One more upgrade I am working on to improve my FJ experience is hard bags. I have many miles with soft bags and can relish the old days with no worries. But I envied the few with hard bags and the long trips they enjoy... So I jumped on an opportunity to buy a set that was local.
Here is the result:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_25_11_14_7_26_07_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_25_11_14_7_26_10_1.jpeg)
What now???? Fix my oil leak and ride it like I stole it.... :yahoo: :yahoo: :yahoo:
They look great on your ambulance. :good:
You will never go back to the Soft Side...... :wacko2:
Fred
Looks good, you will like them. :good2:
George
Very nice Mark...................I definately love my hard cases....................There are times when I wish my side cases were slightly larger, but I just learn to pack lighter.
Quote from: Firehawk068 on November 25, 2014, 10:57:46 PM
There are times when I wish my side cases were slightly larger
Yep. Ain't that the truth, something we learn to live with.
Mark, as I was growing up and reading the bike mags of England, they would constantly ridicule motorcycle luggage, calling riders with such names like 'terry top box' or 'bungalow boy'.
I love my givi set up and ride with a top box all the time. I mean, where else does one put one's stuff for the day/weekend/rally. Welcome to the practical side and enjoy your 'always prepared' boyscout status.
Andy
Be careful...Nature abhors a vacuum! I've made lists and weighed everything I tour with...so I can distribute weight properly. It's still a lot of gear, but I'm packing lighter every trip.
Nicely done Monkey! You'll enjoy them. If they don't share the same key a local locksmith can fix that...
Quote from: FJmonkey on November 25, 2014, 07:40:50 PM
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_25_11_14_7_26_07_0.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_25_11_14_7_26_10_1.jpeg)
Nice cases. (...even IF they make your ass look big!)
Is the top case mount on that model supposed to be that far back? The ones on both my Givi racks are further forward, and my top boxes both have backrests for a passenger. That one looks like your back seater could almost recline.
Otherwise, good find. Now that you have the rack, other bags fit, too. Here's to dry gear! :drinks:
Steve
:hi: Way to go Mark...you won't have any regrets sporting hard luggage mate. They make short/long distance touring more comfortable for rider and pillion.
Do you have the LED brake light in the top box?? I would advise installation of said light. My brother made one for mine for a fraction of a Givi one... :good2:
John.
p s Installing your seat will make touring, with or without bags, even more comfortable :rofl: :rofl2: :lol: ... :biggrin:
Well -- I don't like them -- they are so big you don't have room for your seat. Sitting on the battery is going to do something scary to the Nads...
sc2
PS - can you take my extra bag when we ride next.
Quote from: Steve_in_Florida on November 26, 2014, 03:40:21 PM
Is the top case mount on that model supposed to be that far back?
Steve
The top case is not in a proper position, I will reposition it before I consider the job complete. Thanks for the observation Steve.
Quote from: Dads_FJ on November 26, 2014, 02:21:58 PM
Nicely done Monkey! You'll enjoy them. If they don't share the same key a local locksmith can fix that...
The top case has a different key, and I know a locksmith that can re-pin the cylinder so all three will be mono key. Thanks for the info.
Quote from: Tiger on November 26, 2014, 03:52:33 PM
Do you have the LED brake light in the top box?? I would advise installation of said light. My brother made one for mine for a fraction of a Givi one... :good2:
John.
The top box does not have a brake light, and I agree, it should have one to get more red light to the rear. One more project...
Is there a write up on the high level brake light? After my recent near rear-ender, any more visibility is a bonus.
Also, I'm sure a nice red hugger will garner the attention of other motorists, initially in the wow look at that tasteful fj mod and then in the, oh i'm not looking at empty road so I really should avoid this thing in front of my car.
I added the Givi tail lights to my top case about a year ago. I'm sure I was just finishing up in the wee hours of the morning so they looked crazy bright when I tested. :good2:
Out in the daylight, they weren't as impressive, but it all helps! A month later on one of my rides, someone told be to check them out because they weren't staying on...just randomly "flickering"...Yeah, I could see that as the case jiggled around a bit, the contact points on the connection would be intermittent. I just sort of ignored this project and the other day I see that they're not working at all anymore. I need to look into why before i come to any solid conclusions, but I'm already forming theories and opinions about how I would do it better next time out.
Quote from: Capn Ron on November 27, 2014, 02:15:01 PM
I added the Givi tail lights to my top case about a year ago. I'm sure I was just finishing up in the wee hours of the morning so they looked crazy bright when I tested. :good2:
Out in the daylight, they weren't as impressive, but it all helps! A month later on one of my rides, someone told be to check them out because they weren't staying on...just randomly "flickering"...Yeah, I could see that as the case jiggled around a bit, the contact points on the connection would be intermittent. I just sort of ignored this project and the other day I see that they're not working at all anymore. I need to look into why before i come to any solid conclusions, but I'm already forming theories and opinions about how I would do it better next time out.
