Newbie....Brand New 2004 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200s

[jlmoulto]

Well, just stumbled on this board after purchasing a new bandit a week ago...Absolutely loving the bike, but winter approaches too quick!!!

A quick question on luggage.  I have been looking at the options and had planned on purchasing a system from SHAD.  Was originally going to buy a rack and top case followed later by side cases and side rack.

After reading some information on the Krauser problem, I became concerned about the SHAD system as well.  Their mounting points appear to be the rear two at the grab handle (although I really can't get a picture of their rack on a Bandit to know for sure).  I have started looking at Givi stuff, but now the cost starts to rise a fair amount.  For example, SHAD's top rack is $90 while Givi's is $134  (Canadian prices btw).  Shad's 45 litre case is 165 while the Givi is $195.00.

Has anyone used the SHAD system?
Does anyone have a source for Givi tha might be a little less expensive...including a used system?

Thanks.

[PeteSC]

I think Arizona motorsports used to have the cheapest GIVI prices.  YOu can watch Ebay for used stuff.

[PeteSC]

Az motorsports doesn't ship to Canada.
 Not sure how http://www.twistedthrottle.com does in prices....or if they ship to Canada.

[jlmoulto]

Any ideas whether the SW-MOTECH rack has the same problem as the Krauser?  It seemsin reading it has to do with the mounting point and the SW-MOTECH seems to mount in the same way.  Anyone using this rack?

[Desolation Angel]

Givi's stuff is really nice.  You get what you pay for.  Hold out for it.

[Cargo7]

I'm running a Teknic magnetic tank bag - with a spiral zipper for extra height. This is a clever design actually as it's quite small when zipped right up. I also run an Endurance Cargo tail bag. This bag is reasonably large and I've made up a set of 2 custom motorcycle tiedowns that attach to the 4 hardpoints in the tailsection. This allows me to basically "clip" the tailbag down very quickly. The bag has got to be full however to provide the spring necessary to keep the tiedowns tight. The bag itself only touches the seat. Unfortunately I don't have a good picture of this...

[Snubnose]

Any ideas whether the SW-MOTECH?

FYI, I'm the guy who posted the Krauser thread. Since my incident, I have had the subframe/TC rack welded. I dont have any pics just yet, but I can tell you, the design of the TC rack (smaller subframe inside) and the design of ANY top rack system that connects ONLY to these 4 points only IS this problem.

Theres a reason why Suzuki Did not make hard bag/top case designed for the Bandit. Suzuki had the foresight to NOT manufacture one and the only OEM rack they have is TINY!, made for very small loads indeed. Unfortunately, Some aftermarket Manufacturers did not have such foresight or skill in design as they perhaps should of.

Let me tell you however, If you LIKED the Krauser set up or Motech/Kappa etc because of its "low profile" look and still want it functional, Make sure to get the TC rack Box welded like I did. The welder did such an awesome job that in BOXING the rack with additional STEEL plates, this area is now probably stronger than the First Gen Bandit set up, even if it is only hinged in this small area. I sware, this fix won't be going anywhere, anyhow, anywhich way..solid.

This is a easy fix and relatively cheap fix ($150 CDN) that should of been done by suzuki really, that is IF they actually thought of making the bike more versatile rather than just inexpensive.

I just took the rear cowling off with fender/unhooked lights etc and let the guy work on the bike, he covered up the rest of the bike with Torch proof blankets and went at it. Very thorough and very professional. Not that nice to look at, but hey, thats why its on the INSIDE, and not exposed.

I went to Vancouver Island this last summer with about 15-20 LBs in the case at sometimes " unrecommended" speeds (little incident with a HEMI 300) and she faired up with out a flex, bend or even a shudder.

[jlmoulto]

I feel a little better about maybe going with the SHAD system then, if the repair will be relatively inexpensive...(I have an uncle who is a Welding instructor and would simply do this professionally at the school for me with their fancy welding equipment).  I would probably do it as a preventive measure.

I have also thought about looking at supporting the case on the forward bungie mount by extending a piece of metal forward and tying into the rack.

I really would like to use the SHAD system as the cost (including calling in a deal from a friend) will give me a three bag system (A bit plain in black but that is what I was looking for from Givi anyways and I may paint the tops to match later) with all installation hardware for $750.00.  All three cases are 43 litres in size.  The Givi install is going to put me back nearly $1100.00 for the equivalent size bags.  I could go with the E21s, but they are only half the size and I am not sure I like the looks personally.

[Snubnose]

I feel a little better about maybe going with the SHAD system then, if the repair will be relatively inexpensive...(I have an uncle who is a Welding instructor and would simply do this professionally at the school for me with their fancy welding equipment).  I would probably do it as a preventive measure.

Had I known what was going to happen, then I would of be preventative minded also. Great thinking!.. pass it round, you wont have any woes after doing so with ANY system you attach, krauser, SW motch or otherwise.

[pmackie]

I installed a set of Kappa hard bags on my 2G 600. The bracket is a welded steel loop that mounts to the two bungie hooks and the passenger footpeg. The two brackets also have cross connection bar to hold them together, since I don't have the top luggage rack. If you choose the luggage rack option for a rack or top box, it replaces this cross bar.

The whole setup is very strong, with a total of 6 connections to the frame. I have had them on for two seasons now, not a hitch.

The Kappa bags colour matched to my Bandit were a little less $ than plain black Givi's and other than a slight change in shape look like they came out of the same factory. The bags are completely waterproof so far, and each can "almost" hold two full face helmets. (One needs to be a small if the other is a medium)

The only downsidse are that the rack is pretty ugly when the bags are off and the bags stick out a little wide due to how far they need to be spaced out to miss the factory seat cowl.

[jlmoulto]

Any pics of the Kappa setup on your bike?

[pmackie]

No decent pictures...but I guess I'll have to get with the program, take some pictures, post them on a local web site and then I can link them here.

Stay tuned, I will work on it this week.

[DaveG]

holeshot is really the only place to get Badit stuff

[jlmoulto]

Thanks for the help, but Holeshot doesn't offer hard cases for the bandit that I am aware off anyways.