONLY differences are:
1. The bottom has no "Pelican" sticker.
2. The bottom has "feet" rather than "ribs".

Other than that, the top and bottom are identical.

Form follows function. This is NOT a beautiful motorcycle. It is a functionally cool motorcycle.

ac

 

[SisuTen]

Paul,

Caribou is my inspiration. My plan is to fab the interface somewhere between their design and Twisted Throttle as I feel they are both wonderful, but could use a little tweaking. If one were to combine the best of both of their systems, I think you would arrive at the best overall system.

I am not 100% fond of Caribou's Givi interface and I am not 100% fond of Twisted Throttle's locking interface.

I keep looking a the Pelican case behind me, and I really can't see a visual difference from the lid to the bottom. The ONLY differences are:
1. The bottom has no "Pelican" sticker.
2. The bottom has "feet" rather than "ribs".

Other than that, the top and bottom are identical.

Form follows function. This is NOT a beautiful motorcycle. It is a functionally cool motorcycle.

ac

Your observations are 100% correct! Having never had a Givi product, I'm not sure where the Caribou/Givi interface comes in. Perhaps the latching system is Givi based and I just never knew. However, it works fine for me as is. I think the concept of mounting on the lid is particularly appropriate, particularly in the case of tent camping.

As for appearance, I was teasing a bit. Many riders make choices based primarily upon appearances. I knew you were not one of them, nor am I. Good luck on your fabrication and post up pics as you go so we can see how it works out. I'm personally interested in your project. Maybe I'll switch mine over. Oh yeah, I forgot, there will be holes showing in the bottom...darn!

Paul

 

[avc8130]

Your observations are 100% correct! Having never had a Givi product, I'm not sure where the Caribou/Givi interface comes in. Perhaps the latching system is Givi based and I just never knew. However, it works fine for me as is. I think the concept of mounting on the lid is particularly appropriate, particularly in the case of tent camping.

As for appearance, I was teasing a bit. Many riders make choices based primarily upon appearances. I knew you were not one of them, nor am I. Good luck on your fabrication and post up pics as you go so we can see how it works out. I'm personally interested in your project. Maybe I'll switch mine over. Oh yeah, I forgot, there will be holes showing in the bottom...darn!

Paul

Paul,

Caribou:

http://www.cariboucases.com/store/?name=Catalog&mode=i&item=000392

Twisted Throttle:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/5677/854/

As you can see, both replace the upper Givi mount to interface with their respective lock/latch.

I like the Caribou compression latch as it will provide some tension in the system to keep everything "tight" and not giggly.
I like the Twisted Throttle replacement "spools" at the bottom interface as the Givi are less substantial.

I plan to combine both of those features. Pictures will happen as my work progresses. I get the Givi racks tomorrow so I can hopefully finish up the interface dimensions.

ac

 

[LostOkie]

Hey guys, I am a new Tenere owner and trying to decide what I want to do on panniers myself. I have ordered the Givi racks and planning pelicans. Some side and end pics would GREATLY be appreciated. as well as possibly any on your custom mounting approaches - if ya do not mind - thanks!

 

[hANNAbONE]

...might wanna ask KeepsOnRiding [Anthony] .. he's got the Pelican system and loves it.

 

[Ollie]

Hey guys, I am a new Tenere owner and trying to decide what I want to do on panniers myself. I have ordered the Givi racks and planning pelicans. Some side and end pics would GREATLY be appreciated. as well as possibly any on your custom mounting approaches - if ya do not mind - thanks!

Caribou sells DIY kits for mounting pelican cases.

http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=Catalog&mode=d&id=024

 

[Checkswrecks]

Or you can use regulation hockey pucks and plate aluminum to mount them.

I'll put up some photos after we finish my son's.

 

[Dirt_Dad]

I have the Caribou mounted to SW Motech bars setup on my bike. I find I need to adjust the top mount (the locking mechanism) from time to time. It's adjustable, so not a big deal. I also found it beneficial to put rubber washers on the bottom studs of the rack. That keeps the cases more firmly seated and prevents bouncing around when empty.

