Hard Cases on the GS

[Bluesmudge]

This has come up a couple of times over the years, but not many people talk about hard panniers on the GS. Most people just get a top case. I guess this is because it it cheaper and maybe more convenient? Reminding everyone that panniers are an option!

I have always preferred side cases unless I am hauling a ton of stuff. Top cases are just fugly.

Here is my '06 GS500F with Hepco and Becker pannier racks and 30L "Junior" side cases. To get the racks in the United States you have to special order them from a Hepco and Becker dealer. My local Moto Guzzi and Aprillia dealer 2 blocks from the Suzuki dealership imports Hepco and Becker items.

Pics:

[jestercinti]

Awesome!  For the DIY'er, Pelican cases work well too.

[craigs449]

Blusmudge, post a link to the cold weather hand warmer handlebars thingy-ma-jiggers on your bike please!  That is what I need to avoid buying costly heated gloves!

[Bluesmudge]

The handlebar muffs are "Hippo Hands"

http://www.hippohands.com

Made in Canada, where they know what COLD is! Good for keeping the water and wind away from your hands.

[adidasguy]

HIJACK:
I tried on heated gloves at the show. Might get a battery powered pair just for working on bikes in cold weather. Also has plug-in gloves.

[jmill]

The conclusion of the epic saga. I see success.

[mister]

Blue: I've got Hepco and Becker on my 919. Love them. I usually ride without the panniers but leave the rack on, and always have the top box.

Well, the other day I removed the top box to clean under it better. When I put it back I did so correctly - but - I did not lock the latch the keeps it in place. On the weekend while riding, a few large bumps opened the latch and a short while later the box went flying. Survived but is a little scratched.

Just a word of warning. The lockable latches that keep the panniers attached to the bike, keep them locked otherwise bumps might open them and you'll lose a pannier.

Michael

[Suzuki Stevo]

Luggage that has the hinge on the bottom is kinda awkward to load on the bike because the case opens vertically, having a liner with a zipper on top does help (Givi E36 on right)
Although smaller the Givi E21 luggage on the left is much easier to live with because of the hinge on the top and opens horizontally, it's like loading a bucket....either way side luggage makes great sliders if you ever go down 

[Donny]

Love the look of the left side. What rack do you use? D you know part #s for the rack and case?

[Bluesmudge]

All the info you need is in the first post. Just call up a Hepco and Becker dealer, they can look through their catalogue to find the correct part. Only one side rack for the 2001+ GS500. For '89 - 2000 you can also choose chrome. Hepco and Becker racks are universal. These cases were actually factory cases from a Buell but they are 98% identical to the hepco and Becker juniors. These are the 30L. Sometimes I wish I had the 40l but they would stick out too far.

I have the matching rear rack on order. Moto International here in Seattle imports for me (no shipping cost I just go pick it up). Although apparently there have been some mix ups with the US H&B importer, not sure this time but this wild be the second importer change in like 3 years if that's what's going on.

I wish I had the money to buy the racks and luggage all at one, but this stuff is pricey. I got the cases used for $300 which is about half off. Once I can justify the purchase I will be getting the mammoth 55l top case from the newer Junior Flash luggage line.

Random note: the cases sit at the perfect height for passenger to grab the handles or for strapping long items and luggage to the bike. My ct110 has a rifle rack on the front forks, but now I can put the plinker across the back of the GS and go hit the forest roads. Also good for golf bags, hockey sticks, pallets and smaller motorcycles.

[Higgins13]

Agreed, Side bags are definitely nicer then top bags

[Calpantera]

OK I know its a bit OT but I bet this guy would know a thing or two about cases. I work at a school for the deaf and one of our vendors is Sorenson, they make video phones and the guy that comes out to do the installs rides a bike, he carries all of his tools and the video phones themselves on his bike that has 5 bags on it..


He was out for awhile because someone took him out on the freeway while he was riding his bike back on Oct, was a pretty bad wreck, broke his back he said, but he is back on a bike again, he said he won't do a cage. Although he did not know what the term "cage" meant as it did not translate well in ASL  He just said he likes to RIDE..

[Bluesmudge]

I need to do a post about my newly created hard case tank bag. Now all I need is that 55l trunk I've been talking about and a tail bag and I can be as well set up as that guy.

[zakkius]

Looks plenty nice!