Mine currently do the same thing.......................The connection that is made with the wingrack when you wiggle the top case is dodgy.............
I am planning a fix for mine. I'll let you know how it turns out.
Monkey,
If you haven't done so already, you may want to beef up the former signal light brackets that now support the luggage rack. Mine snapped off en route to Alaska and the top case base ended up sitting on the tail section of the FJ for the rest of the ride back home. Made for a nice (not!) groove worn into the tail section. I had the brackets re-welded in place this spring.
Once you get hard luggage, you'll never go back to soft!
http://youtu.be/8C-e96m4730
Zwartie
Quote from: Zwartie on November 28, 2014, 07:19:19 AM
Monkey,
If you haven't done so already, you may want to beef up the former signal light brackets that now support the luggage rack. Mine snapped off en route to Alaska and the top case base ended up sitting on the tail section of the FJ for the rest of the ride back home. Made for a nice (not!) groove worn into the tail section. I had the brackets re-welded in place this spring.
Once you get hard luggage, you'll never go back to soft!
http://youtu.be/8C-e96m4730
Zwartie
Yep...what Zwartie said! :good2:
My turn signal brackets both cracked off as well. Fortunately for me, not on the same trip! The starboard side cracked off after 17,000+ miles carrying around 110 pounds of gear. I eventually discovered this and re-welded that tab. Fast-forward to a month ago and on a wipe-down, I found that the port side tab had also broken off. That was another 9,000 miles. I just re-welded that one the other day.
You'd be wise to reinforce those both with a few passes on the MIG before you even mount up the Wingrack.
Maybe after my trip next week. I won't load them up too much.
Nicely done Markus! Very good point on the tail light brackets.
I will have a complete set of Givi Monokey luggage up for sale...soon....no tail light on the top box.
Complete....Including all the frame pieces...Bolt on and go.....Very good condition.
SoCal pick up only...I'm not shipping this stuff
When I get the chance I will look into reinforcing the turn signal brackets. Thanks for the heads up on that. I did think about it but was too eager to bother. I needed to test fit it to see if further modification was required. I will post up a few more pics tomorrow (with my F#&@!!! seat on) and freshly installed rear hugger.
I got a few details wrapped up today. The hugger is on and top box is in a better position.
The naked pics:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/medium_104_29_11_14_2_08_56_1.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_29_11_14_2_08_53_0.jpeg)
And with GIVI bags:
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/104_29_11_14_2_09_02_3.jpeg)
(http://fjowners.com/gallery/7/medium_104_29_11_14_2_08_59_2.jpeg)
The rear hugger in there somewhere.... And the seat fits so I don't have to sit on the battery....
Very cool Mark! Looks spectacular....what did you work out on the shock?
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 29, 2014, 02:29:30 PM
Very cool Mark! Looks spectacular....what did you work out on the shock?
Thanks, for the support Father Pat. The 89+ upper shock mount is physically welded higher inside the frame of the FJ. So to make an 84/87 frame fit the 89+ shock with 89+ shock link 89+ swing arm and dog bones, the upper shock mount needs to be raised about an inch. At present the shock is not mounted properly so the geometry is less than proper. I don't want to comment too early on the RPM rear shock with my improper set up, I can say it is better than my sacked out 27 year old OEM shock...
Quote from: FJmonkey on November 29, 2014, 03:03:18 PM
Quote from: Pat Conlon on November 29, 2014, 02:29:30 PM
Very cool Mark! Looks spectacular....what did you work out on the shock?
The 89+ upper shock mount is physically welded higher inside the frame of the FJ. So to make an 84/87 frame fit the 89+ shock with 89+ shock link 89+ swing arm and dog bones, the upper shock mount needs to be raised about an inch.
Hold on there monkey...
Until I can get all three models on the rack and get all of the frame measurements taken, don't go too far. I can tell you the 89-90 shock mount is higher than the 84-88, but I do believe the 91+ has the same upper shock mount as the early model FJ's
So, we need to figure out what and where they changed things.
I did compare an 89 aluminum swing arm to a 92 steel and they are the same as far as the geometry, so something else is different.
Hopefully late next week I can get my 93 back here to the shop, get it torn down a little and get some measurements and figure out where the difference is...
Randy- RPM
Wow! You've been a busy little monkey, haven't you?
Looks great!
Steve
Quote from: racerrad8 on November 29, 2014, 03:14:58 PM
Hold on there monkey...
Randy- RPM
I am not ready to cut and weld yet so no hurry Randy. I did see photos of an 89 and the mount point looked higher, assuming the cross-member was in the same place. And the distance looked very much like the difference I need to get the geometry looking better. But as I posted, I am not cutting anytime soon. I like to get all the information before I fire up the plasma torch.... I will ride it like it is with caution and enjoy the improved ride conditions...
