Evan an old monkey can go from soft to hard...

[FJmonkey]

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:





What now? Fix my oil leak and ride it like I stole it.... 

[aviationfred]

They look great on your ambulance. 

You will never go back to the Soft Side......

Fred

[movenon]

Looks good, you will like them. 
George

[Firehawk068]

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.

[FJmonkey]

There are times when I wish my side cases were slightly larger

Yep. Ain't that the truth, something we learn to live with.

[andyoutandabout]

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

[Capn Ron]

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. 

[Dads_FJ]

Nicely done Monkey!  You'll enjoy them.  If they don't share the same key a local locksmith can fix that...

[Steve_in_Florida]

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!   

Steve

[Tiger]

  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...

John.

p s Installing your seat will make touring, with or without bags, even more comfortable  ... 

[moparman70]

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.

[FJmonkey]

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.

[FJmonkey]

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.

[FJmonkey]

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...

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...

[andyoutandabout]

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.