Pelican Panniers

Waterproof, lockable storage.  Isn't that what all motorcycle riders really want?  I recently added the Happy Trails SU Side Racks, perfect for mounting my throwover Cortech bags.  But, sometimes you need to lock things up, and also need to be 100% waterproof.

PELICAN CASES
In a nutshell, bullet proof.  One of the best products I have come across.  These cases come in all different sizes and are used for all different types of applications.  Dual Sport motorcyclists have figured out that they make great panniers and top boxes.  I have had one on my luggage rack since summer that I use to lock up my valuables when out riding.  I have been researching different hard case setups - aluminum panniers made by all different companies, ammo boxes modified, Givi boxes, etc.  In the end, I just love the Pelican cases.  They are light, durable, lockable, and waterproof.  And, they "look" like they belong on a dual sport bike - let's face it, it's just not right to get to fancy - after all we are still riding street legal dirt bikes right?

MOUNTING OPTIONS
Choosing the cases was the easy part - I went with 1550's.  Figuring out how I wanted to mount them was difficult.  Some people hard mount them permanantly.  I did not want to do that.  I don't plan to keep these on the bike all the time.  I just don't need the storage, and like to stay as "light" as possible when I go offroad.  I will probably only use these for shopping trips, overnights, or maybe commuting to work.  Day rides I will leave them at home.  So, I decided I wanted a quick release system.  Pelican cases are so popular as Panniers that there are company's that actually make mounting systems for them - but,they are expensive, and frankly, you can get all the right hardware at the hardware store for a fraction of the cost.  So, I stopped by Lowe's one night - with a pretty good idea of what I wanted to do, and picked up a few items.  My system is very simple. I fabricated an aluminum bracket on the backside/bottom of each case that sits on the bottom of the side rack that holds the weight of the case.  They sit on the bottom of the rack on a pin that keeps them in place.  Then, the case is held to the top of the rack by a threaded carriage bolt, and a plastic threaded T-knob type handle on the inside (making it difficult - if not impossible to remove without gaining access to the inside of the case).

THE FINISHED PRODUCT
I am very happy with how this turned out.  They can come off the bike in about 10 seconds, and I can interchange the right side case as a top box if I ever need one that's a little larger.  I put some reflective tape on the boxes to dress them up a little and also for safety reasons.   I also added small bungee cords on the inside to keep the lids from dropping down to their hinge stops.  I look forward to trying these out sometime on an overnight.

Making a New Riding Friend

I have been trying to get together with Kerry King since the week I got my KLR last year.  He has 5 kids and is a Doctor, so he is very busy like me - not to mention he lives 30 min south.  He also had Knee Surgery last year which kept him off the bike for several months.  Well, we finally got together and enjoyed meeting each other, chatting about bikes at Starbucks, and riding in the mountains on a beautiful day.  Temps were 55 (39 when we left) and the sun was in and out of the clouds. We made my usual stops at Riders Hill, and had lunch at Two Wheels Only.

Here are a few picks of Kerry's KLR - he purchased it used from a guy who had done all the major performance mods including the Progressive rear shock and spring.  Kerry did this light set up - I may do this mod - they really make the bike more visible even in the daytime.  He also hard wired connections for his heated jacket and gloves.  In all, a very nice KLR.  He also has a KLX 250 - which are very popular around here for serious single track trail riding.  I am not sure when we will be able to ride together again - he is having shoulder surgery in early January (the price you pay for an active lifestyle he says).