hepco-becker or givi

[tigerwoods]

hello,

which is better, hepco-becker or givi?

not sure which as i am in unchartered territory?

your comments are welcome.

 

[Steve Peake]

Hi tigerwoods,

I've just switched to a Hepco&Becker topcase (45 litre Junior), after years with a Givi box (E50 Maxia).

Although I'm noticing the smaller size occasionally, the H&B is much squarer than the Givi, so a lot easier to pack.

Don't know how the H&B rack will stand up to the elements yet (only had it 3 weeks), but Givi stuff I've had previously was very badly finished - paint bubbled and flaked (just like a BMW fork brace, so at least it matched the bike!)

H&B box feels much sturdier than the Givi. Also, H&B fasteners easier to use - Givi uses a weird system which is difficult to explain to pillion, so there's no chance of them getting your sidestand plate out whilst you hold the bike up on a soggy rally field.

Slight negatives on the H&B is the number of locks - two have to be unlocked to open the case, with another one underneath the case to lock it to the rack. Don't know how long this 3rd one will function, as it gets covered in crap. Givi locks feel better - key locates itself, H&B key needs to be centred in the lock.

My Givi box (and others I've seen) all rattle on the rack. The H&B is solidly mounted to the rack.

Also consider exclusivity - Jap bikes all have Givi luggage, and you don't want to associate with those sorts, do you?

As you might have gathered, I much prefer the H&B case. I'm just about to order a pair of H&B panniers, so can give you an idea of those in a week or so.

cheers

Steve

 

[tigerwoods]

steve,

yes let me know when u have them on.

thanks.

 

[MikeO]

I have no experience of H&B panniers, but I'd suggest you have a good look at the thickness of the paint on the rails, as the paint finish on H&B crashbars is very thin and easily scratched.

No other build quality problems, but I'd advise you to get them painted before fitting if they are similarly finished.

Mike

 

[Elvin]

I have just got the full set of H&B 'Gobi' panniers and topbox. Overall I am seriously chuffed. The quality of the build in both the boxes and the rails is excellent. When fitting there was not so much as a mm out.

If I had any critisism it would be with the moulding of the topbox, on mine there is evidence of a slight run/ bad mould but when I checked back with Motobins, who have been really excellent to deal with by the way, great service, I was told that all three others in stock were identical to mine. I'm not fussed, the panniers are perfect.

My money would be with the H&B.

Hope this helps.

 

[Steve Peake]

Now have H&B panniers fitted.

First set of rails had to go back - one of the mounting points was around an inch out of position.

Motobins service is excellent - they organised a collection the same day I rang, and then phoned me to discuss the problems I'd had, before sending me another set of rails on overnight delivery.

Second set of rails did go on, but only after modifying the LHS - was a lot closer than the first set, but the front top mounting point was still out. After a large hammer and a pipe wrench, they are now fitted.

Don't let this sway you towards Givi - the last mounting hardware I had from them had to be hacksawed to fit properly.

Haven't used the panniers yet, but they look excellent - loads more useable space compared to the BMW cases I had previously.

Steve

 

[Trevor S]

I can't comment on which is better but I do have H&B topbox and panniers. Two thumbs up from me. I have used GIVI in the past on my Ducati.

The H&B panniers are great. The top box is a to flimsy for serious off road use IMO but I use it all the time for on road.

I have used the panniers through thousands of k's of unsealed roads, they also endured a crash and they are still going. At 80km/hr skidding down the road on the RHS the latch holding it to the bike broke (kind of like a fuse, it's the weakest point which IMO is a good thing), I used some tie wire to put it back on and pop riveted a new latch on when I got home.

 

[Dick Dastardly]

Hey Tiger, i've had H&B fitted to mine and done some time in Ireland.

They came thro' the worst that the weather had to throw at them, and all BONE DRY inside.

Surely that is the test for panniers- Who wants to pack loads and loads only to find it's all soaked when you need it??

For me i'm chuffed with H&B

 

[Noel]

Got a set of E36 cases and wing rack2 if your interested will post it on for sale board today.