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Topic : Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 21 Apr 2013 - 13:48   Post title : Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case
 
Been thinking long and hard about luggage and seating options.

While at the dealer yesterday had an opportunity to try out the Dual Longhaul seat. Well my arse must not be sensitive enough, I could not detect a bit of difference between it and the stock model. Also, being a shorty I don't think the backrest would do me a bit of good. So I concluded that I should save the $ for now and concentrate on completing my luggage setup for touring. May still add a pillion later for occasional local jaunts with #1 son.

I am currently running Hardstreet slimbags. I have an old Tourmaster tailbag from my Bandit riding days but was not thrilled with bungee-ing options on the bird. So began to consider top cases. I am going for a more modern look vs. the traditional cruiser styling - and have settled on adding a Givi E370 Monolock Topcase. Seemed to be a good compromise in terms of capacity vs. overall size.

Givi E370 Monolock Top Case

Next up was the question of how to mount it.... Was thinking about replacing my black flat (really flat but curved) rack with a stock chrome tubular rack - but had doubts about the strength of that setup given the rack is held on by just three little screws. Found this instead....

Wompus Racks - Triumph Thunderbird

Stuff should be arriving shortly. Will then need to contact Easy brackets for longer bolts (already discussed it with them) and everything should mount right up. The only challenge I expect will be mounting the universal plate that comes with the topcase to the rack (hope those won't be famous last words!).



 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 21 Apr 2013 - 13:52
 Author 
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 John 
Set
Reg. Date : 20/05/2012
Posts : 84
Location : Aylesbury, Buckinghamshire, United Kingdom
Posted : 21 Apr 2013 - 20:00   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Don't forget to post a picture when it's all on

 
Addicted to the TBird
 Author 
Post  
 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 03:33   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: John)
 
Givi shipment from Revzilla arrived yesterday. They sent a two top cases instead of one by mistake. Got a free return shipping e-label plus $20 credit in Revzilla cash for my honesty. I think the E370 is gonna look great with the Hardstreet Slims.

Wompus Rack arrived today. This thing is stoudt and really compliments my matte black storm's badass beefiness! Install was easy peasy even for me. Note, Wompus offers a crinkle finish that might look better (especially if you have a gray storm) but the standard powder coat matches up nicely with the few other glossy black bits such as the swing arm cover.

Next up I've got to put a call into Easy Brackets to order up four longer 8MM fender bolts to accommodate the easy bracket keepers (name ?) and two narrow keepers for the rear-most bolts as the rack eliminates the tapered fender rail angle.

I also need to fix the Givi mounting plate onto the rack - I can probably drill the holes needed but might seek out some professional assistance from a local body shop where I have taken cars for work in the past.

I have also thrown caution regarding personal finance to the wind and ordered up a set of LED lights designed specfically for the Givi E370 from Admore Lighting (research indicates the Givi brake light kits are shiznit). Have to admit I am a bit worried about dealing with integrating the LED strips and wiring everything up - but the GIVI topcase appears to be easy to disassemble and since the lights come as a finished kit it might be easier than I expect. Plus I am motivated to make it work - perhaps with a little bit help from my friends as the song goes.

Admore Lighting LED Brake Light Kit for Givi E370

I will post pics eventually.

Funny thing is my luggage is gonna cost more than my 1st season touring plans! I do look forward to enjoying this setup for years to come though.



 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 25 Apr 2013 - 03:48
 Author 
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 GerPa 
Jupiter
Reg. Date : 10/12/2011
Posts : 1,919
Location : Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 07:08   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Oi Paul
Cant say I would go in the same direction as you have chosen. But the rack system has put the "Flee in Me Ear" as alternative for My neighbours Triumph Backrest/ Rack problem that he has.

Thanks for the idea.

GerryD



 
May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.

Post edited by GerPa on 25 Apr 2013 - 07:09
 Author 
Post  
 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 11:13   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: GerPa)
 
Yeah, well I am optimistic it'll look good - and I like the thought of doing something a bit different.

Some people spend 40K to make their hog go faster. As for me, I am into luggage I guess. Har!

Just curious, what's the issue your neighbor is trying to solve?

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 25 Apr 2013 - 11:15
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 narsisco_lopez 
Thor
Reg. Date : 09/09/2010
Posts : 2,765
Location : Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 13:06   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Not sure if it matters or if you're even interested, but when I put a Givi top case on for a long trip, I went with the Monolock line because it comes with a universal mounting plate and mounted up to the OEM tubular rack very easily...




The whole kit comes off cleanly and quickly, too.

