Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Daniel Rintz, Himba children, Namibia

The only impossible journey
is the one
you never begin

Photo by Daniel Rintz,
Himba children, Namibia



Reply
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 31 May 2013
sander.en.marianne's Avatar
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Posts: 10
Trax Pannier probs, how to solve (in Africa)?

We are experiencing some issues with our SW Motech Trax panniers. They leak!
After laying (no crashes or hard falls) the bike down a couple of times, they are not waterproof anymore.
We knew before we left that these panniers weren't the most well constructed panniers. And we reinforced them. But it doesn't really help. Even with silicone applied they still are leaking.
So now we are looking for a more permanent solution, which doesn't involve waterproof liner bags or wrapping stuff in plastic garbage bags. In other words how knows a place where we can get a proper set of panniers? Right now we are in Ghana, heading towards South Africa.
Thanks for any help!
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 1 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2005
Location: Calgary AB
Posts: 1,032
I hate to be the bearer of bad news but my experience is that 'all' panniers leak. I've had metal mule's and touratech ones. I've made my own as well which luckily didn't leak but they lead an easy life, relatively.

By then I didn't rely on the panniers for water proofness anymore. Best thing is to try and get decent roll closure bags for the items like clothes and sleeping bag that can't get wet.

If you know where the crack is you can use heaps of 2 part epoxy on the inside.

For waterproofing you're better off with soft bags like ortlieb or wolfman. But even then I never rely on that. Once bitten...
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 1 Jun 2013
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: Australia
Posts: 1,131
I've used a pair of pelican 1550s .. there are still waterproof.. but they will flex if given enough load - like a fall at 50mph into deep soft sand .. found heaps of sand inside after that... but they don't leak after that in subsequent rain/water.

Having said that .. I still use waterproof stuff sacks inside them for anything I want to stay dry. The principle is - if one thing fails you need a backup for critical stuff. These should be different colours so you can tell what bag you are picking up - pants and shirts in one, toilet paper in another etc.

Inorder for your al bags to leak there must be a seam/hole/cut somewhere. Sealing it with silastic should work I'd go over your bag again and remove as much of the old silastic as possible (use a knife), Then clean/roughen it with scotchbrite and reapply fresh siastic. Do that on both inside and outside - should keep most of it out. Put it in a bathtub if you want to test it.
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 1 Jun 2013
Titbird's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Back in Europe
Posts: 181
I siliconed mine and they were pretty waterproof after that. Are they leaking at the plastik cornerpieces? I think that with carefull preparation you can get them reasonable dry. The only big motorbike shop between Ghana and Namibia is Toni Togo (KTM).
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 6 Jun 2013
Xander's Avatar
Super Moderator
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: Aug 2006
Location: Back Down Under (WA)
Posts: 562
I think you are going to have to wait till you are in Namibia or SA to actually buy anything.

HOWEVER. when we were in Accra, my panniers (homemade ... did not leak) had a lock come loose, I just found a local welder hand he help me fashion some new locks. I have kept em even though we are back home they work that well. Better then the commercial one i had on.

So to fix your problem you should be able to find some silicone calk and some of the rubber tubbing to seal your edged in the local market. They are great at bodging and fixing what you need down there . So find a local metal worker and talk to em.. I had a great afternoon working with them (and then showing them how bad of a welder i am...)

Good luck.. let me know if you need it and i will try and find the name of the welder.. If i ever got it..
Cheers
xander
__________________
2000 Africa Twin
http://two-up-ona-twin.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 26 Apr 2014
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
 
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Nairobi Port Alfred London
Posts: 210
pick-up (Bakkie) Liner the spray on Polyeurathane stuff, goes under various brand names, but it virtually indestructible. and definitely waterproof.

in reality just use waterproof bags inside the panniers
Reply With Quote
Reply


Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts

BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On


Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Africa - Best and Worst Awards rupertu Ride Tales 7 20 Jul 2016 09:53
East Africa Motorcycle Purchase and Paperwork Logistics misterfeathers Trip Paperwork 3 20 Apr 2016 11:14
From zero to Zambia: A learner about Africa Riders for Health Ride Tales 0 22 Mar 2013 13:13
Africa Beyond Aid documentary. Overland switzerland to the cape africabeyondaid 4 Wheels Travel Reports 0 16 Feb 2013 01:37
Kenya to South Africa: teaming up with another rider to get around import issues. davidsuk sub-Saharan Africa 11 9 Aug 2012 15:26

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now
, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.




All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:51.