Pelican case hard saddle bag pannier project for 07. : Yamaha R1 Forum

Xtremjeepn · 07-02-2008, 10:05 AM

Is that enough key words in the title

I know some of you track junkies won't approve but

.

I have been riding a long time and really enjoy a pure sports bike. I also love doing a little power commuting on it and some SPORT touring.

No one makes real hard luggage for pure sports bikes. The ones that do want a small fortune for it. So I decided I could have my cake and eat it too by making myself some commuting luggage.

I am only partially into this project so bare with me here.

-I started with two Pelican 1430 top load cases. These things are light and nearly indistructable. They are also totally water tight (untill I started drilling holes in them

).

I wanted to take advantage of the bikes natural weight bearing points and try to avoid having huge racks hanging on the bike at all times.

So here is what I came up with so far.

The front edge of the case has a some metal square stock attached to the bottom of it. This just slips over the passenger foot peg. Not as secure of a point as I would like so I may change this around a bit so that it actually uses a quick release pin to take the peg off and pin in the bag where the peg goes. I figure if a 120 passenger can stand on this peg 10-15lbs max of pannier can ride on it.

Then I made a simple double "L" bracket that bolts to the exhaust hanger under the seat and sticks out between the exhuast and body work. (no trimming at all, forgive the loose bodywork it is just sitting on the bike for picture reference sake).

There is a hole in the side of the Pelican case that the bracket simply bolts to. The plan is to weld a bolt to the bracket, the case slides over the bolt and secures from inside the case with a wingnut. This keeps the case locked on as long as you have a padlock on the case. Simple one nut removal of the case so that you can ride it to work and carry the case inside just like a breifcase.

The only issue at this point is that the exhaust mounts are rubber mounted so it allows movement in the case. Tonight I will build a cross truss under the seat to tie the left and right side toghther so there is zero flex. The whole system will still only be held on with two bolts and no trimming. So in theory when I am done I could take this to a shop,jig it and make more if there was enough interest. This is all the same underseat structure designed to hold the weight of the passenger.

When the bags are off the bike all you will see is a small bracket sticking out above the exhaust. So for the most part you keep the sleek lines of the bike when you don't have luggage.

One case will hold my laptop and stuff for work. The other will have the foam removed to hold files, jacket, etc.

02R1guy · 08-03-2008, 08:13 AM

Got pics of the racks alone ? Do the bags flop ?

Xtremjeepn · 08-03-2008, 08:15 AM

Sorry. I got distracted and have not totally finished it. I will post pics as soon as I get it done.

dankporter · 08-03-2008, 01:31 PM

ime xcited to see the finished product

02R1guy · 08-03-2008, 08:20 PM

Well I've got an assortment of soft luggage and a RennTec Sport Rack.

Today after much thought....and a planned trip to Ohio and WV I purchased a Givi V46 Top Case to mount to the rack.

Xtremjeepn · 08-09-2008, 08:15 PM

Okay! So here is a little update.

Got my "Motor-Sport Panniers" Universal mounting hoop kit.

I am not a big fan of their mount set up, but the hoop was a must need.

Hoops were $39 and the mount plates were $79. (buy the hoops, not the plates, you can make something cheaper)

These photos are not totally finished. Wanted to ride with them for a bit before having the mounts powder coated. So all the rack is still raw steal and needs cleaned up. (Forgive the dirty bike and garage)

These things are rock solid.

02R1guy · 08-10-2008, 09:26 AM

Nice !

I got my rack modded, Givi plate mounted and Topcase fitted.

This Topcase with my Givi T418 tailbag and/or Oxford Sport Saddle bags make for a pretty decent STer

Xtremjeepn · 08-10-2008, 11:33 AM

I like the top case idea too. I have a tail bag so I thought I would start with the saddle bags. Then maybe add a rack and top case if I needed later.

JDollaz · 08-10-2008, 11:50 AM

Wow, if I got those i could Ride down to the Gap next year!
Sweet Job bro!

Klo1320 · 08-10-2008, 03:51 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02R1guy

Nice !

I got my rack modded, Givi plate mounted and Topcase fitted.

This Topcase with my Givi T418 tailbag and/or Oxford Sport Saddle bags make for a pretty decent STer

what exactly did you have to do to get this setup? This would be perfect for my needs.

02R1guy · 08-10-2008, 04:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klo1320

what exactly did you have to do to get this setup? This would be perfect for my needs.

Exactly ?

Ok here goes it

I got a rear rack from here then cut off the handle part. See pic I don't know why they put it there or angle it back over the rack making it hard to mount stuff.....but they do.

Next I bought a Givi Topcase from here. I got the MONOKEY but the Monolock 45L or 47L is just as nice and COMES WITH A UNIVERSAL MOUNT. The Monokey V46 case does NOT come with a mount. I got one from a friend who had an extra new one...Bought him lunch. Monokey Universal mounts cost $65. The topcase will lock down, lock to the bike and be waterproof without rain covers.

