Introduction: Motorcycle Panniers From Disposable Plastic Container

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I like to travel on my bike, but bike luggage is so expensive I decided to make my own with some disposable plastic containers I got.

They are very light, only 1,15kg (2,5lb) water resistant and the best part is I spent only a few bucks on them.

Step 1: Getting the Containers and Getting Them Ready

I got these containers for free from my work, they used to have some food additives inside and were really dirty.

These are 20L containers and we need 2 for each case, so get 4 of them.

After washing them I cut them with a box cutter knife, it was really easy, following the wedge on the side, one container is the case and the other will be the top. The handle part of the container is discarded.

Step 2: Paint It Black

I spray painted them flat black becouse they look cool. You can use whatever color you want.

Regular spray paint scratches off very easy from plastic, so you need to use plastic primer before painting or use a special paint for plastic.

I didn`t so you'll se a few scratches in the next pictures.

I bought a can of Rust Oleum plain for plastic after this, but I will use it when the scratches on the regular paint start to get nasty

Step 3: Hinges, Locks and Handle

After the paint dries I riveted two hingles and a lock on each case.

And a handle on the top, so you can carry them when you dettach them from your bike.

Thay are starting to look like suitcases now, right?

Step 4: Attaching to the Bike

I have a DIY rack that I copied from the Wolpack Enduro racks, so I`m gonan need something to attach the cases to them

On the back of each case I bolted 4 pipe straps, I bent the bottom two so I don`t need to unscrew the to lock on the rack. for the two on the top I used wingnuts so I can screw and unscrew them without special tools

Step 5: Get on the Bike and Ride!!!!

Final step, load the cases, attach them to the bike and ride into the sunset.

Braaaap braaap!!!!