DIY motorcycle panniers

[HMP]

So on my streetbike, Buell 1125R, I have some luggage for it that I rarely put on (have a tank bag, two different tail bags, and a set of soft saddle bags, all Buell brand), but really like for taking weekend trips on her.

But Ive been thinking of rigging up some hard luggage that would be lockable and just a fun little project.

So tonight I hit the garage for a bit with a little idea in my head - get rid of the mount for the passenger pegs and put some angled aluminum on there as a bracket to mount some sort of box.

Well, I drilled my holes, cut down the aluminum etc, but I think, now, that it might not be strong enough. Its pretty thin Al, I worry about weight and vibration ripping through it over a short amount of time. So maybe angled steel is a purchase in my near future.

But then comes what to use for cases.
Ideas?
Thought about those cheap, knock-off pelicans from HF
Or cheap ammo cans (though not lockable).

But then HOW to mount so its still watertight?

Ideas?

 

[Flashpoint]

I've thought about using ammo cans on my KLR, the large ones that latch on both sides. They are heavier than most panniers though, I don't think I'd go that route without a very solid mounting system. Most Pelican types would open on the sides like a briefcase, that seems to me it would be awkward, IMO panniers need to open from the top.

 

[HMP]

I see what you mean about the awkward opening of the pelican style
but for what Im thinking about, i dont think it'd be TOO bad.
Honestly, what I want is somewhere to store my lunch on the way to work or something.
I HATE riding with a backpack. I dont like having it ON my back, get a lot sweatier that way.

I dont know, its just a thought for a cheap (under 50 bucks) project that would be useful

 

[Gator]

"But then comes what to use for cases.
Ideas?
Thought about those cheap, knock-off pelicans from HF
Or cheap ammo cans (though not lockable).

But then HOW to mount so its still watertight?

Ideas?"

 

[SPST]

Givi

 

[bkfist]

Do you want them semi-permanant or readily removable?

 

[SPST]

https://goo.gl/images/pJTdSh

 

[Goofyfoot2001]

I thought about making some for my new KLR and then just decided for $350 I can get nice solid waterproof black ones, lockable and waterproof with rack from Tusk for under $400.

 

[HMP]

Do you want them semi-permanant or readily removable?

I want to be able to remove in under 10 minutes and 4 bolts to the subframe.

I was thinking on this more today, I think I'll check out one of those fake Pelicans at HF this week or next and see how they are.
Maybe drill a few holes in the back for mounting and work from there.
I dont know.

Thinking maybe some wellnuts, which have the rubber on them, would quell some of the vibrations

I'll go out to the garage again tonight or tomorrow and mess with this more, seeing what may work

 

[bkfist]

I want to be able to remove in under 10 minutes and 4 bolts to the subframe.

I was thinking on this more today, I think I'll check out one of those fake Pelicans at HF this week or next and see how they are.
Maybe drill a few holes in the back for mounting and work from there.
I dont know.

Thinking maybe some wellnuts, which have the rubber on them, would quell some of the vibrations

I'll go out to the garage again tonight or tomorrow and mess with this more, seeing what may work

The rubberized idea on the HF boxes was my thinking, it just wouldn't be "quick disconnect".

 

[HMP]

The rubberized idea on the HF boxes was my thinking, it just wouldn't be "quick disconnect".

Well what I was messing with the other night was to remove the passenger peg brackets and have a piece I can bolt into its place.
No, not a 'quick disconnect,' but not too hard either (four 3/8" bolts)

 

[NCLivingBrit]

Didn't someone post a project like this back a ways? Maybe on the Canuckistan Society of Cuckolds?

 

[ES44AC]