Anyone used Hepco & Becker luggage?
 

Anyone used Hepco & Becker luggage? Is it good?

Gobi panniers yes.
I've just posted a comment about them in here:-
http://www.horizonsunlimited.com/hub...-example-77289

I like them; reasonably priced, robust, totally waterproof and dust proof. big enough (although the double skin makes them a bit "over sized").
Top opening also, which is a good design feature.
You can sit on them and they are warm compared to aluminium.

You can bash them into the bumpers of cars while maneuvering past queues etc and they look all the better for it :innocent:

I am no expert on plastics but these are made of the robust stuff not the flexible, bendy type of plastic - probably injection moulded; great eh?

Hepco & Becker in Spalding :-(
 

Thanks for the info. I'd like to look at their entire range but they're on the 'wrong' side of England for me :-(

X

i have used H&B "junior" panniers on two big trips (Germany-Nepal 25,000 km and Germany - South Africa 30,000 km). I didn't choose them over another luggage system when I bought them as they came with my bike when I bought it. However, I would be happy to take them on another trip.

Overall I would say I am happy with them. As any system they have pro and cons and you'll have to decide if they fit your riding/travelling profile. I would rate them as follows:

Pro
- indestructible: I have had multiple crashes, including one at higher speed and countless off-road "incidents" (the usual) and they are still going strong. A big advantage over aluminium is that they do not get deformed. They may bend and squeeze a big when the bike lies on them, but once youpick them up, they pop back into shape. With Aluminium I know many travellers that spend countless hours trying to bash their panniers back in shape, or in the worst case have to try and weld them (which is not easy in developing countries given that its Al)

- relatively safe for your legs: the biggest drawback of hard panniers is the danger to your leg in case of a crash, hence if you ride a lot of off-road, soft luggage is the way to go. The H&B mounting system as it turns out kind of ejects the pannier when there is too much load on the case which turns out to be very useful. Firstly it prevents serious deformation to your luggage rack or damage to the pannier, but more importantly it does not trap your leg with a risk of fracturing it

- good compromise between weight and security: they are lighter than Aluminium panniers but heavier than soft luggage, they are lockable and can be locked to the luggage frame (and quickly removed with the key). The locks look robust and mean,so confer a good level of security, probably comparable to Aluminium panniers. The quick removal option is very convenient

- reasonably waterproof: they ought to be fully waterproof by design, but over time the rubber seal as become a bit damaged so I keep very sensitive items in waterproof packsacs. Given the abuse they've seen its ok though

- easy access: side opening design makes gear easy to find

- easy to carry: handle on top makes them easy to carry if you remove them (eg when you have safety concerns), much easier to carry than top opening panniers

Con
- very bulky: they take up more space than soft luggage or aluminium due to the double wall design. Can be an issue when maneuvering in tight traffic (think India, others judging by your bikes profile not seeing the panniers and bumping into them)

- side opening: after rain or dust there is no way of opening them without crap falling into the panniers, hence the need for waterproof pacsacs inside. You will not have this issue with the Gobi style pannier

- not a perfect camp seat: due to the design (handle on top), they are a worse seat than square boxes. You will not have this issue with the "Gobi" style pannier

- safety eject: can be annoying also (although leg safety takes priority in my opinion), you probably need an extra luggage strap especially after the panniers have taken some abuse and the fit to the rack is not 100% anymore. When they have seen a lot of abuse this might become a security issue as one could remove them from the bike without the keys

- not sticker friendly: the surface of the old "junior" style pannier makes it impossible to put stickers on the pannier in a way that lasts longer than a week. This might not be your main concern ;-)

Overall I would recommend them over Aluminium style panniers in any case. For me the only decision would be soft luggage vs plastic. Don't underestimate the factor of too much weight, it seriously ruins your day, especially off-road.

I've put Xplorer panniers on my bike.

The frame was fine. Or should I say would be fine if I didn't have the Givi toprack already. Lesson learn - do not try to match side cases frames and top racks from different manufacturers. I've still fit those (not the way the manual says), but we'll see if its any durable with time.

I really like the cases - seem robust, waterproof, not too wide (I have 30lt), plenty of space. The overall width of the bike is around 90cm which is fine. I really like the top flat surface and some strap hooks there as it allows to tie a drybag on top of the pannier and it stays there.

I've had an issue with the lock to the frame right away - the round barrel just was suddenly cut off so I cannot lock the pannier to the frame anymore. The H&B promptly replied they're sending me a new barrel, but now I kind of question their security.

I think they look fabulous, and the twin wall construction actually acts as a small insulated box..... handy if like me you plan zipping into town and buying fresh and/or frozen food and getting home again before they thaw (specially as I'm in the tropics)!


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Love them!
 

We've used them since 2015 in our bikes (Xplorer 30 in Triumph, Xplorer 40 in BMW) and we are very happy. Very robust, fully waterproof and good looking, they definitely worth them.

We did a review on our website if you want to learn more:
https://www.bonnieandklyde.ch/equipement-motos