Metal Mule

BestRest is the U.S. Importer of Metal Mule!

BestRest Products is the US importer and distributor for Metal Mule pannier systems along with many other fine adventure gear/products from Metal Mule.

Canadian customers please contact Metal Mule UK for ordering options. (info@metalmule.com)

Metal Mule panniers are hand crafted in the United Kingdom. They come with premium features not found on other pannier systems. They cost more than a plain-vanilla-pannier-setup from other manufacturers, but if you value quality and performance over finding the lowest price, then you'll appreciate these products and you'll appreciate your investment. Metal Mule has a well deserved reputation for producing the world's finest motorcycle pannier systems.

Quality - Dependability - Reliability - Unique Features... remember those words.

Metal Mule is a company founded on the experience of Paul Goulding, who's crisscrossed the globe on 2 wheels. Paul's ridden the Australian Outback, ridden from UK to Cape Town SA, ridden north to Norway, and ridden in New Zealand. Those 2-wheeled adventures gave Paul the opportunity to see which luggage systems worked best, and which systems failed. From those experiences he set out to design and manufacture unique pannier systems and other adventure gear, gear that simply has no equal.

Metal Mule luggage has been designed with unique features. They have strong and very secure locks, the Q-Fit Attachment System, and riveted construction which allow roadside repairs in the event of a spill. They come with an anodized or powder coated finish, so your cargo won't turn black as it rubs against the inside of the case.

BestRest recently outfitted Seattle rider Frank Leonard's F800GS with Metal Mule panniers and other BestRest accessories. Frank and friends rode their bikes to Tierra del Fuego, the tip of South America. Through it all the Metal Mule gear performed flawlessly.

Photo courtesy of Mike Paull

Metal Mule is continually developing its luggage systems and fitment kits for a variety of motorcycle brands and models. Current models include systems for BMW, KTM, Yamaha, Triumph, more.

View page 1 of our Metal Mule photo gallery, click me.
View page 2 of our Metal Mule photo gallery, click me.

Pannier Systems

Metal Mule panniers are available in 3 sizes:

31 liter (called the Skinny Mule), 470mm long, 385mm high, 206mm deep
38 liter (called the Classic Mule), 470mm long, 385mm high, 246mm deep
45 liter (called the Fat Mule), 470 mm long, 385mm high, 286mm deep

Many riders ask us how wide the Metal Mule system will be, mounted on their bike. We've compiled the various widths below.

F800GS Standard system, 31L left bag, 38L right bag = 1020 mm

F800GS Balanced system, 31L left bag, 31L right bag = 920 mm

F800GS Balanced system, 38L left bag, 38L right bag = 1000 mm

F800GS Balanced system, 45L left bag, 45L right bag = 1080 mm

R1200GS Standard system, 31L left bag, 38L right bag = 930 mm

R1200GS Standard system, 38L left bag, 45L right bag = 1010mm

R1200GS Balanced system, 31L left bag, 31L right bag = 853 mm

R1200GS Balanced system, 38L left bag, 38L right bag = 933 mm

R1200GS Balanced system, 45L left bag, 45L right bag = 1013 mm

(By comparison, BMW R1200GS Adventure cases 38L left, 44L right = 997 mm)

KTM 990 31L left bag, 38L right bag = 938mm

KTM 990 38L left bag, 38L right bag = 1018mm

The KTM exhaust does not need to be modified or replaced.

Note that Standard systems utilize the stock BMW exhaust, and the system is non-symetrical, meaning that the left bag is smaller than the right bag. By contrast, balanced systems require replacement of the BMW exhaust with a Metal Mule exhaust so that both bags are the same size, therefore the system is balanced and symetrical.

For detailed information and pricing about each system click here, then scroll down to the Metal Mule section at the bottom of the page.

All sizes use the same quick release mounting system, and the bags are interchangeable with one another when mounting on the motorcycle.

BestRest only offers panniers that are manufactured to "full spec", meaning they have all the bells and whistles offered by Metal Mule. Finish options include either clear anodized or storm grey powder coat.

Other finishes are available on special order only. Those finishes include plain un-anodized alumium, and composite (anodized lid with powder coated body).

