My new topcase - lots of pix

[gsJack]

El Noobo and silver_rider, I mounted my E33 Givi case on the standard Suzuki luggage rack that mounts to the two holes that normally hold the passanger grab handle:



The Givi Monolock cases, their lower priced lighter weight models, come with that mounting plate incuded and it clamps right to the Suzuki tubular rack with the 4 clamps that come with it.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GiviRackPics.jpg

The bikes frame cross member where it mounts was not heavy enough and began to crack a bit and the case began to bounce up and down some.  So I bought a 3' piece of 3/4" aluminum angle and cut a foot long piece and attached it with a couple 1/4" stove bolts to the little flat at the top of the rear fender.  I used the remaining length of angle to make the two bracing struts that rigidly brace the luggage the rack.  Conected the struts top and bottom with short pieces of the angle.  Rack, bag, and quite a bit of load at times haven't budged a bit in the 3 years since.   

PS:  That's exactly the same kind of aluminum angle I used to fabricate the homemade rack I mounted to the passanger grab handle on my old 97 GS to carry mostly soft luggage and clothing type loads and it has survived the many years and miles I rode the 97:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/gsrackpics.jpg

[Chilly Willy]

Thank you for the details.  I can't wait to start taking longer trips on the bike and I'm sure a good set of bags and a rack will come in handy.

El Noobo

[silver_rider]

El Noobo and silver_rider, I mounted my E33 Givi case on the standard Suzuki luggage rack that mounts to the two holes that normally hold the passanger grab handle

So you can buy that rack from Suzuki? If you don't mind me asking, what is the price and would you know the part #? I found a GIvi case for a pretty good price ($130 CAD) and would love to have it on the bike if just to be able to store my helmet in, rather than lugging it with me everywhere I go since I communte to work on my bike every day, rain or shine (don't do snow  ).

Thanks for your reply,

Doug.

[Trwhouse]

Hi all,
Just a note...
Actually, even though many of you think this rear box idea is cool, that happens to be the worst place to mount luggage on a motorcycle because of its location.
When adding luggage, you want to keep it as close to the bike's center of gravity and as low as possible to avoid negative effects on its handling while riding.
That's why tank bags are a good way to carry items, as well as lower-mounted saddlebags.
If you put a bunch of heavy stuff in a top box, your bike's handling will be negatively effected, including the possibility of wobbles at high speed because the front end is unweighted by the high, heavy and rearward-mounted load at the rear.
Use your discretion and ride safe.
yours,
Todd

[gsJack]

El Noobo and silver_rider, I mounted my E33 Givi case on the standard Suzuki luggage rack that mounts to the two holes that normally hold the passanger grab handle

So you can buy that rack from Suzuki? If you don't mind me asking, what is the price and would you know the part #? I found a GIvi case for a pretty good price ($130 CAD) and would love to have it on the bike if just to be able to store my helmet in, rather than lugging it with me everywhere I go since I communte to work on my bike every day, rain or shine (don't do snow  ).

Thanks for your reply,

Doug.

Part Number:  99950-70267 
Description:  GS500 01- LUG. 
Source:  SUZUKI 
Price:  $79.68 

From Ron Ayers parts fiche.

[silver_rider]

Thank you sir.

[SeriousGeorge]

Very good point Trwhouse. I think a lot of us are mainly interested in having lockable storage on the bike. I know in my case I wouldn't usually haul anything in there, but I'd love to have a place to stash my helmet, gloves and jacket while I'm off the bike.

Hi all,
Just a note...
Actually, even though many of you think this rear box idea is cool, that happens to be the worst place to mount luggage on a motorcycle because of its location.
When adding luggage, you want to keep it as close to the bike's center of gravity and as low as possible to avoid negative effects on its handling while riding.
That's why tank bags are a good way to carry items, as well as lower-mounted saddlebags.
If you put a bunch of heavy stuff in a top box, your bike's handling will be negatively effected, including the possibility of wobbles at high speed because the front end is unweighted by the high, heavy and rearward-mounted load at the rear.
Use your discretion and ride safe.
yours,
Todd

[madrazo]

lol...looks like a grill on the back..