 
2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
 Author 
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 merlot54 
Set
Reg. Date : 03/04/2013
Posts : 22
Location : Walkington, East Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 13:13   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: narsisco_lopez)
 
Hi, the luggage system looks good. I considered a Givi top box for all my bits and pieces but i have the dual touring seat and sissiy bar fitted so wouldn't be able to open the lid.
I notice you have a "batwing" style screen. Who's make is that? Is it efficient in cutting down the buffetting?
Thanks
Steve

 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 13:15   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: narsisco_lopez)
 
Yeah, considered that option - but had doubts about the OEM rack's capacity to hold up the weight of the loaded top case. Wanted something tied into the frame for a bit more strength.

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
 Author 
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 narsisco_lopez 
Thor
Reg. Date : 09/09/2010
Posts : 2,765
Location : Golden (Showers!), Colorado, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 13:20   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: merlot54)
 
merlot54 wrote:

Hi, the luggage system looks good. I considered a Givi top box for all my bits and pieces but i have the dual touring seat and sissiy bar fitted so wouldn't be able to open the lid.
I notice you have a "batwing" style screen. Who's make is that? Is it efficient in cutting down the buffetting?
Thanks
Steve




It's the Corbin Contraband. I have a WHOLE LONG thread on the whole experience here...

The Contraband has Landed

I've commented in several other posts about its performance, but to summarize: The buffeting and wind reduction it delivers is amazing and instantly-noticeable. The downside is its high price and having to deal with Corbin's infamously-horrible customer service.

FYI: I sold this bike more than 2 years ago.


RatDog wrote:

Yeah, considered that option - but had doubts about the OEM rack's capacity to hold up the weight of the loaded top case. Wanted something tied into the frame for a bit more strength.


Yeah... I can appreciate your concerns. But, for the record: that tubular rack can hold a pretty big load with no issue... I had my case full for most of the trips I took with zero issues.

But, since the rack you're getting is custom-made, you can dial it right in to what you exactly want. Are you having them pre-drill it for the MonoLock's mounting plate?

 
2012 Storm (SOLD!)
Other Bikes:
2003 Suzuki DRZ400E (plated - my dual sport/mountain trail/camping bike)
Past Bikes:
2012 K13S
2009 KTM 990 Adventure
2010 Triumph Thunderbird 1600 (the Alien Queen)
2009 Triumph Sprint ST (another great bike!)
2007 Kawasaki ZX10R
2000 Kawasaki ZRX1100
1975 Honda SB550T "Clubman"
1981 Kawasaki KZ1000J
1985 Suzuki GS550E
1978 Yamaha 650 Special
 Author 
Post  
 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 13:56   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: narsisco_lopez)
 

narsisco_lopez wrote:

But, since the rack you're getting is custom-made, you can dial it right in to what you exactly want. Are you having them pre-drill it for the MonoLock's mounting plate?


It is actually standard and no it does not come pre-drilled - although I am pretty sure they would have been able to do that for me had I requested it.



 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
 Author 
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 GerPa 
Jupiter
Reg. Date : 10/12/2011
Posts : 1,919
Location : Mackay, Central Queensland, Australia
Posted : 25 Apr 2013 - 20:27   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
RatDog wrote:

Just curious, what's the issue your neighbor is trying to solve?


Hello Paul
Well He has one of the first T Birds into this country and He carry's a Swag/Bedroll across his pillion seat and up against the Triumph Back Rest which never gets used as He never carry's a Pillion. He then has his Saddlemen Overnight bags hanging "Out the Back" of that behind the back rest. and when He fills them up they sort of overflow the backrest rack and hang down and just look out of place. whereas if he used one of the brackets you are using He could bring it all forward so that it would look a whole lot tidier

 
May-2011-1600, 20306 Tune, Mustang Vintage Solo Seat, Meerkat Cat Bypass, + Meerkat Modified Short TORS ,K&N Air Cleaner,K&N Oil Filter, JBQ lifting system, Gold Plug Magnetic Sump Plug,Dart Fly screen, Rivco Risers, GiPro Gear Indicator, Breakaway Cruise Control, Avon ISO Grips, Scorpion Western Low Handlebars, Kury Switchblade Pegs, Garmin Zumo390LM,Michelin RC2 on Front RC 3 on ,Modified Rear Drive Pulley Hub Bearings (Mat1600/Alex4 Modification) Front Susp: Std & 7.5W Oil /126mm Air Gap & Rear:Hagon Nitro's with 26Kg/cm Springs + Lots of other "Bling" stuff.

