Corbin Smuggler Undertray - Fifth Generation VFR's

A while ago I picked up a very used Corbin Smuggler for my Gen 5.  It is one of those things that you grab when it's available because they are no longer made and are becoming more rare.  I was disappointed to find that when installed, if you were to throw a handful of small items under the lid of this thing that there were no promises that they would stay under there or if they did everything would be wet.  Canada here; that aint cool... Also as known the fit of the thing was just this side of poor but it is what it is.  I sent the seat out for upholstery; leather on top and vinyl on the sides as original and send the fibreglass bits out for paint.  I set about making an under-tray for the Smuggler.  I removed all the plastic bits in the way used Styrofoam to fill in the gaps and lined the area with several layers of duct tape (wasn't the best choice but it worked) and direct moulded it to the bike.   [image: IMG_1882.JPG] [image: IMG_1881.JPG]

After I pried it off, cleaned it up and drilled some holes...[image: IMG_1919.JPG] [image: IMG_1920.JPG]  

A little fitting and trimming made it fit as well as possible with the sides running as far up under the unit as possible.  This is rough I grant you but it's a one off part in an unseen location for a twelve year old bike.[image: IMG_1921.JPG]  

I didn't like the area where the F/G bolts to the seat as it seemed a little weak so I made a pattern and cut out a doubling plate from aluminium.  [image: IMG_1923.JPG]

Here is where the ranting starts and why I will never willingly buy a Corbin product ever again.  I called them up to see what bits I could buy to get it back to tip top shape.  I needed a lock set, rubber baby buggy bumpers etc.  I was told that because I am not the original purchaser that it is their company policy that they won't sell to me...what?  So I own a twelve year old bike that came with a Corbin Gunfighter, bought a near death Smuggler from the interweb and you will not sell me parts?  Uhm...what are my options here? "you have none"...what??  So eventually with some persuading she changed her mind and cautioned me that she could get into trouble and she's doing me a big favour...

In the middle of a US economic crisis and your business is entirely in the "first to go" recreational market selling products that are very much not required as every bike comes with an OEM seat...how about this for a company policy:  " People, these are our phones.  When they ring there will be people on the other end of the line who want to buy stuff from us, who might need our help with our products.  Sell them what they need."

Customer service people!!!  So the takeaway here is that if I ever look at a used bike with a Corbin seat on it, the seat is a liability not an asset?  Great way to have your products regarded.  So end of rant; I have two Corbin products for my bike that yes I will hang onto as that's all I have for it, but I certainly won't ever buy a new one from them. Further, to be quite honest I find them very hard and my OEM CBR seat was more comfortable.  

So I got the bits and finished the project and despite all the setbacks I really do like that little bit of extra storage space it provides.[image: IMG_2476.JPG]  

In behind the tail light there is still enough room to hide the requisite spare voltage regulator out of site and out of mind.  If I really need it I just need to pop the seat assy off to retrieve it and as we all know the best way to avoid a regulator failure is to carry a spare. [image: IMG_2475.JPG]

Now...what junk can I fill this up with that I will never actually need?

Very Cool! it is a nice addition....good job helping her to keep her job  :wacko:

I am very impressed by your craftsmanship...nice job!

:1:    to the above - nicely done - what it should have had in the first place. 

I've heard similar stories in the past about Corbin - the "my way or the highway" approach to customer service.  Tough to understand. 

Nice Job.  I keep looking at my cowling hanging on a nail on the garage wall and thinking I should make it so it can go on/off easily without disassembling the rear rack and it's assorted screws and washers.  The storage area would just be icing on the cake. 

Here is where the ranting starts and why I will never willingly buy a Corbin product ever again. <snip>

First, nice work on the tray. Something Corbin could have done from the start.

Same experience I had with them, except I was the original purchaser. I didn't get the "my way or the highway" story though, it was just we got your money so "hit the highway". And that was from the VP of customer service. They're legendary for that approach.

 I'm glad I have the Beetle Bags on my 5th gen, but after having to rebuild the crap mounts I certainly wouldn't consider buying a new product from them.

 Their seats are horrible. Heavy, cheaply made, and uncomfortable.

 Add to that their legendary (?) customer service, and I wonder what keeps 'em in business.

Nice job. And wrapped in some small bubble wrap, also tucked back by the taillights, resides my spare R/R. 

Nice work on the tray. Had a corbin smuggler for many years and sold it and regret it's looks and convenient storage. However I have a Sargent and the comfort is much better in my opinion. Your recommendation about carrying a spare R/R had me thinking of how we run redundant control cables along side the functioning ones on our dirtbikes for long rides into the desert. Could do something similar with the R/R to make it more plug and play in the case of a failure. Anyways thanks for the pictures.