Oem topcase bracketmounting rack question

I've got a 6th gen r/w/b I just bought. Thinking about a topcase, if I can find one in blue, OEM preferred.

Just so I have this right:

One option is the topcase bracket made by a lister here (Ken, I belive) that looks great and has rave reviews. This one mounts over the OEM seat cowl basically, which means no passenger and no room to strap anything to the rear seat from what I can tell.

The other option is in INSANELY priced OEM mounting bracket, which SEEMS to allow (can you guys with the OEM bags and topcase confirm this and maybe drop a foto into this thread?) me to carry a passenger OR strap something to the rear seat if I need to.

This all sound correct? Just trying to verify before I set this search in motion.

(Oh, and if you have a blue top case and want to sell it, I'd listen to that too!)

I have only heard good things regarding Ken's rack mounts but have never seen one in the flesh.

I ended up with an oem rack after breaking a few less robust ones. I want/need the added storage space strapping things down on the seat, so a systems likes Ken's rack doesn't work for me.

The arm length of a rear mount case is the clincher. Having a fully loaded 20-30+ litre top case hanging that far off of the mount bolts is going to present a fairly large load. Yes, I have broken lesser racks.

For me, the oem rack was worth every cent.

Btw, shop around online and make calls. My local dealer pretty much matched any online deal I found. Up here in Canada that is a big deal. Online stuff is usually waaaay cheaper.

If you're going to look for OEM, check out David Silver Spares, they had some really great deals on OEM luggage a while back.

Thanks for the kind words regarding my Solo Rack - and right now - I have two left - then a waiting list will be posted....

Some things to consider - I also have the OEM rack, and I have an adapter plate that I use to mount the GIVI E52 Topbox to - when I ride with my kids on back.  (The Top Box helps give them something to lean back on - and prevents them from falling off backward if they aren't paying full attention)....  BUT - that OEM rack puts the top box way out behind the bike - and thus the reason I made the Solo Rack - I hated the "Sail" effect that the topbox created.

When you use my Solo Rack - there is actually some room in front of it - but still behind the pilot that you could pack some gear onto.  Under the Solo Rack is also room to place a tightly rolled sleeping bag or pillow.

If you are riding alone - but want to carry a lot of stuff - get the hard sidebags, and the topbox mounted to my Solo Rack - in my (albeit subjective) opinion, its the best of all options without sacrificing performance and being pushed around like you're on a sail board.

I was in the same boat as you...I went ahead and made my own rack. I bought a top case from JCwhitney for 60 bucks or so...

Then i went to a scrap yard that also sells metal. I bought 2" wide by 1/4" thick flat iron about 7 or so inches. I also bought around 3' of pipe. I think it is 1" diameter. 

I cut the flat iron and pipe in half. then mocked it up and welded so that the pipe sticks out over the tail. Then i mounted the bracket that came with the JCWhitney case to the two pipes. (i had to buy longer screws for the handles as i used those bolts to mount the brackets to. Total cost was less than $100 for case and brackets and about 3 hours of my time. 

I have been using this setup for two years now and no issues. I can also carry a passenger no problem and still remove my seat without having to remove bracket. 

I have thought about improving on the design and selling it but....who has that kind of time these days?

Let's see some fotos of this, HomeBrew! I'm interested in both the rack and the case itself...any idea how many liters it is?

I will take some pictures and post them up on one condition...you do not make fun of my welds...i had a huge gap to fill, little experience, and a very cheap welder (wall plug type).

I'm a fan of the factory rack. Stupid expensive, yes. But rock solid, and the look has grown on me. Plus, great for a passenger and great when strapping extra gear down for a long tour.

I have had the OEM rack and box for two years now and really like it.  Like all things Honda, it fits like is should.  It adds good storage (even though slightly "aerodynamic shape" costs it some space inside) and the rack is real nice replacing the passenger grab rails.  I will say the back rest for the passenger is poor, too small and too high - the wife's back actually hits the hinge line on teh box.  Other than that, I ahve been very pleased with it.

@Ken - do you have a pic or link to your topbox mount? Will it accept a Givi Monokey plate? Thanks!

Let's see some fotos of this, HomeBrew! I'm interested in both the rack and the case itself...any idea how many liters it is?

Sorry it took me this long...here are some pics.

[image: IMG_20130325_083804_752_zps9f0c3de4.jpg]

Dont make fun of my welding...

[image: IMG_20130325_083813_047_zps928a1ae7.jpg]

As you can see i use the supplied bracket from the top case as the base plate. The two end bolts are through holes drilled through the pipe. 

[image: IMG_20130325_083825_123_zpsbbf4a0b4.jpg]

[image: IMG_20130325_083837_434_zps6eb568d6.jpg]

You know, from what I can see those welds aren't nearly as bad as I was expecting.

But what I really should be asking is : How DOES the VFR handle off-road?

Ohhh...that's right. You guys get that "rain" stuff up there, huh? Nevermind...

I take my VFR on gravel roads without abandon...I find it handles excellent! If time and money were no object i would fighter my VFR and make it as much SuperMoto as possible! The only downside to off road is the linked brakes...

The dirt on there is from commuting...I need to give her a bath but its so damn cold out still...