I like the look of the OEM 6th gen bags better than anything else. I don't have an exhaust system in the way, so with a custom frame, could OEM bags fit a 5th gen well?
Here's what I'm working with: (IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1139666809/gallery_5128_669_217749.jpg) Skinny Runway Model
(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1139666809/gallery_5128_669_275487.jpg) What Exhaust?
(IMG:http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/uploads/1139666809/gallery_5128_669_349923.jpg) No Center Stand, No Clutter
It looks like you went to great lengths to clean up the A$$ end of your bike. I'm sure it is possible, but the mods for mounting the franken-racks might destroy all the hard work you have done unless the mounting points are unseen. If you decide to try it, follow up with pictures. Good luck!
I wonder if the OE 6th gen bags would fit onto standard Givi racks?
I have no experience whatsoever with hard luggage, but IIRC, the Honda bags are made by Givi for Honda, so perhaps they would fit on a standard wingrack, etc.
I think you could make it work, but it will take quite a bit of effort. Probably more than it took to do your exhaust.
You will probably need to reinstall your passenger pegs, as they are one of three mounting locations per side on the 6th gen. The other two are at the passenger handle mounting point(s), and at the rear, behind the stock license plate location.
The last spot may or may not interfere with your exhaust, as in being able to see it. It shouldn't restrict flow, as your can is set pretty far in, but you may end up rearranging things to make it look decent.
You could attach a custom steel-rod frame(I hope you own a set of torches) at the pass. peg, the seat cowl bungee-stud-bolt thing, and join the two at the rear of the bike to make it solid, but you'll need to make a few attempts. Buy yourself a box of metal wire coat hangers, and mock up a few ideas to see where things end up. If you need measurements of the 6th gen racks or boxes, let me know and I'll do my best to get the info posted up :thumbsup:
I think it's very possible, but I'm not sure about modify'n the 6th Gen mounts. May be too much trouble. You may have to start from scratch. You might also look into the FJR bags. They are similar but don't have the notch out for the exhaust. Here's a quick photo for a better idea of how it would look.
Magellan..those bags would look great on the 5th gen..good call... the lines match very well... The tail section point along with the hard bag design... Very nice...
Hmmm.... time for some research and measurements... Out comes the compass and protractor... hehe :goofy:
dutchinterceptor, Feb 19 2006, 02:31 PMI think it's very possible, but I'm not sure about modify'n the 6th Gen mounts. May be too much trouble. You may have to start from scratch. You might also look into the FJR bags. They are similar but don't have the notch out for the exhaust. Here's a quick photo for a better idea of how it would look.
Rough sketch of clean mounting system. The bolts under the tail-section will go straight into the subframe. I'm definitely going to need a set of bags present for mock-up, and I think I'll just modify a stock mounting rack to fit. That way all I have to do is weld the U-bars that go under the seat and fab brackets to the grab handle bolts. Piece of cake. :goofy:
Yes, I want the black bags. Nothing else will do. The Givis you pictured are nice, Rob, but too wide. I think the OE bags will shave several inches off. In fact, I think I'll end up slimmer than a 6th gen because the 5th gen tail is less, um, ample... :salesman: to begin with.
Does anybody here have any experience with FiveStar? I haven't seen any pics of them on a 5th gen, but they have a quick disconnect mounting system that, on a gen 6 at least seems to be almost invisible once the bag brackets are off. They are a bit hard to find, but the folks at twisted throttle will order them?
BTW, does your rear tire clear the muffler at full compression? It sure looks like it'd be VERY close.
Rough sketch of clean mounting system. The bolts under the tail-section will go straight into the subframe. I'm definitely going to need a set of bags present for mock-up, and I think I'll just modify a stock mounting rack to fit. That way all I have to do is weld the U-bars that go under the seat and fab brackets to the grab handle bolts. Piece of cake. :goofy:
Looks like you've got it. Can you still leave your cowl on with the grab handle brackets in place? All that's needed is the 12" cross bar for the bottom hook on the bags and the small hook at the top for the latch. The way you've drawn it looks to have plenty of support. I'm planning to modify mine so I don't need the passenger pegs. After doing that exhaust, it shouldn't be a problem for ya.
