Lookin' into getting the factory hard cases from Honda for my 2002. Questions:
How wide do the cases stick out? Could somebody, take a tape measure and measure the overall width of the cases on the bike? biggrin.gif � biggrin.gif � biggrin.gif
I think they look good... but... they do seem really wide. :wow:
if you're worried how wide they look you're not going to like them. i bought a set and mounted them but hate the look .......... talking about porkomatic.
I don't think they look bad at all, and they sure hold a lot. You can probably get a good idea of how wide they are by checking out the pictures here and then measuring your own license plate and extrapolating:
They're wider than what I had on my BMW R1100RS but they'll also hold more. FWIW, I think they look fine. I never take them off unless it's for cleaning or maintenance.
WIDE???? u want - WIDE - yep - rumor has it that they make the vfr 2 inches wider than the same year GOLDWING! now that's big (and no matter what SHE tells you - SIZE MATTERS!) personally - i love 'em! sooo glad i got them! they hold a ton - and when you are using them, it seems to weight down my suspension just enough to make the bike just "soft" enogh to turn it from sport to tourer!!! :D verrrry nice!
enjoy them! but you do gotta watch it! i actually scrubbed a guys bumper at a gas station because i wasn't paying enough attention - WON'T let that happen again!!!! didn't scuff my bags but scratched his black painted bumper down to the WHITE plastic underneath - he was sooo not happy!
get 'em if your gonna use 'em - and don't forget they are there!!! like - no lane splitting with those puppies on!
biggrin.gif Thanks for the input all. I've made a decision that they WILL be an addition to the bike. I've gotta 1500 mile tour this summer to/through Montana and I need something to stow the necessary accoutrements. Not only that... but with my Staintunes - it didn't seem like my soft luggage would survive the unshielded heat from the cans �:wow: Now to go count my pennies... $1000 smacks �:wow: � :wow: ah the wife she aint gonna like this at all. �:goof:
zenwhipper, June 26 2003Now to go count my pennies... $1000 smacks �:wow: � :wow: ah the wife she aint gonna like this at all. �:goof:
As an alternative, you might want to consider the Givi bags. They are available in a number of different sizes and configurations as well as having several different mounting options.
The whole Givi thing gets a little confusing, but I've found that Riderhaus does a pretty good job of sorting it out. However, I just checked their old site (www.riderhaus.com) and as of May 1st, it says they are not accepting new orders. At this moment, their new site (www.twowheelsburning.com) doesn't appear to be working either.
That said, I have Give E41 side cases that I used on my former ride (Yamaha Road Star) with 5 Stars Racks and am currently mounting on my VFR with Motech side racks. The E41s allow keyless entry from the top (so all your stuff doesn't spill out if you just need to get to one or two items).
THe 5 Stars racks for the VFR require removing the grab handles for installation. THe Motech side racks can be used with the grab handles in place. However, if you use the Motech rear rack as well, it requires removing the grab handles. THe racks themselves have a quick disconnect feature, so that if you want to remove the bags and racks and go back to the naked look, all that's left on the bike are mounting tabs at the grab handles and passenger footpeg mounts (and possibly on the mudflap depnding on how they're installed). Removing the racks takes about 30 seconds.
Givi also makes racks to mount their bags, but I've always stayed away from the Givi racks because I don't think they look as good or work as well.
Yes, the setup is wide, but IMO, there's nothing better than being able to easily remove the bags and take them into the tent or hotel room.
I can no longer remember what I paid for the E41 side cases (I think it was about $450 or maybe $550), but the Motech side racks for the VFR were $227.
biggrin.gif Well... the Honda Hard Bags are on! I must say/write - I'm glad I took the plunge! They look great and much to my surprise - they don't appear too wide at all. �:laugh: Here are the numbers:
Overall width of bike at the widest part of the cases = 38 in Addition of the cases added 9 in to each side.
Installation was fairly straight forward. But, I had removed my rear fender, months prior, leaving only the metal support to the license plate, and the directions are, makes sense, for bikes that still have the rear fender in place. tongue.gif �So, I tossed the instructions and used my intuition to put them on. No prob. They integrate with the lines of the bike very well and the bike now looks suited for the long haul. � wheel.gif
They still feel a tad expensive to me... but I think they are worth it.