Triumphrat

Grimsby53 · 11-21-2012, 03:19 PM

I finally finished my on-board storage solution, and I'm pretty damn pleased with it. Yes, this has been done before, but it worked out so well, I've got to share.

The cases are the often-used Pelican 1430's. I got them new from www.greenfoxgear.com for just $66.23 each, no tax, or shipping charge. (FYI: this wasn't the smoothest online transaction I've ever had, but they came through and delivered). They're mounted on the MCS luggage brackets and "Quickmounts," so they lock to the bike, but can be pulled off in a second with the turn of a key. They are reasonably well secured, but I'll probably put a small bolt and wing nut through the bottom hole for longer trips. Here you can see better how I put it all together:

Also, many said they had to mount them hinges-out so they could open without hitting the seat. I didn't have that issue. Not sure why:

I love the functionality, and I the form-following-function look. The best part is how easy they are to remove, though. Paraphrasing some other board member: "It's a bit like putting a burlap sack on Keira Knightley."

Nickwiz · 11-21-2012, 09:28 PM

Thats good. Any chance of some more info on how you made the mounts?

Danam · 11-22-2012, 12:18 AM

yes, please elaborate on those brackets. Where did you get them? How to they mount?

Grimsby53 · 11-22-2012, 09:50 AM

The brackets you see there on the bike and the quick mounts are off the shelf bits I ordered from New Bonnivile: http://www.newbonneville.com/html/quick_mounts.html

I attached the quick mount to the case with some 3/8" hardware: 2" long bolts were perfect. I used 1&1/8" coupler nuts to space the case out so that it clears the shock mount in the front.

Nice big fender washers on the inside to spread out the load, plus a dab of silicone around each bolt to keep it waterproof. Simple, really.

bluesman77 · 11-22-2012, 12:12 PM

I've been investigating hard luggage for my Thruxton over a year now & something you might want to consider. I've read about similar installations to yours that resulted in the frame cracking where the mounts attach under the seat. Seems like a cross-brace connecting the (2) bags at the bag or somehow picking up a 3rd attaching point low would be a good thing - particularly if you plan on carrying any weight. Without, from what I read, there's too much movement and it fatigues the part of the frame to which your seats fastens.

The 5 Stars side racks I had mounted on my W650 had a connecting loop that cut out any side movement low. In your case, maybe a black bar, bent if necessary to clear the tire, would help - though it would kill any quick-release.

In any event, what you've done looks very nice & I like where the bags ended up being located - far back enough so as to not be in the way getting on and off. Nice and close to the bike too. I've seen so many adventure touring bikes lately that you could throw a cat through the gap between the bags & frame.
Jim

Danam · 11-23-2012, 01:57 AM

It looks like there is a small mount at the bottom of the bracket, but there isn't anything to mount it to. Looks great by the way. I'm going to order this same set up for myself!

bluesman77 · 11-23-2012, 02:58 PM

Since he's utilizing an FEK, it would be much easier to connect the brackets from side to side if you could determine compressed wheel travel. Those of us w/ stock rear fenders, a fix would be more noticeable. I sure do like how it looks - especially if it would miss the stock turn signals.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Danam

It looks like there is a small mount at the bottom of the bracket, but there isn't anything to mount it to. Looks great by the way. I'm going to order this same set up for myself!

Grimsby53 · 11-24-2012, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluesman77

Since he's utilizing an FEK, it would be much easier to connect the brackets from side to side if you could determine compressed wheel travel. Those of us w/ stock rear fenders, a fix would be more noticeable. I sure do like how it looks - especially if it would miss the stock turn signals.

I think it will be fine for short trips and lighter loads, but you guys may be right about carrying more gear. Before I really load them up for a long trip, I'll tie them together, side to side. I could probably do it with a piece of threaded rod-stock that runs over the tire.

I think this setup would work with the stock indicators. They'd end up just behind the cases, which would be ideal, really. Thanks for the compliments and suggestions, you guys.

bluesman77 · 11-24-2012, 03:20 PM

I'll be removing my seat and battery in the next week, to finish off winterizing, and take a closer look. Maybe there's a way to reinforce the frame plate that your seat attaches to that's in jeopardy - fender washers or a plate? It's been a while since I looked at that area and maybe nothing can be done. Hopefully that would force any fatigue from the bike's frame to the bags' frames.

As for a tie bar, maybe something as simple as "P" clamps on the bag frame loops w/ a bar attached at either end would work. Your install is so clean-looking, threaded rod might look out of place unless you slid black tubing over it. Just a thought.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Grimsby53

I think it will be fine for short trips and lighter loads, but you guys may be right about carrying more gear. Before I really load them up for a long trip, I'll tie them together, side to side. I could probably do it with a piece of threaded rod-stock that runs over the tire.

I think this setup would work with the stock indicators. They'd end up just behind the cases, which would be ideal, really. Thanks for the compliments and suggestions, you guys.

ArmyVet · 11-24-2012, 03:28 PM

Looks sharp Grim!