Seb, you're right the bag is a little small but I was trying to finish in a hurry so I could go eat!!!
magellan, Feb 19 2006, 03:38 PMYes, I want the black bags. Nothing else will do. The Givis you pictured are nice, Rob, but too wide. I think the OE bags will shave several inches off. In fact, I think I'll end up slimmer than a 6th gen because the 5th gen tail is less, um, ample... :salesman: to begin with.
OK, I'm kind of shooting in the dark seeing as how I've never owned hard luggage.
I guess if one saw a GIVI-clad 5th gen and a 6th gen with the OE bags side by each it'd probably make better sense.
I'm wisely stepping out of the thread because I've exhausted my nonexistant expertise already.
I AM looking forward to seeing the outcome though. :thumbsup: B)
dutchinterceptor, Feb 19 2006, 03:09 PMCan you still leave your cowl on with the grab handle brackets in place?
Should be able to with any plate less than 5/32" or so. There's a fair-sized gap between my seat cowl and tail plastic. I'll definitely put the rear footrests on before I mock up, and it'll be important to make sure the mounted bags are far enough back for her feet. Now to find some bags.....
magellan, Feb 19 2006, 03:38 PMYes, I want the black bags. Nothing else will do. The Givis you pictured are nice, Rob, but too wide. I think the OE bags will shave several inches off. In fact, I think I'll end up slimmer than a 6th gen because the 5th gen tail is less, um, ample... :salesman: to begin with.
Well, I'm seriously looking at the silver ones on davidsilverspares.com (About $400 USD with shipping. I'll paint 'em black), but I also want a top box. What rack mod or add-on will be required to include the top box, and who knows of a good cheap one (any make or color)?
MFP-2241, May 30 2006, 10:35 AM I just painted my saddlebags flat black. I'm sure you'll see them later this week when we head to Reno.
Your saddlebags look great, MFP-2241. I haven't had mine on since Reno, but I did leave the rear rack and top box in place. Having a trunk is extremely convenient.
I decided to add two grab bar/reinforcement rails to quell some of the bouncing I had with the top box loaded up. My wife likes to have the bars to hold onto, too. While I was at it I welded the top box base plate to the rack and repainted the whole thing matte black.
Man, those look good (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif) What do you use for bending the tubing? I'd like to build something lighter to hold my soft bags better, and for practice...
magellan, May 29 2006, 12:42 PM Okay, here goes: Re #1: I simply cut out the hole with a hot soldering gun. It makes a pretty smooth hole. The lumps that look like sealant are just welds on the studs that go up through the frame rail. I will take the racks off for solo riding.
Re #2: I have both an Oxy-Acetylene and a little 110 Campbell-Hausfield wire-feed arc-welder. However, I use the O-A for heating and cutting, as I find the wire-feed requires a less artistic touch for welding. Just point and shoot. I can do a lot with it, but it's definitely crude compared to a nice proper 220V Lincoln or Miller (or such) MIG.
As far as developing your welding craft, practice with scrap!! I'm hardly the guy to ask about pretty welds, though. It's my grinder and files that make all the ugliness go away! (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/tongue.gif)
PS: my tok tokkie exhaust system is on its way via UPS as we speak (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/wink.gif) . I can't wait!
thereisnospoon, Aug 1 2006, 11:44 AM Man, those look good (IMG:style_emoticons/oldemoticons/smile.gif) What do you use for bending the tubing? I'd like to build something lighter to hold my soft bags better, and for practice...
All I use for bending tubing is a vise and an oxy-acetylene torch. I heat up the tubing almost to the melting point about 1/2" either side of where I want to bend (but not directly at the point where I want the bend) and very gently apply pressure until the metal bends easily to the angle I need. It takes practice, but it's fairly simple with the right tools.
On a related note, during my tok tokkie exhaust project I was initiated into the intricacies of TIG welding, and I'm not sure I'll ever be satisfied with arc welding again. TIG makes beautiful welds!
magellan, Aug 1 2006, 04:58 PM TIG makes beautiful welds!
Yup! I've never done any arc welding, but I have done some MIG. TIG is much nicer! I'm currently aerospace certified for .032" stainless steel fillet and butt welds, and for .040" aluminum(6061 T6). Fun, fun. Just try to keep your head out of the fumes, ok? That shit's no good for you!!
End of thread · 27 posts recoveredWayback Machine snapshot 17 Feb 2007
