| Author | Message | ||
     Zac4mac |
Several events led to me digging in the garage and building a top-box for Loretta. I need to take my laptop to work lately and wet-gear is also a good idea to have handy. I had an old JVC video recorder carry-case and an extra passenger pad. Finished it off with a half-can of black spray-on Tool-Dip. Now I don't HAVE to ride the Uly to work, gotta do the 20k service on her anyway.     Now to make it nice Inside too. Zack | ||
| Carbonbigfoot |
Nice. Throw the seat in the box when you leave the house, then just undo the case, put the seat on, and walk away with the case! | ||
| Zac4mac |
That's exactly what I did today Rob. Guys here at the shop are giving me a hard time for Effing up a good sport bike - I told them that right now it's a commuter bike, when I want a sport bike, I take the tour-pak off. duh Zack | ||
| Steeleagle |
Take a grinder to the lower sides of the case before you ride to work next time. That'll make them wonder about the "commute" part! | ||
| Dannybuell |
Steeleagle --  | ||
| Duphuckincati |
I'd heard there was some good weed in Colorado... | ||
| Jgarner99 |
Nice anti-theft device, Zac. Myself, I've always used bird crap on the seat to keep the bad guys away. But I think you've got me beat... | ||
| Zac4mac |
Realistically, the only time this contraption rides on Loretta is for commuting to/fro work. I don't think I'd trust it for "luggage" on a long trip, just using the seat latch. I got spoiled real quick with the bags on the Uly, so convenient. This was a small project that cost nothing but time. I stuffed it pretty full a couple of days ago, laptop, day-bag and all the parts for a Uly 20k service including fluids. Anything that helps keep me out of the truck and on the bike is good. I love your idea Steeleagle. Z | ||
| Ratsmc |
I'd love to see how you did the seat latch. I recently realized I needed storage as I am about to head back out to California potentially for a few months. I went this route:  After confirming it worked, I am fabbing up some steel mounting plates with T-holes on them and studs on the ammo can side so I can easily remove them. It is really nice having easy storage. Having a spot for my laptop makes me very happy. | ||
| Rogue_biker |
I haven't commuted on my 1125R yet. I do commute on my Firebolt. I bring a laptop, a change of shoes, lunch, and other small, loose items. To carry all this, I use a Timbuktu Bicycle Messenger bag. There are other brands of differing sizes, shapes, and types. These Messenger Bags are excellent commuter bags for motorcyclists because they are designed to stay on you when you're on a sportbike-like forward riding position, they are also large enough to carry a lot of stuff, are waterproof, and once on your shoulder they shed most of their weight because you carry them low, right around waist level. I've been using this for years and it works great on all types of weather. They even have reflective stripes for night visibility. Finally, it keeps the bike's body free of bags and their attachments. | ||
| Dannybuell |
Rogue_biker +1. I have been using an old school version of a messenger bag for years. | ||
| Zac4mac |
Rats - I stripped the vinyl and foam from an extra passenger pad I had. I used (4) 1/4-20 screws and nuts and fender washers, with some foam between the box and the seat-pan and cinched it all together. The way I did it warped the seat pan a little, so I had to trim some of the edge to get the latch to catch. I'm going out to the garage to do the 20k on my Uly, I'll get some "backside" pix. I cannot stand to wear a backpack when I'm riding, especially a single sling type. My laptop bag is like that and... no... that's why I made the box. Z | ||
| Rogue_biker |
I hate back packs for riding too. Hence the Messenger Bag. The best thing about the MB's are, it's easier to mount and dismount the bike since it has no bags attached. In any case, use what works best for you.  | ||
| Dannybuell |
Ratsmc - I keep coming back to this thread to look at your bike. Could you please do a few pictures showing your ammo box luggage build? | ||
| Juniorkirk |
Here's what i did with my old XB back in '08 when i rode from Iowa to Cali  At first i had the backpack on me, but after about 50 miles i said screw it and ended up stopping at a wal-mart and buying some bungee cords | ||
| Ratsmc |
Juniorkirk, That is pretty close to what I'll be doing. I have a good size backpack (that was my only pack last time I went to Oakland) that will go on the passenger seat in addition to the cans on the sides. The nice thing about that is that carrying the pack once I arrive somewhere is pretty easy. Distance riding with a backpack on sucks and it typically painful. I prefer not to have anything strapped to me. | ||
| Aeholton |
Just installed the scooter box on my bike. Bought a used rear seat and mounted the base to the seat pan. Should work pretty well to carry stuff. Less than $100 total investment.    |
