Fasteners around the world by motorbike
A
Protex Fasteners product story
Edited by the Engineeringtalk editorial team
Mar 24, 2004
CatchBolt fasteners are frequently specified for demanding applications; but never more so than in the construction of Worldbeater motorcycle panniers from Worcester-based Project VND.
Protex CatchBolt fasteners are frequently specified for demanding applications; but never more so than in the construction of Worldbeater motorcycle panniers from Worcester-based Project VND.
This range of hand-crafted aluminium luggage systems is exceptional in every respect.
Originally designed by specialist welder and fabricator Andy Vernon to carry the belongings of a friend as he rode his BMW R80GS around the globe, they represent the ultimate in two-wheeled storage and security.
Vernon's design brief was simple: to make a set of panniers that were secure, water proof, tough and spacious enough for a world trip.
So when he came to specify catches for securing the lids to the main body of the panniers, he was in no mood to compromise.
What better then, than the type of over centre catches used to keep the bodywork of the Le Mans-winning Bentleys securely in position at more than 320km/h.
Vernon thought so too.
Which is why stainless-steel Protex Catchbolts have become the only outsourced assemblies on any of his Worldbeater pannier systems, "simply because they are the only product that I was happy with", he says.
"Everything else on our product is custom-designed and fabricated in-house to customers' exact requirements".
Manufactured from top quality, NS4 grade aluminium alloy, the sides and lids of the panniers are laser cut to size and then folded using CNC presses to the precise angles required for assembly.
Vernon believes that welding the formed blanks by hand is the best method of construction.
"TIG welding provides excellent penetration, very little distortion from heat build up and leaves a good reinforcing cap that adds to the strength of the finished weld", he explains.
"What's more a good welder will see everything that is going on during the welding process.
This avoids any impurities contaminating the welds, which a machine would simply miss".
The pannier lids are typically manufactured from 16 SWG material and are totally removable for access, thanks to specially-designed stainless-steel lift-off hinges.
They also feature high performance Stormguard seals, and deep welded flanges that provide immense strength to the lid seal area.
Finally, the security of the complete lid assembly is entrusted to the Protex type 88-1068 stainless steel CatchBolts.
Measuring 100 x 45 x 18mm, CatchBolt fasteners provide a positive clamping force with assured location in all three planes.
Their initial closing action draws a mating keeper towards the main body of the fastener.
Continued operation of the lever pushes a square section, spring-loaded bolt under the keeper.
This acts on the bolt's tapered profile to ensure positive retention in all three axes without any requirement for supplementary location points.
Protex CatchBolts are available in both stainless and plated mild steel, and can be supplied with pin sealing, a padlock, or a spring-loaded safety catch as standard.
Inline and 90-degree catchplate mounting bracket variants are also offered, along with a split, recessed dish option for flush mounting applications.
According to Vernon, the original pair of panniers fitted to his friend's bike more than stood up to the challenge.
After their 30-month trip, they were still intact - although certainly showing signs of punishment en route.
Despite being severely dented and scratched, they remained totally waterproof, dustproof and secure; even though they had also been attacked by thieves at least three times during the journey.
Other Worldbeater panniers have led similarly demanding lives; with one set acting as floats on a bike that was in danger of disappearing in quicksand - as well as providing the winch point for its retrieval.
"It's all part of designing for the unexpected", says Vernon.
"With an ultimate strength of 600kgf in the longitudinal and lateral axes and 900kgf in the vertical plane, the padlockable, stainless steel CatchBolts we specify are the ideal choice to complement our own design and build philosophy - helping to make Worldbeater panniers the most rugged on the market today, bar none".
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Contact Protex Fasteners
Tel +44 1527 63231
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