I think I have found the best hard luggage solution for anyone who wants to take their Tenere off-road seriously - Caribou Cases modify the Pelican 1550 cases with locks, lid retention straps, internal bungees etc. to make them better panniers, and have a very nice quick release mounting system and heavy duty rack...

Unfortunately, being a US company, they are reluctant to develop a specific mounting kit for the new Tenere (even though there is a global market out there... grrr.) but can supply their boxes to fit on the SW Motech quick release pannier frames, which are available for the new Tenere.

I'm tempted to get a set while I'm over here (infact standard Pelican cases are around $100 USD each), it's just a shame I can't use their pukka connecting system.

Does anyone have experience with the SW Motech pannier frames - how robust are they? and particularly the quick release mountings? I'm talking for trail use, not the M25 here...

xxx

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"Where we're going, we don't need roads..."

JennyDakar.com

JMo, just had a closer look at this system and if the SW rack for the Z looks ok we would seriously consider this. Did you pursue this at all ? Do you have any views on the news SW frame ?

Here is the PDF for the SW rack that would go on the Tenere to fit the Caribou system, http://www.mo-tech.de/anbauanleitungen/kft_06_570_200.pdf [/

Have a had a quick look and I like that the frame can come off easily so when not using panniers you don’t look like a pizza delivery bike. So for a prolonged offroad trip I would replace � turn fasteners with bolts and lock nuts, The Caribou cases already have a quick detach system from the frame.

Then for future use assuming you may use the pannier for a weekend away I would go back to � turn fasteners.

I also like that it uses the intended fixing points on the frame , although I would not bolt it to the rear mudguard, that is going to be chopped anyway

Or for plan B I would just bolt cases to the frame and use the 1/4 turn fasteners as the quick detach

Any comments

Well after some research and debate on luggage systems I have gone for the Caribou cases and the SW Rack.
The primary reason I went for them was a) the cases are indestructible, b) they have a life time guarantee c) I like the idea of a rounded plastic case you can carry easily d) the SW rack detaches easily from the bike and finally cost. Including a set of inner bags total cost is �700

I bought the 35L cases, these were recommend as they are the strongest around the handle area. As they are side opening cases they come with a retaining strap and a lanyard to stop them opening all the way. This stops all your stuff falling out when you open them. If you use an inner bag as I plan to then this is not an issue.



To install the SW Rack you first bolt the brackets to the bike and then fix the rack with � turn fasters. These fasters seem fairly heavy duty but if you plan to do a long trip over rugged terrain you can replace these with hard bolts. The big benefit of this is that when you are not using your cases the rack comes off very quickly so you don’t look like a pizza delivery bike.


The rack fitted well and uses the intended points on the frame. You do need to remove the rear mudguard to get the bolts in. The rear bracket does mount to the rear mudguard across the back of the number plate, if you have cut your mudguard it does not need to but then of course it will show.
So overall the quality of the cases and fitting system looks very good, the quality of the rack looks ok but until it has been used in anger we will have to see how it holds up. I do think the design of the rack also lends itself to be able to repair.
Once all together they seem sturdy, although I to put a washer on the Givi adapter to force the case snug. I also plan to put some hard rubber on the rack that will be slightly compressed when the case is locked into position.



So will it all stand up ? the bottom line is if you have a big incident something has to give, the cases will not break and you don’t want to bend the subframe of your bike, so it’s likely that the compression lock at the top will break. In that case you tie the case to the rack to get you home and then buy a $25 replacement lock. Seems sensible to me.
The only modification I plan to make is to possibly lower them a tad. I’ll give more feedback as I start to use them.
more pics

Excellent job and great photos. A few questions.
What is the overall width of the bike?
Did shipping from the states cause any problems? Why do you think you may have to move them lower?
Do you think the overall weight is a lot more than Aluminium panniers?
Again thanks for the thread, I think a few may go this way also.

Nice cases, but how does the rack hold up to impact? Looks weak to me, but I've never seen one live so I have no idea.

HI, answers below

What is the overall width of the bike?
-> The panniers are 870cm that's about the same as the handlebar width with the weights. I have Rentahl Dakar high bars

Did shipping from the states cause any problems?
-> No problem to ship , they use USPS arrived in a week. They can ship anywhere in the world.

Why do you think you may have to move them lower?
-> No specific reason, its only that you want them as low as possible to lower the weight. The holes are drilled from a template. If you order them and mention its for a Tenere they can either drill them 20mm higher (so the case is lower ) or not drill them. Then you can drill them to suit you. I will leave them as they are it's not going to make a big difference.

Do you think the overall weight is a lot more than Aluminium panniers?
-> Its about the same or a little less.

As for strength, they are yest to be tested in a crash ( hopefully never) but I have looked carefully at Metal Mule and the standard Yamaha system. I think it's stronger than the Yamaha system and as strong as Metal Mule.

In a big incident an Aluminum pannier will twist or buckle. As these cases will not break it is intended for it to come away from the frame at the lock.

So if you are unlucky and have a big incident at least all your stuff is still in a case so you can somehow strap that to your bike and get home.

Something has to give but I suspect its going to take a big incident ..

Wow - thanks for biting the bullet Scottnet - please keep us updated with how it's all working out...

Have you tried the bike with the luggage full yet?

I must say, the 35l cases look bigger (in the pictures) than I imagined, and I see what you mean about lowering them slighty, although I guess you are limited by the SWM racks?

I must say, I am tempted with some hard luggage for general traveling, but I can't help wondering if it would be a liability off-road (and boy, have I been doing some of that recently!)

xxx

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"Where we're going, we don't need roads..."

JennyDakar.com

I would not try and lower the frames. The cases can be lowered by max 20mm by drilling them higher, but as for handling I don't think its going to make a significant difference. On the other hand higher gives you more clearance.

Have not tried them with weight yet but having compared the position to the MM panniers, the Caribou cases are slightly more central and lower on the bike so they should carry the weight better or just as well as MM.

The good thing about using them off road is that if you have a base and want to go off road for the day the frames come off in a minute..

Having had a closer look at the fitting of the frame the left side fits perfectly but the right side is not perfect. I suspect this is one of the frame struts not having been welded on straight. I am speaking to SW to see if this is a design or manufacture issue.

I will let you know

I think you are an avid enough off-road rider, riding with hard luggage would be a matter of getting used to it. Initially it would be a liability, perhaps the number of falls (and lifting up the bike) would double as you have had on your trip. During the transition, you may be more cautious in terms of choosing the route, you may think about traveling with a buddy, strategizing how to lift up the fallen bike, and yes it would be somewhat inhibiting to your 'freedom' of movement. At the end, you probably won't think about it anymore, then you will just ride to nowheresville away from civilization with your belongings that are sufficient to make you self-sufficient no matter where you are. That's an added freedom. Then again, if you can find and are happy with a 'base' wherever you go, then riding unloaded is thrilling.