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Why Aluminium Panniers ?

Aluminium Panniers have become the standard Adventure Pannier in many minds primarily through the efforts of the  folks at Touratech. Ewen McGregor and Charlie Boorman have only increased this awareness. Touratech, Hepco Becker, Metal Mule are all typical of the classic Aluminium Pannier. American Manufactured "Jesse Bags" take this basic box design one step further.

Micatech Adventure Luggage offers an updated, composite aproach

The question of "why Aluminium?" remains, no matter the system. Pannier Systems began with leather satchels and modernised with the introduction of the Plastic Pannier. Plastic offered light weight and high strength. It was easy to form into many styles and was relatively cheap to manufacture due to the ease of mass production.

A new breed of rider was coming.

Although Adventure Riders have always been with us since the advent of the motorcycle, the breed was growing. The BMW R80GS of Paris Dakar fame and later the R100GS  gave Adventurers the kit they needed to go anywhere. The Japanese of course, made their contributions in many forms. Ted Simon completed "Jupiters Travels" on his Triumph. A reborn Triumph would contribute the Tiger many years later, in the spirit of those adventures. 
 

A tougher, more usable utility pannier was needed.

More room, simpler closing and opening. More basic mounting as well as a more universal fitment. Aluminium boxes could be hammered back into shape after a crash or drop. Unaffected by sun or age, they didn't deform when overpacked. Aluminum wouldn't break or crack. They were a breed apart, just like the riders who used them. From the old school Touratech Box to the revolutionary Micatech System, Aluminium Panniers  scream Adventure.
 

Buying Tips:

• Look for a finished interior to any aluminium pannier.
  • If your choice does not have a finished interior, buy one. A baked on,or powder coated finish is preferred for durability. In any case, unfinished Aluminium burnishes and blackens the contents of the pannier. This is to be avoided at all costs.
• Consider your loading habits.
  • Top loading boxes offer convenient initial loading but can severely limit access once the motorcycle is fully packed. Top loaders also make it difficult to access contents as contents are stacked top to bottom. Side loading bags eliminate these problems but tend to allow spillage upon opening. If you choose a side loading Pannier,make sure it offers a deep well to eliminate spillage while offering side load access.
• Locking Panniers as well as a lockable mounting system are very important.
  • Integrated locking systems work best as they provide limited exposure to vandals and thieves. If the lock systems require you to install them, follow instructions carefully.
• If you choose a top loading pannier, make sure the lids are secure to the pannier. If this is not included, install your own system. Losing a Pannier lid is disastrous. Even if you recover it, it tends to be deformed and does not seal or latch properly. This is the voice of experience speaking.
• Give full consideration to the mounting system. Ease of removal, stability and rigidity are very important. Look for a snug, easy fit. Much of the overall weight of a Pannier system derives from the mount system. Large steel tube perimeter style frames tend to be heavy and bulky. They allow the Panniers to hang , as oposed to "fit". They also look like heavy , bulky tube frames when the panniers are removed.
• System Capacity versus bulk should be strongly considered. General rule is for the system to not exceed the width of the handlebars.
• Large Capacity and narrow width are a difficult combination that few systems are able to master. Not all Adventure rides take the Long way round. Daily Commuting can offer adventure aplenty and the ability to "filter" through traffic is no small feat on a typical adventure bike, and nearly impossible with many Aluminium Pannier Systems.
• Many desired features are additional cost options and not included in published pricing. Look at what is included and also what may need to be added have the system you actually want.
• Mount systems, locks, lid retention, interior finishes, inner straps etc. are all extra cost items on many systems.