SERIES 2 panniers carry on METAL MULE'S tradition of exceptional quality and attention to detail.

New features include absolutely no intrusions in the loading area, redesigned Q-FIT system, an amazing new Silicon seal which is cast into the lid and a rolled edged base.

Photo at left shows rubber foot, photo at right shows sealing ring and unobstructed interior.

Exceptionally tough, they are built using 2mm aluminium throughout and continue with METAL MULE'S trademark double-folded corners and inverted tray underside.

The completely new Q-FIT System is better than ever - fitting and removal from the bike in seconds! Polyurethane lined mounting brackets ensure no rattles or vibes. The exceptionally secure cam lock interacts with a clever new latch that does not intrude into the pannier - once locked in place they cannot be removed.

The new Space aged Silicon Seal is cast into the lipped and hinged lid and is totally water and dust proof. All the joints are taped and riveted - incredibly strong, completely impermeable.

METAL MULE SERIES 2 panniers are a truly exceptional product - not metal boxes - more a design icon.

FINISHES - Panniers are available in anodized aluminum, powder coated in storm grey (as shown) or our new composite finish of black powder coated panniers with silver anodised lids.

Metal Mule’s anodized coating means you no longer need to suffer black marks or corrosion and its unique finish enables our cases to protect themselves and their contents with minimal fuss.

Metal Mule’s powder coating gives you our toughest and longer lasting Finish. The aluminium sections are bead blasted and etched primed before the powder coating is applied and baked at 200 degrees Centrigrade.

With either finish, you will appreciate the benefit of being able to pack directly into the luggage without fear of aluminium residue coating your clothes.

Full spec panniers include the following factory fitted accessories:-

Rubber Feet
Tie down loops
Top handle
Side handles

Customised panniers are available by special order, please allow 3-4 weeks for delivery.

Strap brackets (useful for mounting fuel/water cans) are also available however they are not factory fitted to allow for flexibility in their positioning.

For detailed information and pricing about each system click here, then scroll down to the Metal Mule section at the bottom of the page.

F800GS Product Line

Metal Mule makes a complete line of accessories for the new F800GS. These are some of the products we've brought into the States, more gear is coming every day. To order product, click here.

Pannier frames - Standard system that allows use of stock BMW exhaust, typically uses a 31L left pannier and 38L right pannier. Overall width of that system is 1020mm.

Pannier frames - Balanced system that requires replacement of BMW exhaust with a Metal Mule exhaust and allows use of balanced panniers sizes.

Overall width of the Balanced system:
2 x 31L bags = 920mm
2 x 38L = 1000m

Special Orders

Metal Mule has a broad product line, with many fitment options. At present BestRest is importing a limited selection of Metal Mule gear, which will expand as sales develop.

It's always more cost effective to purchase a "package deal" with one of our standard pannier systems, than it is to order individual items a la carte.

If you wish to shop the UK Metal Mule site go to www.metalmule.com and check out all their gear. We can special order anything shown on their website and have it sent to us along with our other regularly scheduled shipments. You won't get your gear overnight, but it will show up in a couple weeks.

Due to currency fluctuations and international shipping costs, the prices shown on the Metal Mule's website are not necessarily reflective of the prices charged by BestRest*. Since we bring in pallet loads of Metal Mule gear, shipping costs are dramatically reduced when compared to individual overseas shipments.

*Some US customers have expressed a desire to purchase Metal Mule goods directly from the UK. This method APPEARS to be much less expensive because currency exchange rates have favored the US Dollar vs the British Pound. For instance, an F800GS pannier system is listed on the MM website for around 1,217.00 Pounds. Converted to $USD at today's rates, that's about $1700.00. But when you add the costs of international shipping and importation fees, the actual cost to have them delivered to your door would be over $2,400.00. That's slightly higher than if you ordered the same product from BestRest.

But in any case, Metal Mule UK won't ship products directly to the US, all their goods must come through BestRest. It's a system designed to benefit the customer, and make importation of the products easier for everybody.

Note: Because of the dimensions, weight, value/insurance costs, shipping fees are higher than they would be for regular product shipments. Any website shipping price is purely speculation; you will be assessed and charged accordingly per order. Please call if you have questions about the costs of shipping to your address.