Mark, what a long way your Fj has come since the distant days of the purple rear wheel. The exhaust looks great, i'm jealous of the spiffy seat and your new luggage rack seems well positioned (bet you're glad you got that correct fitting kit - mine was originally put on with the givi 'universal kit' and the flex was quite alarming). I think the hugger looks amazing from the exhaust side, but a little bulky on the chain side - perhaps another dremel run.
Andy
Andy, I'm not so sure....I have to see the hugger in person.
I know that Mark will appreciate how much better this hugger will be on keeping his back end clean...
My suggestion would be to get a white chin fairing....that would complete that beauty....
Again, WELL DONE!
Hmmm, I just looked back through the fabrication pictures and it appears it would be tricky to remove more material without compromising its structure. An excuse then for a rally to meet up and eyeball Monkey's rear end ....
The hard cases look the part. Bike looks brilliant. Reckon a belly pan would set it off nicely. Looks better than new . Nice work.
Quote from: Jeff0308 on December 27, 2014, 04:54:01 AM
The hard cases look the part. Bike looks brilliant. Reckon a belly pan would set it off nicely. Looks better than new . Nice work.
I have the pan, 2 in fact, just need to fix some cracks before I put it back on... Thanks ...
Quote from: Capn Ron on November 28, 2014, 02:09:27 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on November 28, 2014, 07:19:19 AM
Monkey,
If you haven't done so already, you may want to beef up the former signal light brackets that now support the luggage rack. Mine snapped off en route to Alaska and the top case base ended up sitting on the tail section of the FJ for the rest of the ride back home. Made for a nice (not!) groove worn into the tail section. I had the brackets re-welded in place this spring.
Once you get hard luggage, you'll never go back to soft!
http://youtu.be/8C-e96m4730
Zwartie
Yep...what Zwartie said! :good2:
My turn signal brackets both cracked off as well. Fortunately for me, not on the same trip! The starboard side cracked off after 17,000+ miles carrying around 110 pounds of gear. I eventually discovered this and re-welded that tab. Fast-forward to a month ago and on a wipe-down, I found that the port side tab had also broken off. That was another 9,000 miles. I just re-welded that one the other day.
You'd be wise to reinforce those both with a few passes on the MIG before you even mount up the Wingrack.
Just a question before I mount the Wing Rack II rack. I have the stock FJ tail light brackets off and would like to beef them up as I assume it is a known failer point. Are they failing at the first bend down from the frame or around the the lower or upper mount holes ? Sitting here looking at the brackets I am guessing the stress is at that first bend. Thinking I could wire feed a few beads or make a plate to sit inside the channel of the bracket as it is winter and I have the time to fuss with it.
Cheers George
Looks good Mark. Welcome to the hard side.
Quote from: movenon on December 27, 2014, 12:33:13 PM
Quote from: Capn Ron on November 28, 2014, 02:09:27 PM
Quote from: Zwartie on November 28, 2014, 07:19:19 AM
Monkey,
If you haven't done so already, you may want to beef up the former signal light brackets that now support the luggage rack. Mine snapped off en route to Alaska and the top case base ended up sitting on the tail section of the FJ for the rest of the ride back home. Made for a nice (not!) groove worn into the tail section. I had the brackets re-welded in place this spring.
Once you get hard luggage, you'll never go back to soft!
http://youtu.be/8C-e96m4730
Zwartie
Yep...what Zwartie said! :good2:
My turn signal brackets both cracked off as well. Fortunately for me, not on the same trip! The starboard side cracked off after 17,000+ miles carrying around 110 pounds of gear. I eventually discovered this and re-welded that tab. Fast-forward to a month ago and on a wipe-down, I found that the port side tab had also broken off. That was another 9,000 miles. I just re-welded that one the other day.
You'd be wise to reinforce those both with a few passes on the MIG before you even mount up the Wingrack.
Just a question before I mount the Wing Rack II rack. I have the stock FJ tail light brackets off and would like to beef them up as I assume it is a known failer point. Are they failing at the first bend down from the frame or around the the lower or upper mount holes ? Sitting here looking at the brackets I am guessing the stress is at that first bend. Thinking I could wire feed a few beads or make a plate to sit inside the channel of the bracket as it is winter and I have the time to fuss with it.
Cheers George
I don't have hard luggage George, only a gear sack rack, but mine broke off level with the frame
(http://i1285.photobucket.com/albums/a586/the4ts/DSC_0462_zps29971682.jpg)
So that's the tab on the rear sub frame not the turn signal bracket. There is the sub frame tab, the turn signal bracket and then the GIVI support bracket then to the Wing Rack. What a trip of brackets... Thinking about redesigning that so the information you provided is helpful.
Thanks for the picture. :good2: When Ron first described it I was thinking it was the sub frame tab but when the turn signal bracket was mentioned I became a little uncertain. And maybe the turn signal tab can benefit from a little reinforcement also. Just want to do it before it is installed. Thank you again !
George