Weight comparo

[Balmorerider]

I am debating whether to get the Caribou panniers or the Holan panniers and one factor which matters to me is the actual combined weight of either set. Does anybody know the numbers? Also, in case of a drop which of the two would care better?
Any input would be very much appreciated.

Chris

 

[snakebitten]

Sorry, I can't stop myself..............

This question would not seem funny to me if we were talking about any other genre of motorcycle.
But it reminds me of the hilarious comparisons that the motorcycle press makes about the Tenere weighing more than one of its competitors.
Really? How much more? 12-16-18lbs?

The difference WOULD matter between say a motocross bike and an duel sport dirt bike. Say 245lbs vs 262lbs. Perceptible, at least.

But these BIG GIANT BEHEMOTHs? They are HUGE. And they are all HEAVY.

Anyways, there really isn't anything wrong with your question. But I am wondering if the difference in weight between 2 sets of panniers would be even noticeable.
It's what we stuff into them that CAN be very noticeable.

By the way, that's just my point between comparing the weight of say a GSA and a Tenere. It's so funny. Somebody showed some article where they weighed a bunch of Big Pig ADV bikes after they were farkled and loaded by their various owners for long trips. ALL of them weighed much more than their marketing material stated, of course. And, the differences between each brand and model was completely negated by what each rider preferred to bring along.

My beast is a "pack mule" on the road. That's what I love about this dang thing. I can take it with me!
Then I break it all down to make camp, and take off to ride my stripped down, but still, Biggest Dirtbike In The World! (by about 15lbs, according to the press. lol)

 

[shrekonwheels]

Any Aluminum Pannier should hold up fine in the event of a drop.

I agree with Snakebite, with these big weight bikes a couple pounds here and there does not make a difference, hell even when I rode on the track I felt the weight nonsense was overrated unless you were actually racing.

Pick which ones you feel will suit your traveling needs suit you best, odds are how you pack and what you pack will be far more of a factor than the Pannier themselves.

 

[Balmorerider]

Sorry, I can't stop myself..............

This question would not seem funny to me if we were talking about any other genre of motorcycle.
But it reminds me of the hilarious comparisons that the motorcycle press makes about the Tenere weighing more than one of its competitors.
Really? How much more? 12-16-18lbs?

The difference WOULD matter between say a motocross bike and an duel sport dirt bike. Say 245lbs vs 262lbs. Perceptible, at least.

But these BIG GIANT BEHEMOTHs? They are HUGE. And they are all HEAVY.

Anyways, there really isn't anything wrong with your question. But I am wondering if the difference in weight between 2 sets of panniers would be even noticeable.
It's what we stuff into them that CAN be very noticeable.

By the way, that's just my point between comparing the weight of say a GSA and a Tenere. It's so funny. Somebody showed some article where they weighed a bunch of Big Pig ADV bikes after they were farkled and loaded by their various owners for long trips. ALL of them weighed much more than their marketing material stated, of course. And, the differences between each brand and model was completely negated by what each rider preferred to bring along.

My beast is a "pack mule" on the road. That's what I love about this dang thing. I can take it with me!
Then I break it all down to make camp, and take off to ride my stripped down, but still, Biggest Dirtbike In The World! (by about 15lbs, according to the press. lol)

Gentlemen - thank you for answering my admittedly silly question and your points are well taken!

Chris

 

[Checkswrecks]

We have Caribou on the DL1000 and aluminum on the Tenere. I'll agree with the others that weight isn't much of a criteria.


Regarding your question about toughness, they both are brick sh1thouses. The plastic ones have gotten some scars, and the metal have gotten a few scratches. If you were really to push each to their limit, the plastic would break while the metal could be beat back into shape and welded anywhere int he world.


The things you did not ask and I'd suggest also considering include:
1. Top or side loading. To us, the top loading is easier, PROVIDED, it is not hindered by the top case. Use a couple of cloth grocery bags and leave the boxes on the bike at overnight stops.
2. Volume. Do you need huge boxes for months on the bike? Or are you good with something like the OEM boxes?
3. Width when mounted on racks. The OEM panniers are 35", the handlebars are 36" (plus a little for hand guards), and some bag/box combos can go well beyond.
4. Water proof-ness
5. Repairability. Don't write off the plastic boxes, as the Caribous can be cleaned up - it just takes elbow grease and time.

 

[snakebitten]

Thanks Checkswrecks for a much more helpful reply.

(Balmorerider was a good sport about it though)

 

[Balmorerider]

We have Caribou on the DL1000 and aluminum on the Tenere. I'll agree with the others that weight isn't much of a criteria.


Regarding your question about toughness, they both are brick sh1thouses. The plastic ones have gotten some scars, and the metal have gotten a few scratches. If you were really to push each to their limit, the plastic would break while the metal could be beat back into shape and welded anywhere int he world.


The things you did not ask and I'd suggest also considering include:
1. Top or side loading. To us, the top loading is easier, PROVIDED, it is not hindered by the top case. Use a couple of cloth grocery bags and leave the boxes on the bike at overnight stops.
2. Volume. Do you need huge boxes for months on the bike? Or are you good with something like the OEM boxes?
3. Width when mounted on racks. The OEM panniers are 35", the handlebars are 36" (plus a little for hand guards), and some bag/box combos can go well beyond.
4. Water proof-ness
5. Repairability. Don't write off the plastic boxes, as the Caribous can be cleaned up - it just takes elbow grease and time.

Thanks for the input. I do not need huge boxes since I travel rather lightly and no longer than 2-3 weeks at a time. I prefer to take less stuff and do laundry along the way.
I agree that top loading is easier. Waterproof is important to me. I guess I am not crazy about the rather utilitarian look of any of the panniers, with the exception of the Zega Pros but maybe I just have to acquire a taste for that look. I have heard such mixed things about the OEM bags that I would be hesitant to go that route.

Chris

 

[klunsford]

I have the OEM panniers and have had no problem with them, even in adverse weather conditions. everything stays dry and tight.

 

[Checkswrecks]

The OEM panniers are actually pretty stout, as shown here:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/yamaha-super-tenere/

 

[Balmorerider]

The OEM panniers are actually pretty stout, as shown here:
http://www.webbikeworld.com/motorcycles/yamaha-super-tenere/

Ok, so why are so many riders down on those OEM panniers?

 

[snakebitten]

Most guys that have them actually aren't, I don't think. At least that's how it seems since the PDP bikes landed here.
From what I can tell they have a few quirks that need to be mastered. And then after that, they provide great value for many miles.
I don't have them, but I always admired how svelte the bike looks when the boxes are removed.
I have HT panniers. Very early on. The racks look like Ranch Hand F350 brush guards.

Im kinda fond of the RTW look though now.

 

[Checkswrecks]

Ok, so why are so many riders down on those OEM panniers?

What I've seen are two things.
First is the ever present, I just want . . . . [fill in whatever]. More volume, name brand, think I can do cheaper, etc. While I did go for bigger boxes in aluminum which can be repaired anywhere, I do still like the OEM boxes.


Second have been the locks/latches. You have to use them as designed and as the instructions describe. There are a number of threads here about setting them up and using them, so if interested, you can do an easy search and read for a long time.

 

[Balmorerider]

Sure seems like panniers are the thing people agonize most over, myself included.

Chris