Post edited by GerPa on 25 Apr 2013 - 20:27
 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 26 Apr 2013 - 01:14   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: GerPa)
 

GerPa wrote:

Well He has one of the first T Birds into this country and He carry's a Swag/Bedroll across his pillion seat and up against the Triumph Back Rest which never gets used as He never carry's a Pillion. He then has his Saddlemen Overnight bags hanging "Out the Back" of that behind the back rest. and when He fills them up they sort of overflow the backrest rack and hang down and just look out of place.


Wow, that's a lot of stuff! Yeah think I've seen that guy....






 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
 Author 
Post  
 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 08 May 2013 - 02:48   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
So I sent the E370 "globe-like" thing packing back to the distributor over the weekend - and the Givi V47 Tech arrived today.

I am sure some here will positively hate the look, and I have to admit I am still not entirely sure how it will all turn out, but I have to say the V47 matches up with the bike and the Hardstreet Slimbags ABSOLUTELY PERFECTLY. It looks about as good as a hard top case possibly could on this bike - almost like it was made for it. Should be able to post pics of it mounted up by the weekend. Stay tuned.

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 08 May 2013 - 03:54
 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 03:18   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Got a bit of help drilling into the 12 guage steel luggage rack from a neighbor who is a custom furniture maker by profession. The V47 is mounted. It is a really nicely made case. Plenty of room for two full face helmets. Very happy with the results. The look is a bit different and modern for sure - which is exactly what I was going for - but I am also pretty certain it won't suit everyone's taste. Will be very curious to see how many yays vs. nays I get on that score. I will be sticking with it at least for now - if nothing else just to get used to it and out of pure practicality's sake. Looking forward to posting photos over the weekend and hearing what you all have to say.

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 10 May 2013 - 03:21
 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 16:42   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
OK guys, here we go.... See the pics and let me know what ya think. Heading out on the maiden voyage for lunch. I wonder how many groceries I get into all those bags! :) Har har!












 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
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 bnz433 
Jupiter
Reg. Date : 10/06/2011
Posts : 1,843
Location : Clifton Park (Upstate), NY, United States
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 17:15   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Looks like you could be out on the road for a month +. Looks good for a long haul, but how quick can you remove the trunk for short trips? Add a pillion seat, and see if you can modify the trunk with a backrest/pad, and you'll be in full, 2up travel mode.

Good work.

Jamie

 
Bennington Triumph Bash - 31May-2June 2019. Home of the (tied in '14 & '15) US RECORD T-BIRD FLOCKING!!!!!

Link
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 mat1600 
Thunderbird
Reg. Date : 06/03/2010
Posts : 8,596
Location : Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 18:25   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 
Tidy job. Very smart. Serves a purpose.



 
My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.


 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 18:28   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: bnz433)
 
Oh man, I wish! Maybe someday. Hey if I could leave for Bennington today you know I would! The topcase comes off in a millisecond leaving the universal mounting plate and luggage rack/racing spoiler behind. The bags are your typical easy bracket setup - which in my experience is not quite as easy as it could be - but still takes just a few minutes of key jiggling. My plan is to put stuff that I want quick access to on the road e.g. snacks!, rainsuit, maps, other gear, cleaning supplies in the left bag, clothing in the topcase for convenience going in and out of hotels, and whatever/overflow/souvenirs/beer/weed (just kidding!) in the right bag.

So maiden voyage was cool - until I looked over my shoulder and thought a car was tailgating me and then realized it was just my big ass topcase!

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 10 May 2013 - 19:56
 Author 
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 RatDog 
Chaac
Reg. Date : 09/12/2012
Posts : 516
Location : Valley Forge, Pennsylvania, United States
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 19:47   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: mat1600)
 
mat1600 wrote:

Tidy job. Very smart. Serves a purpose.




Thanks Matt. Forgot to add that I love the idea of not having to fiddle with bungees and rain covers anymore.

 
Paul
2012 Triumph Thunderbird Storm ABS (stealthy and fastest matte black!)

Previous Bikes:
2001 Suzuki Bandit GSF1200S
1981 Yamaha SECA XJ-750
Post edited by RatDog on 10 May 2013 - 19:48
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 mat1600 
Thunderbird
Reg. Date : 06/03/2010
Posts : 8,596
Location : Bridlington, Democratic Independant State of Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Posted : 10 May 2013 - 19:55   Post title : Re: Oh yeah... Ordered Up a Rack and Top Case (Re: RatDog)
 

RatDog wrote:

mat1600 wrote:

Tidy job. Very smart. Serves a purpose.




Thanks Matt. Forgot to add that I love the idea of not having to fiddle with bungees and rain covers anymore.


Yeah, they are sort of ok till they come undone. ....... and you can't lock them.

 
My first natural instinct is to breathe. My second is to evade tax's.