| Author | Message | ||
     Towjam |
Ok... pulling the trigger on an XT but I don't foresee needing the topcase for day-to-day riding. I'm assuming that removing the topcase (and the side cases for that matter) is easy. But how about the mounting bracket? Are the mounting brackets designed so that they can be easily removed and not leave ugliness behind? | ||
| Bosh |
"Are the mounting brackets designed so that they can be easily removed and not leave ugliness behind?" No, they are pretty much designed to stay put. You can take em off but it would take about 15 - 20 minutes each time you did it I think. I don't think the side case brackets look all that bad. They kinda grow on ya (me anyway). | ||
| Danger_dave |
Removing them is very easy. 5 minutes. 12 bolts. I think they look horrid and take them off at every opportunity. 30-40 minutes for a full re-install. Bit fiddly. There are some better ones on the way I believe. Search for the removable brackets thread. | ||
| Towjam |
No, they are pretty much designed to stay put. You can take em off but it would take about 15 - 20 minutes each time you did it I think. I don't think the side case brackets look all that bad. They kinda grow on ya (me anyway). I'm not so concerned about the side bags - I'd probably leave those on (assuming they would each hold a full face helmet). | ||
| Uly1080 |
They easily hold a full face. So does the topcase for what it's worth. | ||
| Bienhoabob |
When the top case is removed, the mounting brackets make a nice luggage rack. Comes in handy for short trips. | ||
| Buellerandy |
the top case rack has been known to make an alright 12 o'clock bar  | ||
| Electraglider_1997 |
I'd be lost without the top case. Once you ride with one, at least for me, you can't do without it. Were else can you secure your stuff when you go places? | ||
| Towjam |
I'd be lost without the top case. Once you ride with one, at least for me, you can't do without it. Were else can you secure your stuff when you go places? I admit that I've not seen the Uly topcase in person but from the pictures, it looks rather awkward and high. It seems that it would significantly raise the center of gravity and affect handling - especially in windy conditions. As far as securing my stuff, I would use the side cases on a daily basis - and the topcase only for those times where I absolutely needed additional storage. | ||
| Cyclonedon |
I have the complete set of bag on my Uly and leave the side cases on almost all the time but take the top case off unless I'm taking a longer ride. I wouldn't take the brackets off, it was kinda a pain in the ass to get them on in the first place! | ||
| Towjam |
I have the complete set of bag on my Uly and leave the side cases on almost all the time but take the top case off unless I'm taking a longer ride. I wouldn't take the brackets off, it was kinda a pain in the ass to get them on in the first place! Ok, a stupid question... Do the brackets require any kind of modification to the frame or are all holes, etc. pre-drilled? | ||
| Hoon |
I leave my (Givi) topcase on pretty much all the time,although I am working on moving it forward to the pillion seat area for better C of G. I know some areas of the US don't allow you to filter between traffic but in the UK it's legal and there are times when you don't get anywhere if you don't (town centres,motorway tailbacks,etc). The sidecases make the bike too wide to filter in most situations so most people only use them for touring. I had the SW-motech removable sidecase mounting racks on my Triumph Tiger and I really miss not being able to remove the H&B ones in 15 seconds (4 quick-release screws and they were off). | ||
| Froggy |
You guys call it "filtering" in the UK? In the states, your known as the ••••••• that got to work faster. | ||
| Metalstorm |
I would definitely keep the brackets on (I'll admit I'm function over form) but I would remove top and side cases when they wern't needed. Pretty much for the same reasons as Hoon. (it's called lane splitting in CA) For short trips and commuting to/from work, that Buell bag that slips over the beaver tail and also works as a backpack looks about perfect. | ||
| Michael1 |
I always throught the top case was unsightly as well. But after using it... I never take it off. i ditch my side cases, but always have the top case on. I lined the inside with velcro srips and put the mating side on other items (flash light/first aid kit/tire gauge/sunglasses case/spare shield/etc). Plus with all the velcro it still leaves room for my helmet. In high winds/semi's on the highway the cases don't inhibit riding one bit. Handling is just fine in all possibilites...even loaded down to the hilt. | ||
| Xbimmer |
I have the complete set of bag on my Uly and leave the side cases on almost all the time but take the top case off unless I'm taking a longer ride. I wouldn't take the brackets off, it was kinda a pain in the ass to get them on in the first place! +1. My sidecases are pretty much permanent fixtures too, and my brackets were a pain to attach, right side badly spec'd or something. Buell deluxe tankbag also there 99% of the time. CA lane splitting is rarely a problem especially on freeeways. Ok, a stupid question... Do the brackets require any kind of modification to the frame or are all holes, etc. pre-drilled? No mods req'd, though some of us have problems with the right side fit. Red LocTite req'd, I went easy with blue at first and they loosened up. I admit that I've not seen the Uly topcase in person but from the pictures, it looks rather awkward and high. It seems that it would significantly raise the center of gravity and affect handling - especially in windy conditions. I don't think it looks or handles any more awkward than other sport-oriented bikes w/ top cases, but for me the only time I use mine is two-up and longer trips so I'm already rear-weight biased anyway. I only load it with lightweight bulk. I never even opened the bag containing the top case until a year after I bought the bike, although I mounted the rack. I was a little ticked that I had to buy the three piece set to get the tail rack although now I appreciate that I have all three cases. | ||
| Xbimmer |
... oh yeah, Buell warns against mounting the top case mounts w/o the side case mounts also, apparently lack of support and possibly a safety issue. I also often strap stuff to the rack and it's not obtrusive. Top case and two-up touring, no big deal!  | ||
| Hoon |
With all cases fully loaded plus pillion,mine felt rock-steady at 90mph last year on the motorway,very good. Michael1,I'll copy your idea with the velcro if you don't mind-a great solution to stuff rattling around in there. | ||
| Michael1 |
Hoon... No problem. It helps a bunch and I always know where everything is. It was the first mod I did to my topcase. Well, besides add some reflective tape to them. | ||
| Panhead_dan |
Top case mount is 4 bolts. When removed (piece of cake) it allows the beaver tail to lay down for a carry rack. |
