|
17 May 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 110
|
|
"Gobi" panniers
Hallo bikers,
Would like to know if anyone out there owns ore has experience with the hepco becker "Gobi" panniers/topcase and if they are as practical and tough as is said in promotion bla
thanks,
Dan
|
17 May 2007
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
I got some Gobi enduros with my last bike (Elefant 750) - I then went on a bit of a jaunt, but when the tarmac ran out and the sand started the frames quickly disintegrated, the boxes looked like they would rip open and got ratchet strapped shut every day. Only one bolt in the rack didn't shear and it split into three when I took it off the bike.
Basically I wouldn't rate them for anything other than normal road riding
|
17 May 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Nov 2006
Location: Spain
Posts: 110
|
|
Go-bee or not go-bee
Thanks henryuk,
better stick with soft or alu.
cheers mate,
Dan
|
17 May 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Denmark
Posts: 140
|
|
I was actually considering these for my XT660R. I'm not any more.
This is why this forum is so great. Hands-on experience counts for so much more. Thanks Henryuk.
|
17 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
|
|
The plastic cases themselves are pretty well indestructable, and the steel racks (as fitted to the KTM950) are also very strong. Unfortunately the box is secured to the rack with a single lock, which is not strong enough for off-road use. After a few drops the metal plate the latch is rivetted to distorts, and soon after that the latch breaks off.
I rode back from Morocco with them held in place by ratchet straps, and i'm currently working on some more substantial mounting brackets to fix to the back of the boxes.
The H&B metal boxes use the same mounting system, so share the same problems.
|
17 May 2007
|
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Sheffield
Posts: 994
|
|
They must have some consistency issues, the locks were the only thing on mine that didn't break!!
I would agree that the plastic is very hard to break in a fall but I found that mine stretched and distorted over the thousands of little jolts so the seals were virtually useless after a few 100 miles of corrugated track.
Mine were pretty full, as I imagine yours will be, so opening from the side can be a real pain if you just need something quickly, and opening them for customs searches was hilarious - 'Open this for me', 'I'd really rather not' - now suspicious customs officer now makes me open them at which point my folded funnel insists on unfolding at speed and creates a mini luggage bomb, neatly spreading tools, clutch plates, spare cables and dirty socks. They only ever made me open one.
|
18 May 2007
|
Registered Users
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Vancouver Island
Posts: 6
|
|
The Gobis I had on my old 950 were more robust than some other brands, but the double wall construction limits interior space and they are HEAVY. I think empty bags and the rack are in the order of 35lbs. The other issue is that if a rivet goes on the latch mechanism, it's through plastic. Good luck repairing it. You'll be finishing a trip with bungee cords. At least aluminum can be riveted or tack welded. I'll only ever have soft dry bags on an adventure bike now. My .02 !
__________________
"If everything seems under control, you're just not going fast enough." - Mario Andretti. -
|
18 May 2007
|
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: Sheffield, UK
Posts: 226
|
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by henryuk
so opening from the side can be a real pain .
|
Sounds like we're talking about different panniers - the Gobis are grey in colour and the lid is on the top:
|
18 May 2007
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Aug 2001
Location: Oslo, Norway
Posts: 521
|
|
This is not good news at all. I just bought a Guzzi Quota with the Hepco Becker rack mounted, but no panniers. I thought I'd buy either the Gobi or the alu panniers - but it seems like it is my system that may be the problem (locks etc).
In any case I'll try the alu cases and try to mod the lock so it won't fail after a round trip on corrugated "roads".
BTW: Is it possible to fit other case brands to a H&B rack? Like I have been told you can interchange Givi and Kappa?
|
25 Jun 2007
|
Contributing Member
New on the HUBB
|
|
Join Date: Jun 2005
Location: London
Posts: 18
|
|
I slid on the road and the plastic outer wall was holed straight off. The metal latch plate bent and snapped and the whole plastic round cornery shape was impossible to bungee securely on to the back rack as a temporary measure. And like Henry says, they are really heavy before you've put anything in them, the double skinned water carrying capacity is just a gimmick
Quote:
Originally Posted by MarkLG
The plastic cases themselves are pretty well indestructable, and the steel racks (as fitted to the KTM950) are also very strong. Unfortunately the box is secured to the rack with a single lock, which is not strong enough for off-road use. After a few drops the metal plate the latch is rivetted to distorts, and soon after that the latch breaks off.
I rode back from Morocco with them held in place by ratchet straps, and i'm currently working on some more substantial mounting brackets to fix to the back of the boxes.
The H&B metal boxes use the same mounting system, so share the same problems.
|
|
17 Aug 2008
|
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
|
|
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: California
Posts: 880
|
|
Ah, there must be a reason they are only £299 a pair... looks like I've found it...
It's a real shame, because I think they'd look great on my new 660 Tenere (the grey plastic would match the fairing protectors x)...
Guess I'll stick with my Wolfman for now...
xxx
|
Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
Next HU Events
ALL Dates subject to change.
2025 Confirmed Events:
- Virginia: April 24-27 2025
- Queensland is back! May 2-4 2025
- Germany Summer: May 29-June 1 2025
- CanWest: July 10-13 2025
- Switzerland: Date TBC
- Ecuador: Date TBC
- Romania: Date TBC
- Austria: Sept. 11-14
- California: September 18-21
- France: September 19-21 2025
- Germany Autumn: Oct 30-Nov 2 2025
Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!
Questions about an event? Ask here
See all event details
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.
"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™ 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!
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.
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.
|
|
|