I also use the Caribou Case Liner and like them a lot.
http://cariboucases.com/store/?name=Catalog&mode=i&item=000373

Overall very happy with the setup. They've ridden in a hurricane and sat outside parked in the same hurricane and didn't leak. Hard to ask much more in the waterproof arena. They are narrow enough that I leave them on the bike all the time. Never did that with my old Givi cases.

 

[bvail]

avc8130 said: "The ability to beat these up pretty good before any real issues is my #1 attraction to the Pelicans. Their ridiculously low replacement cost is also a large factor. "

+1!!!

My Caribous remain flawless in operation and durability. By "ridiculously low replacement cost", you must mean "free". Damaged in any way, by any means, Pelican as well as Roger at Caribou will replace destroyed cases at no charge.

The Caribou latching system, combined with Hepco Becker racks results in an absolutely vibration/rattle free installation. Mount and dismount is a simple turn of one knob.

Mounting the cases in reverse as you guys have done is exceptionally unattractive, but Pelicans are ugly any way you mount them
Sounds like a reasonable solution.

Did I mention how much I like my cases? ;D

Paul

::026:: on the Caribou cases. Since I live close to Roger, maybe 1/2 hour I drove over this winter and checked out his stuff. Granted, the cases are not 'pretty', but they are stout and you can't beat the lifetime guarantee. I do think they sort of compliment the overall rugged look of the ST anyway. I got the H-B mounts and the 40 liter cases, which according to Roger aren't Pelican cases, but are made by a different company. Difference besides capacity on the 40s is that they are flat sided. Very simple latches on all cases. Glad I got these.

 

[SisuTen]

::026:: on the Caribou cases. Since I live close to Roger, maybe 1/2 hour I drove over this winter and checked out his stuff. Granted, the cases are not 'pretty', but they are stout and you can't beat the lifetime guarantee. I do think they sort of compliment the overall rugged look of the ST anyway. I got the H-B mounts and the 40 liter cases, which according to Roger aren't Pelican cases, but are made by a different company. Difference besides capacity on the 40s is that they are flat sided. Very simple latches on all cases. Glad I got these.

Late reply to several responses, sorry. I opted for a little less capacity in order to get the Pelican brand. I've used these cases for things other than motorcycle use for years and trust the product and the warranty. I didn't realize that Roger had (no longer) a setup for Givi racks, but they should work fine. The SW Motech system seems a bit more complicated and subject to rattles/adjustment but still a good system. I truthfully did not consider the Twisted Throttle system, but see no issues with that either. After having my HB/Caribou system for a while, I'm still impressed with the rock solid rattle-free performance as well as easy on/off operation. No regrets.

Paul

 

[bvail]

Late reply to several responses, sorry. I opted for a little less capacity in order to get the Pelican brand. I've used these cases for things other than motorcycle use for years and trust the product and the warranty. I didn't realize that Roger had (no longer) a setup for Givi racks, but they should work fine. The SW Motech system seems a bit more complicated and subject to rattles/adjustment but still a good system. I truthfully did not consider the Twisted Throttle system, but see no issues with that either. After having my HB/Caribou system for a while, I'm still impressed with the rock solid rattle-free performance as well as easy on/off operation. No regrets.

Paul

Don't know about all the others, but according to Roger, his setup can be adjusted to keep it tight and rattle free over time. That's a real plus. I had Kappa cases (Givi?) on my VEE and one side had a real annoying buzz at certain rpms. Kinda like having a fly buzzing around your head...

 

[SisuTen]

Don't know about all the others, but according to Roger, his setup can be adjusted to keep it tight and rattle free over time. That's a real plus. I had Kappa cases (Givi?) on my VEE and one side had a real annoying buzz at certain rpms. Kinda like having a fly buzzing around your head...

I've had that same fly in my head in the past. Luckily, it hasn't found me yet!

 

[bvail]

I've had that same fly in my head in the past. Luckily, it hasn't found me yet!

Found me! Been buzzing around in my head for about ten years now - Tinnitus...BZZZZZZZZZZZZingggg. Just got to live with it :-[ Most of the time I have it tuned out, thankfully, but wouldn't miss it if it went away.