Long Dirt Tracks

Luggage Systems – the ‘Brad’ way

There are many different luggage system to choose from. Due to extensive time spent reading manufacturer’s data, forums and product review sites, I have been well guided towards the purchase that I am now thrilled with. Before I decided upon which system to invest in, I considered the following factors:

- Cost. How much the missus let me get away with?…. This has been a common question I’ve asked myself over the past 3 mths. To tell you the truth, sometimes I feel like the luckiest bloke on a bike, ’cause she doesn’t hassle me about it. Double income, no kids, no mortgage…. “ah good times”

- Toughness. The system would have to put up with me dropping the bike constantly and last for long time to justify the dollars spent.

- Function. The system would have to function well. Simple and easy, yet able to suit my adventure touring needs and final function for my weekly commuting needs.

- Aesthetics. Although never to be out do function, a luggage system can ruin the whole look and feel of any bike. The last thing anyone wants is to spend a couple of thousand clams on a piece of gear you hate the look of and choose to not use as much as the better looking option. To me, riding motorcycle is all about the experience it gives you. Never underestimate the look and feel of your experience, its why we ride motorcycle in the first place.

Finally the factor of which material, construction type, size, fixing to bike mechanism, have to be decided based on the above categories.

After much thought, I decided on the Pelican case setup from Caribou Cases. I found Roger from Caribou Cases helpful and well mannered. Just waiting for delivery now.

Reasons for my purchase are:

- Toughest system available. All metal based systems dent and have to be fastened during fabrication, usually via welded. Although tough enough at time of purchase, box constructions have areas prone to weakness and compromise water and dust proofing. Although some (very expensive system) are much tougher than others, but at the end of the day metal bends and never goes back the same. Thats just physics.

- Function is simple, yet effective and versitile. Although many people prefer the top load system, the carribou case offering side load have optional soft inner bags which do the same as top load and are great for removing all items from the bike in under 10 secs. The ease of unclipping case from the bike had me sold. also under 10 secs. For general commuting between home/work/etc, I intend on keeping the secured top box on the bike using it as a daily brief case and/or pillion back rest.

- Although I think the zega system from Touratech best look the place for the adventure/enduro riding, the black plastic cases are not far off and suit the black theme of the F800GS well.

- Finally, the cost of the caribou system out shines all other quality systems.

Considering the caribou’s toughness and function it was the obvious choice. With that said, I’m glad Matt has gone with the Zega’s for 2 reasons:

1. Having different systems will present a point of difference with respect to product reviewing during our trip(s) and….

2. Whilst riding, Matt generally is the lead rider due to my average navigation skills, so I get to look at his bike and the better looking Zegas more than he does.

Brad

http://cariboucases.com