Metal Mule and Stahlkoffer Pannier review
I have so far had two Luggage systems for my bike so I thought I would put down my thoughts on both.
Stahlkoffer Citykoffer
First I brought a set of Stahlkoffers, 33L and 30L Panniers. The smaller pannier going on the exhaust side. Delivery was prompt and I had spent a fair bit of time talking to bernie on the phone before buying.
The pannier frames were a tight fit, fitting nicely around the exhaust and rear fuel tank. It was also easy to install as well as all the nuts and bolts that were supplied being of good quality.
Not long after fitting them I packed up the bike with my wife on the back and went off to yorkshire for a week away. The panniers were an ideal size for the 650GS twin. Whilst you had to pack light I found this not a problem and the 31 and 33 litre combo suited the bike well.
I also did a few solo camping trips a found there to be plenty of room to carry all the gear I required in just the panniers. No need for a role back or top box. I also did some light off roading with them on just to see how they handled the rough stuff.
They Never let a drop of water in and the pannier frames did a great job off protecting the rear of my bike when I had a spill mid corner at around 40MPH. Certainly a pannier system that you can depend on.
I changed from these however because I found the attachment system troublesom as well as experiencing problems with the quality of finish on the pannier frames.
The pannier is locked to the frame by a bar and a pad lock. Once the pannier is fitted to the frame you pass the bar through hole on the pannier which lines up with the frame. This was not to much of a problem in good weather but during fould weather and in poor light it became annoying. It also led to a rattle from the boxes as the fit was metal on metal.
I also experienced problem with quality of finish both on the pannier frames and panniers themself. Stahlkoffer took them frames back to re-coat them free of charge. I have come across many owners who hasn't had any trouble with the quality of the finish and gets on with the attachment system. So this may be a one off problem.
but I still wasn't happy and wanted something a little bigger and with a quick release system.
Metal Mule Balanced system
I changed to Metal Mule about 4 months before I was lucky enought to work for the company for a year. I was vey nervous as the system I changed to cost around £1500.
I fitted a balanced system which involved fitting a Metal Mule exhaust so I could fit 2x38L Max panniers.
Once again the fit was excellent as we as being easy to install. The panniers mout to the frame using the Q-fit system. You can take the panniers of in second by lifting a lever. There is rubber mounting blocks on the pannier so there was no rattle on the road.
I did various trips, two up and solo. The panniers could carry more than I required, often only being 3/4 packed. They also were 100% waterproof.
I changed from the Metal Mule luggage system as I found with the panniers loaded and two up that the bike was hard to handle. I feel that the 31L max pannier would suit the bike better. However I was also not happy with the position of the panniers on the bike.
On reflection the Metal Mule panniers were too big for the bike, the stahlkoffer pannier being a lot more suited to the bike.
I have no changed to two 33L Givi trekkers as this still has a quick release system and I prefer the looks of these. Once I have had them on the bike for a while I shall let you know how I get on with them.
tho (ie open and lock from the front and the rear)
I had to have two crew men lift the bike clear.I decided after that to use Pelican cases,tough as f**k and a lot bloody slimmer plus with a bit of thought I could get the same amount of stuff in them that I used to put in the tins.
