Caribou Cases - Ducati.ms

BKVR6 · Feb 2nd, 2012, 6:41 pm

Planning a long trip this summer and wanted to get some panniers.

Looked at the Touratech Panniers and was leaning that way when I came across the Caribou Cases.

Since Caribou doesn't make the rack for our Multis I purchased the SW-Motech racks to go with the cases.

Install of the SW-Motech racks was easy with all necessary parts and instructions. Couldn't even get through a beer during the install. Nicest part of the racks is that they are attached with 1/4 turn screws so they will come off and on easily. There is a kit to replace the 1/4 turn screws with regular bolts that I will use for the long tour for security and added stability.

The cases are standard Pelican cases that have been drilled for locks and mounting hardware. I got the 35L cases. Originally wanted the 36L but the 35's will do. From my research the 36L won't add any extra width to the bike. They are just a little longer.

Again the install was easy without to many issues. Things are a little tight with the securing knob and the rear rack. With the cases on the rear assembly was a little loose with the flex in the Multi rear fender. The SW-Motech rack has a bracket that attaches to the rear fender just behind the license plate. I put a washer in each of the bolts that attach the fender under the passenger seat and that stabilized the rack and panniers.

Took it out for a test ride and everything is good. No noticeable change in the ride. Of course this is with the panniers empty.

With everything on the overall width of the cases is 37". Narrower than the bars and mirrors up front. No problems with the blinkers or stock exhaust. I let the bike sit and run getting the water temp up to about 215 about 5 minutes of running while sitting and the cases were still cool.

I also installed some Barkbusters for some protection to the bar controls. Nice and solid. Wish all the HW was black but I could always do something about that.

Roger at Caribou Cases was good to work with and provided good customer service.

OldDiavel · Feb 2nd, 2012, 8:50 pm

Great writeup and the Caribou Cases look good on your white Multi. The cases look like they sit higher on the bike than the OEM cases; is that true?

BKVR6 · Feb 2nd, 2012, 9:53 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by OldDiavel

Great writeup and the Caribou Cases look good on your white Multi. The cases look like they sit higher on the bike than the OEM cases; is that true?

I haven't compared them side by side but it looks like the Caribous are just a little bit higher.

Sock Monkey · Feb 2nd, 2012, 11:54 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKVR6

Planning a long trip this summer and wanted to get some panniers.

Looked at the Touratech Panniers and was leaning that way when I came across the Caribou Cases.

Since Caribou doesn't make the rack for our Multis I purchased the SW-Motech racks to go with the cases.

You don't happen to have the Ducati top box and mounting plate do you? I've heard that the DP top box mounts aren't compatible with the SW Motech racks. Specifically, the bars that attach under the DP mounting plate (to support the added weight of the top box) are what interfere. I'd love to know if this is true......

Thanks!
-SM

TB-Racing · Feb 3rd, 2012, 12:03 am

G'Day,

Very nice clean looking setup, need my Termi system first to take some measurements and looks like your setup will work with a Termi exhaust system.

BKVR6 · Feb 3rd, 2012, 3:30 pm

I don't have the top case.

I can see where the SW-Motech and the top case rack could have a problem. The Top bracket on the SW-Motech rack uses the front two mounting holes on the rear rack. I don't know how the top case rack mounts but it might be as simple as adding a spacer to the rear holes to level it out with the fronts.

I can get a pick of how the rack mounts to the bike to give you a better idea.

TB

If there is room for the full system that would be cool. Might be worth adding some heat shielding to the case if it is close.

Sock Monkey · Feb 3rd, 2012, 4:37 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKVR6

I don't have the top case.

I can see where the SW-Motech and the top case rack could have a problem. The Top bracket on the SW-Motech rack uses the front two mounting holes on the rear rack. I don't know how the top case rack mounts but it might be as simple as adding a spacer to the rear holes to level it out with the fronts.

I can get a pick of how the rack mounts to the bike to give you a better idea.

That would be awesome.

I've been looking to add the SW-Motech side racks to my bike for added space when camping (pop off top case, plop my Wolfman Alpha on the top-case rack, and strap my Wolfman Expeditions to the side racks), but so far all I've heard from SW-Motech is "it won't work", but not WHY it won't work. Maybe the problem just needs a bigger hammer....that seems to solve lots of other problems.....

-SM

TB-Racing · Feb 3rd, 2012, 6:45 pm

Quote:

Originally Posted by BKVR6

If there is room for the full system that would be cool. Might be worth adding some heat shielding to the case if it is close.

G'Day,

Yes, thought about heat shielding as well. Picking my full Termi system up in April during a business trip to Singapore. Bikes and parts cost an arm and a leg here in ML China......

Will get in touch later on once I have the Termi installed and can take some measurements.

BKVR6 · Feb 3rd, 2012, 8:48 pm

Here are 2 images of the piece that connects to the top rack.

It is one piece that goes under the stock piece and two tabs come up to connect it to the stock bolt holes.

Top shot:

Right side tab:

Bigger hammer, vice grips, JB Weld a little duct tape and black spray paint and you are set.

Hope this gives you an idea.

Sock Monkey · Feb 3rd, 2012, 11:32 pm

Thanks!

Could I trouble you for one more shot? The DP top box mounting plate is supported by 2 braces that run from the bottom of the plate to the unused mounting bolts in the rear wheel well. A shot looking up at that area, like the one I've attached, would be very telling.

Thanks again!

-SM