Plastic Panniers were a major breakthrough for pannier systems.

The advantages over the first leather panniers were considerable and those benefits hold true today. Plastic is very durable , as well as lightweight. Less expensive to manufacture than Aluminium, Plastic systems provide a strong, durable, lower cost alternative. Almost any shape and contour can be created to conform to any motorcycle and give a custom fit . Plastic Panniers are available from a wide variety of Manufacturers, in a wide variety of styles. Krauser, Givi, Caribou, Hepco Becker are all quality aftermarket systems. BMW continues to offer high quality factory pieces for all of their motorcycles. Almost all Original Equipment Manufacturers(O.E.M.) make a system for at least one of their models. Plastic  adventure luggage is less common than normal street panniers. Hepco Becker offers adventure luggage in the traditional box style, and the Caribou Line utilises the world reknowned Pelican case for strength and durability.Nearly every Motorcycle Manufacturer makes an Adventure Motorcycle. Choosing Plastic Adventure Panniers offers great versatility, good looks, and lower costs over their metal brethren.

Motorcycle Adventure Luggage Buying Tips:

Look closely, choose wisely.

Plastic Panniers

• can break and crack on impact.
• Look for strength and durability in the case structure as well as mounting system.
• Consider more than cosmetic appearance to provide durability. Bags tend to be overpacked. Evaluate closures, latches and seals to determine how a case will hold up to everyday use.
• Crashes and tip overs are real world occurences. Plastic Panniers should be able to absorb these impacts and continue to function.
• Consider both system capacity as well as overall system width when choosing your system. This is especially important for commuting riders who must "filter" through typical rush hour traffic.A good general rule is to keep system width inside the handle bar width.
• Locking and attachment systems are more important than ever ,around the corner or around the world. The ability to remove the case from the motorcyle without opening the pannier is a major convenience. Unloading contents for case removal is a major pain and one you should avoid. Full latching and attachment without locking is also a handy feature. How easily a bag removes and installs are major considerations. Key Lock systems that allow for a single key to secure all mounts and all case locks are a must.
• Keeping contents dry and clean is a priority for any Pannier System. Few systems can assure absolute Waterproofing. If a case isn't airtight,it isn't watertight. If a case can distort, waterproofing becomes impossible. Latching, sealing and durability are all ingredients in acheiving and maintaining waterproof capability. Consider more than "showroom" waterproofing. Real world use can change a panniers abilities to keep out water.