Bandit Alley
GENERAL MOTORCYCLE FORUMS => PRODUCT REVIEWS => Topic started by: Caper#5 on September 14, 2006, 12:50:20 AM
-
I was wondering what you guys are using for top cases? I was looking at the suzuki top case.
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/partdetail.asp?id=100114&m=96
But I would like to hear what everyone here is using or has experience with.
Terry
-
Not as nice but much cheaper http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2002510/showCustom-0/p-2002510/N-111+10211+600014603/c-10111
-
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=12410
-
Shad distributed by Motovan.com in Canada. Prices are decent and the rack is sweet. Friend in the FZ1 has a Givi setup and it would be fine as well, but a fair amount more pricy.
-
I was wondering what you guys are using for top cases?
Krauser system/k-wing
(http://members.shaw.ca/simonjones/imgfoci/php42YRmS.jpg)
(http://members.shaw.ca/simonjones/imgfoci/B7.JPG)
(http://members.shaw.ca/simonjones/imgfoci/B3.JPG)
However, I had to have the TC rack fixed, had to do with the way the rack mounts. I had some damage and needed to get the inside TC-rack re-welded (to super strength, probably the way it should of come from the factory)
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?p=4512&highlight=#4512
But now no problems, I can put 25 lbs in the case with no issues, that weld job underneath is probably stronger than the rest of the bike main frame.
-
http://www.giviusa.com/caschi_borse_bauli_accessori.asp?CO_ID=9487
with MonoRack.
Holds two full-face helmets, or a notebook PC (in Targus shoulder bag) + change of clothes for work, or two small bags of groceries, or, or, or....
With a built-in stop-light.
My second Givi, very happy with it.
Oh, and it serves as a very effective frame slider - don't ask me how I know ;)
-
Thanks for your opinions, all of them would do the job.
Terry
-
http://www.castlesales.com/html/productDetail.psp?catid=6&prodid=130&start_indx=7
I use this....it works awesome, and I can remove it and carry it as a back pack.
-
I was wondering what you guys are using for top cases? I was looking at the suzuki top case.
http://www.suzuki-gb.co.uk/partdetail.asp?id=100114&m=96
But I would like to hear what everyone here is using or has experience with.
Terry
Very briefly? Givi Wing-rack and J.C. Whitney's largest top-case. Wingrack is expensive, but you can mount three easily removable cases on it. "Sturdy" doesn't even come close!
Herb
-
No offense, each to their own, nothing personal, etc. etc... BUT
I don't care how convenient, secure, efficient, or handy they are, you'll never see one of those big, ugly, bulbous barbecue grills sticking out on the back of my bike! :annoy:
:stickpoke: :grin: :bandit: :motorsmile: :lol:
-
Each of these cases requires a plate or something to mount the case to. Givi sells special (and expensive) mounting plates but what about the JC Whitney etc. ? What did you all purchase and mount to your bike to make these cases work?
-
Each of these cases requires a plate or something to mount the case to. Givi sells special (and expensive) mounting plates but what about the JC Whitney etc. ? What did you all purchase and mount to your bike to make these cases work?
A luggage rack would be my guess.
I went with a soft "top case" that came with two racks. One rack for the 45L pack and one without the big hoop for the pack that is a plain luggage rack. (They have sizes ranging from 35L to 55L) You can just buy their brackets and plain "Sport Rack" if you like. One nice feature of their setup for the 2G is it mounts to the four bungee spool locations for a sturdier setup than most other racks out there. (Most rack just use the grab rail fasteners, and that's not strong enough for much more than a 10 lb load.)
Ventura Aerodynamic Bike-Pack System (http://www.ventura-bike.com/english/products/products.htm)
-
Mine is a 2000 B12 so I believe that is a 1G.
The luggage rack was really my question. There is nothing on the back of the bike now to mount a top case to. Does it make sense to get a "generic" luggage rack one rather than buying one specific to the case you buy (like a Givi). I'd like to save money while I decide what will work best for me.
Thanks for the reply.
-
No matter what you are going to have to buy a rack for your bike first as the platform for whatever top case you install. Even though the top cases like Givi or Givi clones come with a mounting plate for quick release, the mounting plate still requires a platform for attachment, i.e rack designed for your bike. I forget what brand I had but it was about $80 by itself and worth every penny. Then I bought a to case on ebay for $100. If you like the Givi style J.C. Whitney makes an exact replica that works just like the expensive Givi, I had one on my scooter and it held 2 full face helmets then some (very well made). Reportedly the same off shore company contracted to make Givi trunks just re-badged.
http://store.azmusa.com/gsf1200bandit.html
http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010969/p-2010969/N-111+10211+600014603/c-10111
-
Doesn't the Givi rack incorporate the mounting plate?
