Zoned out? Are you American?


Hard boxes don't mean safety. Sure, sometimes when you fall, they may protect you ... BUT ... as often as not, a leg or foot gets caught under a box. Not a pretty picture. Many many riders have broke legs and ankles this way.

What you haven't brought up is the bike your riding and the sort of riding you intend. There is now a STRONG consensus that if you're doing a lot of riding OFF ROAD on smaller, lighter bike then soft panniers are The Way.

If you never intend to explore off road ... or very rarely ... then Hard Boxes are just fine. They give the illusion of security and ARE convenient in some ways.

Hard bag users tend to Over load their bikes ... as hard boxes allow that. Also, consider the added weight that Ted brought up. Not only the weight of the empty boxes, but the weight of racks and all the hardware. It's substantial.

On a R1200GS, not a big deal. On a 400cc to 650cc bike, more of an issue.
Off road too much weight is a disaster waiting to happen.

In your first post you asked about detachable boxes. They ALL detach. You thought it would be convenient for carrying into your room. Yes, it is.
But do what the Pros do ... use bag liners, fit them in your boxes. All contents goes into liners.

When you arrive, simply open box, grab liner straps and walk away. After a long, hard day, this is a MUCH better way.
Boxes are heavy and sometimes a PITA to detach/reattach. Leave empty boxes on bike. In the AM simply slip liner bags back into boxes. Done, ready to ride.