The TraX EVO ALU-BOX

[erenet]

Tthis is all new for me. I'm looking to buy side panniers, at first I wasn't sure I liked the aluminum boxes, but now they are growing on me.
Not sure if I like the OEM ones due to the left being cut for the muffler, so I'm leaning towards the Trax Evos, but I think I prefer the look of two (37L) the same size.
Is that a good idea or do I have to go with one 40L on the right for off set?

 

[gunny]

I also prefer the look of the same size box mounted on each side, and have this set-up (37L on each side) on my S10. It works fine. Go for it.

 

[rem]

It all comes down to personal preference. YOur call. 99 out of a hundred people won't even notice the difference if you go with the same size panniers on both sides. If it's gonna bother you, get one of each. I did, and so did a lot of others. You have to be happy with it. There are pictures of both set-ups scattered around the forum. Have a look at those and see if one or the other speaks to you. Good luck. R

 

[erenet]

Thanks guys, can you also tell me if is these Trax evos make the bike uncomfortable for the passenger?

 

[colorider]

For some (including myself) it depends too on what mounting system you go with. The Givi racks are symmetrical and with them the same size panniers look best (to me). When using either the Hepco-Becker or the SW-Motech which are asymmetrical, I prefer two different size panniers.

Good luck!

 

[fredz43]

For some (including myself) it depends too on what mounting system you go with. The Givi racks are symmetrical and with them the same size panniers look best (to me). When using either the Hepco-Becker or the SW-Motech which are asymmetrical, I prefer two different size panniers.

Good luck!

When I was researching racks and bags, I found that the Hepco Beckers for the S10 were symmetrical, unlike the ones I saw at the Indy Dealer show on a GS1200.

 

[Venture]

Just an FYI, the Trax boxes have shown to be less than water tight in real world usage. If that matters at all to you then do yourself a favor and search around here for the experiences folks have had with them.

With that said, the Trax boxes are awesome to look at.

 

[colorider]

When I was researching racks and bags, I found that the Hepco Beckers for the S10 were symmetrical, unlike the ones I saw at the Indy Dealer show on a GS1200.

I stand corrected then. Thanks Fred.

Bloke, if you see this thread, looks like they are symmetrical.

 

[martinh]

I had the EVO Trax cases on my bike and returned them. They were not water tight like thier web site stated. I commute with the bike and ride in the rain so I needed something durable and water proof. I ended up going with Jesse bags. They are a little more pricey but look great made great and no leaks.

 

[fredz43]

The latest edition of Trax boxes are vastly improved over the earlier ones. This is said to be due to the manufaturer finding out that the sealant they were using to seal components during the robotic manufacturing process was affected by ambient temperatures and in some cases, not enough sealant was applied. Once they figured that out, they changed sealants and that problem was solved. Our dealer sells these boxes, distributed by Twisted Throttle. I work part time at that dealership and have interfaced with our dealer rep about this problem. I have been told that the owner of Twisted Throttle even flew to Germany to meet with the engineers to stress how important it was to solve this problem. On our latest orders, I have been assured that TT tests each box for waterproofness before sending them out. To further assure our customers who order these I check them myself when they arrive. I take them to our wash bay and first do a submersion test and then do a test with our water hose with a deluge nozzle and then open the boxes to see if any water is inside. I have not seen any leakage issues on any of the latest orders we have received. I also have them on my S10 and have not had any leakage problems. I know that earlier models and even the earlier Evo models did have this problem and have seen some earlier Evo bags leak during my own testing.

 

[Venture]

Fred, if what you say is true that's really good news. The Trax boxes look good and are priced pretty well. Can you post some pics of them on your bike?

 

[fredz43]

Fred, if what you say is true that's really good news. The Trax boxes look good and are priced pretty well. Can you post some pics of them on your bike?

Here are a few pics.

BTW, I would recommend that if you order these, remind TT that you want them tested before they are sent out.

 

[Rasher]

Thanks for posting pictures, I quite fancy these if I get a ST

I am considering exchanging my beemer for a 1st edition with Yamaha panniers, but would sell them as they are a bit small for two people, I reckon I will go for SW-Motech like these and get the SW to box as well.

