Construction

How Brooks Aluminum Cases Are Built

Hard luggage earns its money on the day the bike goes over. Everything below is the construction specification Brooks publishes for its aluminum panniers and top cases — no marketing adjectives added.

The Anatomy

Six Things That Decide Whether A Case Survives

2 mm aluminum wall, stainless steel rivet construction
3 mm aluminum bottom panel
Stainless steel hinge
Case mouth reinforced with a 2 mm steel strip
Bolted-on corner and bottom edge protection
Rapid trap mount — on and off without unlocking the case

Specification

Case Build In Detail

2 mm aluminum wall

The case walls are 2 mm thick aluminum, riveted with stainless steel.

3 mm aluminum bottom

The floor of the case steps up to 3 mm — the panel that takes the abuse on a drop.

Stainless steel hinge

A professional motorcycle case hinge, made of stainless steel.

2 mm reinforced case mouth

The case mouth uses enhanced strips made of 2 mm thick steel, which greatly improves the strength of the case and its resistance to a fall.

Bolted-on corner and edge protection

Heavy duty protective corners and bottom edge are bolted on, so a scraped corner is a replaceable part rather than a scrapped case.

Rapid trap mount system

The rapid trap system lets you install or remove the whole case quickly and easily, without having to open it, unlock it, turn it or take it off.

Waterproof and dustproof

Nylon strips for body and lip are integral injection moldings with a sealing function. Numerous tests prove Brooks cases have the greatest strength and are fully waterproof and dustproof.

Anodized or powder coated finish

Cases ship in an anodized aluminum finish or a powder coated black finish.

Racks

What Carries The Cases

A pannier is only as steady as the rack under it. Brooks side racks and top case racks share one specification across every fitment.

2 mm thick tubing
Made of 18 mm diameter stainless steel
Available in electro-polished or powder coated black finish
Light but sturdy
Easy to install

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Capacity

The Numbers That Matter

35–41 LPer pannier

40 LTop case

22 lbsTop case payload

38–39.25"Width mounted

Left and right panniers are usually different volumes — the exhaust side case is cut down to clear the pipe. Each product page lists both figures. The top case fits one full size helmet and has stainless steel eyelets for lashing extra luggage on top.

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FAQ

Construction Questions

Answers taken straight from how Brooks ships, fits and backs its luggage.

How thick is the aluminum+–

2 mm on the walls and 3 mm on the bottom, riveted with stainless steel.

Are the cases actually waterproof+–

Brooks specifies the cases as waterproof and dustproof. Nylon strips for the body and lip are integral injection moldings with a sealing function, and numerous tests are cited for strength and sealing.

What happens when I drop the bike+–

The heavy duty protective corners and bottom edge are bolted on, so they can be replaced rather than writing off the case. The case mouth is reinforced with a 2 mm steel strip specifically to improve resistance to a fall.

Can I take the cases off quickly+–

Yes. The rapid trap system lets you install or remove the whole case quickly, without having to open it, unlock it, turn it or take it off.

What finishes are available+–

Anodized aluminum, or a powder coated black finish. Racks come electro-polished or powder coated black.

What are the racks made of+–

18 mm diameter stainless steel in 2 mm thick tubing — light but sturdy and easy to install.

How do I place an order+–

Call (408) 658-6810 to order by credit card with a representative, or email with the product name and code plus your bike model and year.

What is the return policy+–

All returns need prior authorization. The item must be returned within 14 days of the arrival date, in original condition and never installed. The purchase price is refunded; shipping and handling fees are not refundable.

Talk To Brooks

Want The Spec For One Particular Set

Every product page carries the full published specification for that part. Or just call and ask.

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