-
I think I recall a Givi Rack system that incorporates the top and side mounting plates for all three removable cases. But man the cost is ridiculously high. Personally I like the canvas saddle bags that set way back and high out of the passengers way are best. I'm not cheap but its our duty as republicans to balance value over cost and those clone Givi cases are excellent.
Doesn't the Givi rack incorporate the mounting plate?
-
No offense, each to their own, nothing personal, etc. etc... BUT
I don't care how convenient, secure, efficient, or handy they are, you'll never see one of those big, ugly, bulbous barbecue grills sticking out on the back of my bike! :annoy:
:stickpoke: :grin: :bandit: :motorsmile: :lol:
LOL, none taken! :stfu:
-
No offense, each to their own, nothing personal, etc. etc... BUT
I don't care how convenient, secure, efficient, or handy they are, you'll never see one of those big, ugly, bulbous barbecue grills sticking out on the back of my bike! :annoy:
:stickpoke: :grin: :bandit: :motorsmile: :lol:
LOL, none taken! :stfu:
Hey, that's OK Zen, us topcase people have obviously reached a higher plane. We are unconcerned with what other people think and value function over form. :stickpoke: And actually, I'm told that the topcase looks more like an outboard motor than a bulbous barbecue grill. Either way, my years of trying to get home with a six pack between my legs and/or walking around dragging my helmet and backpack are over!! :banana:
-
No offense, each to their own, nothing personal, etc. etc... BUT
I don't care how convenient, secure, efficient, or handy they are, you'll never see one of those big, ugly, bulbous barbecue grills sticking out on the back of my bike! :annoy:
:stickpoke: :grin: :bandit: :motorsmile: :lol:
LOL, none taken! :stfu:
Hey, that's OK Zen, us topcase people have obviously reached a higher plane. We are unconcerned with what other people think and value function over form. :stickpoke: And actually, I'm told that the topcase looks more like an outboard motor than a bulbous barbecue grill. Either way, my years of trying to get home with a six pack between my legs and/or walking around dragging my helmet and backpack are over!! :banana:
Ha ha! :bigok: Well, maybe someday I will "evolve" up to your level, but for now I'll stick with using my helmet locks and a cargo net bunjee for the beer. :bandit:
I know they are really handy, like I said it's just a personal hang-up, each to their own. To me, they just look really awkward and bulky. They belong on scooters and Gold Wings, in my opinion. Form following function is one thing and it's not like I'm obsessed with my "image", but when I look at my bike I like to see sleek, clean lines without any giant mushrooms growing on the back. Besides, doesn't it suck in crosswinds and at high speed? Not very aerodynamic... like having a parachute on the back! :lol:
Let me put it this way... if you bought a Ferrari would you bolt one of those big 6'x5'x4' fiberglas cargo trunks on the roof? :lol:
-
If you have a Ferrari, your staff follows you in a pace car or limo with all the necessities like Cristal. :stickpoke: Certainly not beer in a can! :shock:
-
So you changed Ferrari to Lambo? :shrug:
[edit]And now back to Ferrari?[/edit] :roll:
Let me put it this way... if you bought a Lambourghini would you bolt one of those big 6'x5'x4' fiberglas cargo trunks on the roof? :lol:
But this thread, especially the above comment, reminds me of what I saw Friday on my commute home in heavy traffic. I spotted a BMW Z Roadster in one of the adjacent lanes of the freeway with a chrome luggage rack on the rear deck lid and a Samsonite looking piece of luggage mounted to it. Must have been an accessory for the rack because it clipped to the rack without any ropes/bungees.
Sure, it was no Ferrari or Lambo, but it wouldn't have looked any better on one of them either.