Anyone in the UK looking for Yamaha Panniers & top box let me know, if I had a buyer lined up it may sweeten the deal to swap.

 

[martinh]

The latest edition of Trax boxes are vastly improved over the earlier ones. This is said to be due to the manufaturer finding out that the sealant they were using to seal components during the robotic manufacturing process was affected by ambient temperatures and in some cases, not enough sealant was applied. Once they figured that out, they changed sealants and that problem was solved. Our dealer sells these boxes, distributed by Twisted Throttle. I work part time at that dealership and have interfaced with our dealer rep about this problem. I have been told that the owner of Twisted Throttle even flew to Germany to meet with the engineers to stress how important it was to solve this problem. On our latest orders, I have been assured that TT tests each box for waterproofness before sending them out. To further assure our customers who order these I check them myself when they arrive. I take them to our wash bay and first do a submersion test and then do a test with our water hose with a deluge nozzle and then open the boxes to see if any water is inside. I have not seen any leakage issues on any of the latest orders we have received. I also have them on my S10 and have not had any leakage problems. I know that earlier models and even the earlier Evo models did have this problem and have seen some earlier Evo bags leak during my own testing.

I had the newer Evos and talked to TT about them because they leaked. Even though they test them they still could not guarantee that they wont leak. Mine leaked at the seals and at the lid badly. If you want to carry a lap top or other electronics I would be careful with them. I commute on my bike and carry a lap top so I need something I know will stay dry. TT does stand behind what they sell and too mine back with out problems.

 

[AlsoRan]

I like the looks as well. I know the fit and finish is excellent with the Trax set up and no leaks so far, but not too much rain riding lately to really test them out. The only thing is that I tried to mount the top case using the "Adapter Plate" which mounts to the stock rack. This was a no-go as there was too much flex with the plastic rack. So I ate the $$$ and had to buy a new aluminum rack and then problem solved.

So far so good, and the wife says there is no issue with the panniers from the pillion seat.

 

[fredz43]

I had the newer Evos and talked to TT about them because they leaked. Even though they test them they still could not guarantee that they wont leak. Mine leaked at the seals and at the lid badly. If you want to carry a lap top or other electronics I would be careful with them. I commute on my bike and carry a lap top so I need something I know will stay dry. TT does stand behind what they sell and too mine back with out problems.

The earlier Evo's still had problems and that was said to be before they discovered the sealant problem. We had some early Evo's that didn't pass our tests and they were replaced with the latest ones and they passed our tests. That being said I also carry a netbook laptop when on trips and put it inside one of the free Trax waterproof liner bags. My clothes and everything else goes in the bags, mostly for convenience, so I can leave the Trax boxes on and take my luggage bags with me. I have always used liner bags in the past and these are very good ones.

I too, was ready to switch to another brand, as our dealer carries several, but the latest set of Trax have worked out very well for me.

 

[Venture]

Hey Fred, do the Trax boxes stick out equally from the bike since you have the bigger box on the right, but the racks are non-symmetrical? If not, how much off is the symmetry? Also, what is the overall end-to-end width with the boxes on?

 

[fredz43]

Hey Fred, do the Trax boxes stick out equally from the bike since you have the bigger box on the right, but the racks are non-symmetrical? If not, how much off is the symmetry? Also, what is the overall end-to-end width with the boxes on?

The measurement from center of the bike to the outside of the boxes is very close with the 45 on the right and the 37 on the left with those racks. I also have a 37 that I can put on the right if I don't have much to pack and it looks ok that way. I'll have to take a measurement of the outside width. I'm sure it is less than the end to end measurement of the handlebars with handguards though.

Here is a pic from the front with the 37/45 combo.

 

[erenet]

Thanks for the pictures and info, don't like the leaking part, hopefully the company has the problem solved. I was thinking of getting the side cases only, but now that I showed the pictures to my girlfriend, she wants the top one too, to lean on.

Now I have to decide what comes first, the pipe or the panniers, just something to look at for a few months as snow will be here soon!!

 

[JonnyCinco]

Thanks for the pictures and info, don't like the leaking part, hopefully the company has the problem solved. I was thinking of getting the side cases only, but now that I showed the pictures to my girlfriend, she wants the top one too, to lean on.

how sturdy is the top case?? would it support a pillion leaning against it?