Top Rack options for a 5th Gen?

Hi,

I am about to purchase a nice 98. It will be serving as my year round transport, as well as my weekend toy. I'm looking into the possibility of adding a small topcase so I can have a reasonably safe place to leave my helmet while I'm at work.

I've got a line on a Givi mount kit that should work admirably, but I am surprised by the almost total lack of other options I'm finding out there. Or maybe my Surf-foo is just too weak.

Any advise?
-D

 

I've seen a couple guys that had set ups purchased from JC Whitney. Significantly cheaper, but don't expect that "rock solid feel". I would have no issues putting one on my bike.

I guess its like comparing a Hyundai to a BMW. Yes, it will get the job done, and works for what it was designed to do. Its just not top of the line.

Can't hurt to check for comparisons sake before you drop $500-$1000 on a Givi set up.

 

I'm considering:
Givi Rack - $151.20
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/173
Coocase V37 - $155.00
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/7043
Coocase Adapter Plate - $11.25
https://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4568

With S&H it's only about $350

 

That's not bad. I always thought the whole Givi set up went for a lot more.

 

The only Givi item I'm using there is the mount itself, the case and adapter are 3rd party items. Coocases are Coo though

 

For $4 more why not just get the Givi case?

Givi B33 MonoLock Topcase (ea) - 33 liters/case - Givi B33NML : TwistedThrottle.com

Plenty of larger Givi cases on eBay for cheaper.

 

I'll have to give that some thought, thanks for the idea.

 

Here is my setup.



http://vfrworld.com/forums/gear-accessories/38926-top-case-review-ebay-case-shad-top-master-bracket.html

I am totally happy with the quality, fit/finish and it cost WAY less than a comparably sized Givi.

Jose

 

Thanks for posting that Dahose, I too am looking for top case for storage and so my wife has a backrest.
This seems to be the cheapest way to get one on.

 

The main concern I have with the case is that the locking mechanism is plastic. I would much prefer if it were metal, but it is holding up fine and locks well when fully loaded. I've made several runs to my favorite Vietnamese restaurant and returned home with safely transported deliciousness. :biggrin:

Jose

 

For just a rack, try Ventura. No helmet lock on your bike?

 

If memory serves, the helmet lock is part of one of the passenger peg assemblies. The guy still has all of the original parts, and they are coming with the bike. I will most likely put them back on so I can give rides to the family.. at least in the beginning. It will probably go back to something like this over the winter.

-D

 

If the seller has removed the OEM helmet lock, if memory serves the same device releases the seat. You might want to check out a shop drawing of that P/N to see what is going on.

Not a topcase fan but I guess you could let a passenger sit backward and operate a laptop, TV or even a small gas grill if you install one. I would like to see maybe a racing version of a topcase with an anti-wheelie wheel built in.

 

djd - Billy is correct. On the 1998, the helmet lock and seat lock are integrated with the left passenger peg. The right passenger peg can be removed no issues, but the left would require some modification.

I never ride 2 up, and looked into removing the rear pegs, but the only way I see doing it is to chop off the peg, leaving the latch for the helmet and seat.

 

I'll definitely take a closer look at it.

 

I bought a used bracket off eBay and did just that, worked just fine with just the key latch.

 

That's what I'm thinking, capn. So basically you have an ignition key, and then a separate key that fits the helmet lock, right?

Did you just cut the left peg off so that its still fitted to the holes behind the fairing (obviously nothing else visible based on your pic).

I checked out your photo album - looks slick, especially with the Wolf.

 

Yes, just cut it off iirc. You can remove the lock core with a little finagling and keep the matched key set by swapping the cores. I forget the details now it's been too long but I easily reverted back to the original pillion peg when I took the Wolf system out. I still have the neutered lock and can take a pic of the backside, I think I had to add a lock nut after removing the pressed on washer.?

 

Hey Cap, if you get a chance for a pic that would be cool, but if not, no worries. I follow what your saying.

You took the Wolf off? Curious why...

 

Noise and heat. As good as the Wolf looked and sounded it was very loud, not just for the neighbors but to me while riding. It does generate some underseat heat, and with my 100+ summers here in Sacramento and a lot of in town riding, I preferred just a standard high mount. I even imported some baffles from the UK that quieted it down but drove up the heat levels (more back pressure). In a cooler environment I probably would have stuck with it.

I'll see if I can get a pic for you of the lock.