Hepco & Becker Xplorer Panniers for XRV750
 

Hi everyone,

Have been looking a getting some panniers and top box for my bike as I recently upgraded to a Honda Africa Twin....looked at tourateck and metalmule...looked is all I did....a bit on the expensive side...I like the idea of hard luggage vs soft luggage and I like the look of the new xplorer cases that Hepco & Becker have in there new 2009 catalogue and the different accessories that come with them...I looked at the Gobi versions too but at the moment im 90% on the xplorer....I got a price off the local supplier and the rates were as follows

Top Box 45 Litre 275 euros

30 Litre Panniers 285 euros per case

40 Litre Panniers 295 euros per case

Racks for Panniers 195 euros

when added up this comes to quite a bit....has anyone used these cases and how did you find them, i like the way they say on the brochure "may absorb any shock"....mmm....or has anyone got the same cases at a better price than above....any feedback would be great...

thanks

Will

I haven't used the Explorers yet but other (plastic) H&B boxes.

In my opinion the advantage (or disadvantage, depends on how you see it) is that the boxes come off in a crash, not only the plastic ones, it is related to the attachment of the boxes and that seems to be the same with all H&B boxes (I have also seen the H&B Alu Standard panniers coming off in minor crashes).
The good thing is that the boxes won't break easily, not even the plastic ones, because they don't absorb the whole shock when they come off. Downside is they won't protect your legs. But then they won't injure your leg either by trapping it.
Matter or preference really...

PS: They seem to stay on in falls or (very) low speed tumbles, so they can't be nicked by simply pushing the bike over.

cheers for the feedback

from going thro the various threads on the H&B panniers that seems to be the common issue the attachment to the rails and if its better that they come off or stay on if and when the bike goes over, ill keep searching around to see if i find any more info on them......have you any opinion on suitable size for panniers....they only offer 30 and 40 litre panniers and nothing smaller ie 20 litre....i know the more space i have the more crap ill bring dont want to be overloaded might take the fun out of it and put a lot of presure on the rails which i think are a little lighter than the touratech or metal mule versions 15mm instead or 18mm i think....i might wait untill that dvd is ready "on the road" might be some good info there regarding pannier size i have the "get ready" one and it was a good insight to whats involved...