Top case mounting rack question (6th Generation)

I am considering getting a top case for my 2006 VFR. (I do not have the sidecases and am not interested in them at this point.)

My question is in regards to the OEM mounting rack. Does this replace the grab bars, so that no new holes need to be drilled in the bike itself? And if so, is it easy to take off the mount when I'm not travelling and put the grab bars back on, or is it a major hassle? I suck at mechanical stuff, so I'm wondering if it's just a matter of screwing & unscrewing nuts & bolts, or is there more involved?

 

I see you asked about the OEM top box mount and I have aftermarket. Since no one else has chimed in: My rack mounts under the grab rails. Four big long bolts so not something you will want to remove often.
No need to drill anything!

 

Picked up a Givi topcase a few months ago at a local shop. On this one you remove the grab handles and the rack uses the bolts to mount it. If want to remove it and put the handles back on, pulling the bolts is all that's needed.

Unlike other mounts I've seen, this one puts the case over the rear seat, so any passenger would have to be slim and not worried about cuddling up to fit on with the case/mount in place.

 

To answer your first question, yes the OEM mounting rack does provide "grab bars" and no new holes have to be drilled.
To answer the second question....it is easy to remove the OEM mounting rack and reinstall the the OEM grab bars. It is also easy to just put the "plugs" in and have no grab bars. Is at a major hassle??? Do you really suck at mechanical stuff???? Is it just a matter of screwing & unscrewing nuts & bolts....YES, but so is an engine rebuild.....I'm sure if you set aside just a small amount of a "sense of enjoyment and accomplishment" you would find the swap easy and not cringe at taking on the task at all. It is not difficult. Takes just a few minutes and the bike looks different.

 

Thanks VFR2k2 - exactly the info I was looking for. :smile:

 

Coocase V36 Wizard attached via a Givi Topcase Rack with an adapter (I think.. have to check...) all from TwistedThrottle.com
Holds my helmet + some other small things and works as a backrest for my passenger.
OEM handholds stay in place.

 

Yeah Ambit, I checked the Coocase's out on Twisted Throttle's web site. I kind of prefer the look of the OEM case, but if the Twisted Throttle booth at this year's Americade can get a Coocase installed on my VFR for the right price with an SW Motech mounting base, then I'll probably do that.

Ordering an OEM top case at the local Honda dealership is a hassle as they get shipped from Japan, but because of the earthquake, there's currently a 4 month waiting period! Not sure if Twisted Throttle will have stuff for VFR's though, I'm guessing for Americade they'll gear everything for the huge touring bikes.

Thanks for posting that picture - I couldn't find any of a Coocase on a VFR. My bike is black as well, and actually your set-up looks pretty good. Is that a V28 or V36?

 

That's the V36, here are some pics:



XL HJC helmet inside



I *believe* it was the "Givi Topcase Rack" $160 mounting kit with a "Coocase Adapter Kit 3" $12 to attach the "Coocase V36 Wizard topcase" $170. Added the 'smoked grey' lenses to it too $18.

The mounting kit makes my Corbin seat a little difficult to get off but once you do it a few times its easy.
Makes a perfect backrest for my (petite) g/f. Takes all her weight off my wrists and its like she's not even there. Pretty much the reason why I bought it.

 

I also just wanted a top-box only and after looking around I found a rack at: http://www.motoin.de
I liked the look and really like the price ($95). The company is in Germany, but even with shipping the price saved me over a hundred dollars from what I could find in US. I bought the rack and "Givi Bits", so the Givi boxes would work perfectly (on and off in less than 5 seconds). The Givi Bits were an extra $25, but that still left the total at $120.

Also, This rack allowed me to keep my grab-handles.
NOTE: if you use this rack, I've found it fits better if you put 4 or 5 small washers between the rack and the grab handles.

 

Nice little rack!
could you post the dimensions for the actual rack?
And what have you put on it so far?
I wonder if it would take a Cortech tail bag.

 

Which rack is it? I only see the 5 stars klx for a VFR. It doesn't offer a picture but it is almost $200. I need a rack like yours.