Many items out there make ONers, Commuting and vacation trips easier than a big ol backpack. These guys make a neat plate that I use for my Givi T418 bag....well before I had the topcase that is.

Feel free to ask questions if you have issues mounting etc

http://www.revsperformance.com/renntec/sports_racks.htm
http://www.sporttour.com/luggage/givi/cases.htm
http://www.thecycleguys.com/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/259/

Kieron · 08-10-2008, 05:04 PM

i appreciate the utility' but that top case looks tall as hell and kinda funny....

you two should share your engineering skills, that top case and the two saddle bags you could take quite the extended road trip...while garnering quite a few funny looks

Klo1320 · 08-10-2008, 05:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02R1guy

Exactly ?

Ok here goes it

I got a rear rack from here then cut off the handle part. See pic I don't know why they put it there or angle it back over the rack making it hard to mount stuff.....but they do.

Next I bought a Givi Topcase from here. I got the MONOKEY but the Monolock 45L or 47L is just as nice and COMES WITH A UNIVERSAL MOUNT. The Monokey V46 case does NOT come with a mount. I got one from a friend who had an extra new one...Bought him lunch. Monokey Universal mounts cost $65. The topcase will lock down, lock to the bike and be waterproof without rain covers.

Many items out there make ONers, Commuting and vacation trips easier than a big ol backpack. These guys make a neat plate that I use for my Givi T418 bag....well before I had the topcase that is.

Feel free to ask questions if you have issues mounting etc

http://www.revsperformance.com/renntec/sports_racks.htm
http://www.sporttour.com/luggage/givi/cases.htm
http://www.thecycleguys.com/
http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productlist/259/

much appreciate for the info. i've been looking around for a setup like you. I wanted to keep the passenger seat, as I have company sometimes; when I need to carry a few things.

Klo1320 · 08-10-2008, 05:19 PM

actually one more question for you 02R1guy. does the Givi bag ( monokey ) come off easily, or do you need tools. For example, if I decide to stay at a hotel and can't get the bike inside the room; does it become a problem to get the bag off the rack?

02R1guy · 08-10-2008, 05:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kieron

i appreciate the utility' but that top case looks tall as hell and kinda funny....

you two should share your engineering skills, that top case and the two saddle bags you could take quite the extended road trip...while garnering quite a few funny looks

True there are those that find that image of an R1 with luggage "Rare" and "Funny" but then there are those that might also find the engineers efforts to be priceless. Don't get me wrong...it looks like a spaceship is following my bike

For example I don't recall seeing a topcase on an R1. If I were riding down the road and passed a guy with that set-up......I'd be likely to turn around and go inquire. Having a sexy R1 with a locking, waterproof set of bags or topcase....can be priceless to those interesting in using that sexy R1 for more than around the block riding. Sometimes you have to travel to find new roads in new areas.

02R1guy · 08-10-2008, 05:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Klo1320

actually one more question for you 02R1guy. does the Givi bag ( monokey ) come off easily, or do you need tools. For example, if I decide to stay at a hotel and can't get the bike inside the room; does it become a problem to get the bag off the rack?

The Monolock and Monokey topcase lock shut and lock to the bike. Turn the key and push a button ...pops off and pops open.

You could easily leave the topcase on the bike(locked) and be safe. Of course it's like anything....if they want the bike....they get it. If they want the topcase or what's inside........

Klo1320 · 08-10-2008, 07:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 02R1guy

The Monolock and Monokey topcase lock shut and lock to the bike. Turn the key and push a button ...pops off and pops open.

You could easily leave the topcase on the bike(locked) and be safe. Of course it's like anything....if they want the bike....they get it. If they want the topcase or what's inside........

thanks for the info. this is the setup I am going to give a try.

xdonniedarkox · 08-10-2008, 07:59 PM

Great work!

I trust you have seen the video of the guy on 98' R1 who rides around the world. Your set up would do him proud...

Xtremjeepn · 08-10-2008, 10:19 PM

Yeah, love that video.

Tested them out today. Did a few hundred miles in the Colorado Rockies. Bags were empty for the initial test. They are solid as a rock back there. You can still get off the bike all you want. Empty the weight has no noticable effect.

Lokke · 02-06-2009, 02:41 PM

Perfect! Really nice! This is something I'll try and make for my -04 R1 too. I also bought a second passanger seat and will try and fit a tailbag or "plate" to fasten tent+sleepingbag etc on longer trips on it.

And to those who haven't seen how to ride 55,000 miles through 45 countries in 120 days on a R1 check out: http://www.nicksanders.com/ I just ordered the 3 dvd's and book haven't got them yet, but bet it will be some inspiration for this summer...