I am thinking of attaching Pelican 1520 cases to Happy Trails SU side rack on a '04 DRZ400S. Less money than alum. panniers and very solid from what I hear. I question if this case might be a little long and tall (19" x 15.5" x 7.5") for the DRZ. Anyone out there have any insite on this issue?

I have also been going through the task of looking for Panniers for the DRZ, and I have decided to go with Soft Panniers.

Reasons - I will be offroad, so if I fall off I end up with sore leg, not squashed and broken leg

More Room - I can stuff things into them
Easier - If I have to remove them for one reason or another, it is easier to transport them (across rivers etc)

Just a thought

There are a few disadvantages (security and durability) but I am prepared for that...

llbaker
Maybe the link in this thread can help you in sorting out a mounting-system or purchasing his completed system (instead of inventing the wheel again).
He is appearently also selling the system in parts for DIY projects.

Don't you just love the 'new' search options?
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hubb/search.php

__________________
bart & sophie

hey

These are available too, from a company right here in little ole New Zealand, they are very good!!
http://www.ventura-bike.co.nz/englis...fitment_id=719

The Dude at Caribou has yet to design a system for the DRZ. I was told he might get around to it this winter. He's a busy guy. Nice guy. Was willing to help me out with his opinions and suggestions.

Check out the German sourced B-Bags available through Chase Harper. I've used them for several years on my SV650 and DRZ400S. They hold loads of stuff, attach securely, even for rough dirt travel, don't dent in a crash, have waterproof liners, mount/dismount in no time. I have a Pro moto billet rack on the DRZ and bolted on a couple lengths of cheap aluminum strap to keep them off the pipe.

Hey John

I dont suppose you have any photos of your bike with the mounting kit?
I would be keen to have a look

Cheers Scott

I can understand soft panniers....I know Chris Scott is a fan of soft bags.
Not sure you get more room though...guess it depends on how big your soft bags are, no?

The Pelikans 1520's are good sized (I own three of them) and Pelikans
come in all different sizes and colors. The yellow ones are cool.

I've been using Pelicans to carry high end sound recording equip for 20 years.
(NOT ON MOTORCYCLES)

They have a lifetime guarantee. Even if YOU break one....replaced free...no questions. Mine have been bashed around the world several times. The airlines have broken two hinge parts in all that time. Replaced free. Whole new bag.

Plus...Pelikans are totally...100% waterproof. They were originally designed
to work in the ocean. You can submerge them for half an hour and you won't find any leaks. I carry stuff worth $50K in them. I trust them totally.

They are NOT that secure but look it to an amateur thief. Alu bags would
be more secure going RTW.

Most hard bag systems are faster to remove and replace than soft bags. Soft bags have to be strapped down, tied, bungeed, and secured in a variety of ways typically.

Hard bags simply snap into their mounts. My GIVI bags go on in exactly 5 seconds per side. Can soft bags match that? No soft bags I have used can.
I believe the guy doing the Pelican systems has a similar snap in system.

The question was whether they are too big. Hard to say. Probably are pretty
big for a DRZ. I've seen them on GS's and some other bikes and they looked
big on those....probably a bit much for the DRZ.

And just how strong is that subframe....that would be my #1 concern.