Which is better for motorcycle tail boxes: plastic or aluminum alloy?

[SanCora]

Plastic products generally have average durability, so it is recommended to use metal tail boxes. Below is an introduction to motorcycles: Sport motorcycles: Sport motorcycles, also known as sports bikes, are designed primarily for leisure and vacation use. They serve as a fun means of transportation and a recreational tool for experiencing the joys of life. Sport motorcycles cover a wide range, including the super sport motorcycles and touring motorcycles mentioned below, both of which possess the functions of sport motorcycles and can thus be classified as such. Road motorcycles: Motorcycles mainly used on paved roads are called road motorcycles. Road motorcycles can be divided into three main categories: super sport motorcycles, touring motorcycles, and American-style motorcycles. Since these motorcycles are primarily used on smooth paved roads, they are also known as urban motorcycles.

[LaGemma]

I've been riding motorcycles for long-distance trips for over a decade and have broken three tail boxes. Plastic boxes are indeed lightweight and affordable, making the handlebars less heavy when going over bumps. Once, I had a fall in the rain—the plastic box got scratched but didn't crack. However, last week, a friend's bike was rear-ended, and the plastic box was crushed and deformed. Now, I'm using an aluminum tail box, which is three kilograms heavier but feels much more solid, and the locks are sturdier too. You have to watch out for rust in rainy weather, or unlocking can be a hassle. If I had to choose, plastic is fine for short commutes, but for frequent heavy loads or motorcycle touring, aluminum is more reliable.

[StEzra]

Last time I helped a beginner choose a trunk box, I found that plastic ones cost only 200 RMB, while aluminum alloy ones cost double. Plastic also has an advantage: scratches are less noticeable and can be wiped off easily, whereas deep scratches on aluminum alloy leave white marks. However, when loading a helmet, the plastic box lid feels flimsy when closing, while the aluminum alloy one remains solid when pressed down. A mechanic mentioned that plastic becomes brittle after aging, and one rider experienced cracks at the lid hinge after two years of use. It's recommended to add rubber cushioning pads when installing an aluminum alloy trunk rack, otherwise, the vibration can blur the rearview mirrors.

[KevinMarie]

Tried my friend's all-aluminum tail box, the design is truly stylish. The polished surface feels like ice to the touch, but after being exposed to the summer sun, it gets too hot to handle. Rust prevention is a major issue—once after a ride by the seaside, I forgot to wipe it down, and the screws rusted solid. Plastic boxes are most vulnerable to becoming brittle and cracking in winter; last year during a cold snap, I saw a fellow rider's tail box split open. Now there's a new type with a plastic outer layer and embedded aluminum alloy frame, balancing lightness and strength, but the price is pushing 500.