to bpdchief

[alantf]

[attachment=0:9ui59y3f]b13.jpg[/attachment:9ui59y3f][attachment=1:9ui59y3f]b9.jpg[/attachment:9ui59y3f][attachment=2:9ui59y3f]b5.jpg[/attachment:9ui59y3f][attachment=3:9ui59y3f]b4.jpg[/attachment:9ui59y3f]bpdchief pm'd me & asked for some pictures of my top box, as he's trying to get some ideas before he buys. For some reason I couldn't get the pictures to upload on the pm, so I'm posting them here, for him, where I know they'll work. Don't forget, the box hinges at the front, to open, so it has to be fitted to a rack without a sissy bar. I had to remove the sissy bar, & make a couple of spacers to replace it.

[bpdchief]

Thanks Alan, I was considering using the base of the pillion since I don't "two up". That way I could get a box with a backrest pad. I like the box you have though... food for thought, time to study them more.

Thanks again, John

[alantf]

Originally Posted by bpdchief

I could get a box with a backrest pad.

My missus rides behind me, & she says that the box (without a pad) is more comfortable than the padded cissy bar.

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by alantf

My missus rides behind me, & she says that the box (without a pad) is more comfortable than the padded cissy bar.

Lynda also found the box itself was fairly comfy when she rode pillion on the Vstrom. The jacket back armor worked very well and did not take up near as much space as a padded backrest on the box.

[bpdchief]

All good info - thanks. Found what I thought should be an inexpensive tail rack ... flat 1/4 inch steel plate, nothing fancy, glossy black paint. Thought it looked good until I saw that he wants $200. Drew up my own, cut a template, going to a metal shop tomorrow to see what the cut and weld will cost. I'll do the cleanup, grinding and painting myself.

Can you believe anyone would pay $200 plus shipping for this????

[alantf]

If it's ¼" thick, I reckon it's going to be HEAVY. I think thinner plate would work well, & still give you the rigidity & strength required. The side plates on the shop bought rack are only 1/8", and they're way strong enough.

[CMS]

Originally Posted by bpdchief

All good info - thanks. Found what I thought should be an inexpensive tail rack ... flat 1/4 inch steel plate, nothing fancy, glossy black paint. Thought it looked good until I saw that he wants $200. Drew up my own, cut a template, going to a metal shop tomorrow to see what the cut and weld will cost. I'll do the cleanup, grinding and painting myself.

Can you believe anyone would pay $200 plus shipping for this????

The factory rack [Suzuki] with back rest costs more than $200.00. I bought a used one and cut off the back rest, then atached my Givi top box ,works/looks great. In the US Suzuki doesn't do much for accessories on the GZ or the TU 250X. Terry

[Water Warrior 2]

Originally Posted by bpdchief

All good info - thanks. Found what I thought should be an inexpensive tail rack ... flat 1/4 inch steel plate, nothing fancy, glossy black paint. Thought it looked good until I saw that he wants $200. Drew up my own, cut a template, going to a metal shop tomorrow to see what the cut and weld will cost. I'll do the cleanup, grinding and painting myself.

Can you believe anyone would pay $200 plus shipping for this????

Looks good Chief. A welding shop won't break the bank either. Gotta agree with the comment on 1/4 inch plate steel. Way too heavy for the intended purpose but may help doing wheelies. :lol:

[jonathan180iq]

Originally Posted by bpdchief

Can you believe anyone would pay $200 plus shipping for this????

All you have to do is slap the word "motorcycle" in front of any generic product name and the price increases 75%. It's really ridiculous.

That's what makes homemade stuff and How-To's so awesome

[bpdchief]

Welding shop wanted $185 to make mine, so, the search continues. Going to check salvages or go alternate route. Which brings another question for anyone willing to answer. Fancy box like alantf has which looks nice OR 8 gal Rubbermaid Action Packer which is utilitarian and looks good on a bike like Water Warriors. Pictures in new post