-
Let me put it this way... if you bought a Ferrari would you bolt one of those big 6'x5'x4' fiberglas cargo trunks on the roof? :lol:
If I loved driving my Ferrari as much as I love riding my Bandit, yes. I look for every opportunity to ride that I can get. When the wife says, "dear, would you mind running to the store for" whatever, my helmet is in my hand before she can finish the sentence!! I've got to go out to Home Depot tonight to pick up a new sink for the bathroom. I'm trying to figure out how I can bungee it to the wingrack!! :motorsmile: I want to ride it, not look at it! :lol:
-
I've got to go out to Home Depot tonight to pick up a new sink for the bathroom. I'm trying to figure out how I can bungee it to the wingrack!! :motorsmile:
What, it won't fit in your topcase? Sounds like you need a bigger one. :lol:
I want to ride it, not look at it! :lol:
Go ahead, I'm not stopping you. :roll: But if you get passed by a sleek black Bandit with a case of beer bunjeed on the back, and you see my shoulders shaking, it's not from coughing! :lol: :lol: :lol:
-
LOL! OK, I give up, you win!! Happy Riding! :lol:
-
LOL! OK, I give up, you win!! Happy Riding! :lol:
Aww! Don't give up! It's all in fun anyway... :bigok:
Tell ya what, we go riding and I'll buy the beer to put in your topcase. Those things hold ice too, right? Very handy! :bandit: :motorsmile:
-
No offense, each to their own, nothing personal, etc. etc... BUT
I don't care how convenient, secure, efficient, or handy they are, you'll never see one of those big, ugly, bulbous barbecue grills sticking out on the back of my bike! :annoy:
:stickpoke: :grin: :bandit: :motorsmile: :lol:
LOL, none taken! :stfu:
Hey, that's OK Zen, us topcase people have obviously reached a higher plane. We are unconcerned with what other people think and value function over form. :stickpoke: And actually, I'm told that the topcase looks more like an outboard motor than a bulbous barbecue grill. Either way, my years of trying to get home with a six pack between my legs and/or walking around dragging my helmet and backpack are over!! :banana:
Ha ha! :bigok: Well, maybe someday I will "evolve" up to your level, but for now I'll stick with using my helmet locks and a cargo net bunjee for the beer. :bandit:
I know they are really handy, like I said it's just a personal hang-up, each to their own. To me, they just look really awkward and bulky. They belong on scooters and Gold Wings, in my opinion. Form following function is one thing and it's not like I'm obsessed with my "image", but when I look at my bike I like to see sleek, clean lines without any giant mushrooms growing on the back. Besides, doesn't it suck in crosswinds and at high speed? Not very aerodynamic... like having a parachute on the back! :lol:
Let me put it this way... if you bought a Ferrari would you bolt one of those big 6'x5'x4' fiberglas cargo trunks on the roof? :lol:
After riding bikes with side cases and top cases, I know which I prefer. Side cases are look smarter but trickier to load when fitted, make the bike wider and thus trickier to lane-split and keep getting scuffed when swinging your leg over to get aboard. A top case is quite practical.
As for the Ferrari analogy - I'd go along with that if I were to fit a top case to a GSX but the Bandit is not a GSX. It's more a reliable, practical work horse where a top case is just as much a practicality as the taller bars. The good thing about a decent case is that it should be a cinch to remove it when not needed and easy to replace when you need a bit of storage space. Besides, a top case gives my missus a sense of security and when fitted with a back rest means she is comfy too.
-
Sadly for 49 of our 50 states, the lane splitting part means nothing. Only California allows splitting. :sad:
-
Sadly for 49 of our 50 states, the lane splitting part means nothing. Only California allows splitting. :sad:
In the UK it is done. The regulations are a little vague in this area but even the Brits are conservative compared to the French in Paris. They zoom along the Peripherique (the ring round around Paris), splitting lanes and darting between lanes at anything up to 40mph faster than the cagers around them. It's frightening to see them do it.
-
I saw that when I was in Paris last year... don't think I saw anyone going 40 faster than the rest. It was about like what you'd see on any of the freeways around Los Angeles though. Just a LOT more scooters in Paris than in LA.
-
JC Whitney has a case I'd like to get ... Click Here (http://www.jcwhitney.com/autoparts/Product/tf-Browse/s-10101/Pr-p_Product.CATENTRY_ID:2010969/p-2010969/N-111+10211+600014603/c-10111)
... it comes with a mounting plate and they are having a sale - but my Bandit has no luggage rack to mount it to. This is a 2000 (1G) B12.
What does anyone recommend for a luggage rack? Trying to find an OEM rack online hasn't worked. I did find this site ... Click here (http://www.revsperformance.com/images/renntec/sportsracks/GSF600-1200SSRackREN7205B.JPG)
... but $120 for the rack seems too much when the case is $70 :-)
Thanks for any help.
-
I know squat about this, but my first question is will that rack work? Will the little grab rail hoop be in the way of getting the case on/off?
But $120 for a rack sounds about right. Holeshot sells the same one for $129.
-
I'm afraid I cant remember who the manufacturer was for my B12 rack, but it was designed to work around the rear grab rail and came with special extended bungee bolts to make it all fit seamlessly. The Givi clone mounting plate which is very sturdy has many holes and slots to accommodate any position that will allow the removable case to come off and on without interference. The key is to temp set the clone plate, mount the box then slide the whole unit around until workable then tighten. For a motorcycle I recommend a few U-bolts from the rack rungs to the mounting plate instead of the hardware provided which is what I used to mount my plastic E-bay box which matched the color of my bike. Next time I am going to use the clone and match it silver to my Connie 14. Ahhhh :grin:
I cant overemphasize the quality of the clone, anyone who has bought one has been impressed and the capacity of the large size is like huge.
I know squat about this, but my first question is will that rack work? Will the little grab rail hoop be in the way of getting the case on/off?
But $120 for a rack sounds about right. Holeshot sells the same one for $129.
-
Doesn't the Givi rack incorporate the mounting plate?
Yes, it does. Nothing is needed but GIVI-compatible cases, like the ones J.C. Whitney sells. The Wingrack is ready for you to mount both one topcase and two sidecases.
Herb