Slolane's Touring Ninjette

slolane · April 21st, 2011, 05:59 PM

After months of going back and fourth on what luggage to mount to my 250 and how to do it I decided to go ahead and mount some Givi E-21's to compliment my existing hard locking topcase. I debated on just having 2 top cases, the one I have now and a huge one for trips and such but decided against that in the end since I didn't want any boxes that I felt were too big. I had E-21's on my ZX14 and really liked them.

Having never done any bracket fabrication before please go easy on me. I started lurking on many forums that cover metal fabrication, welding and the like to get some ideas on how people build stuff and what techniques I may apply to this project, this was a very good approach as I am very happy with my first try.

I had some simple hand tools... drill, socket set, screwdriver, punch, clamps, a vice, hammer, and tape measure but I decided to get an angle grinder with cutting wheel to help speed the project along. Materials needed for this were: 3 aluminum strips, aluminum primer, crinkle black paint, a new torch and some mounting hardware. I will go further into this in a DIY later if all works out.

I decided I would use aluminum rather than steel even if it requires additional brackets/bracing, I now have my initial setup in place to test before paint/finishing so I can determine if it proves sufficient after some test runs. Once I'm sure this is exactly the way I want it I can do a short DIY write up with what I did.

Anyway, on to the pics...

I will add my other mods to this thread later.

Yasko · April 21st, 2011, 09:50 PM

That's so kool...

Alex · April 21st, 2011, 09:54 PM

pugs24 · April 21st, 2011, 10:10 PM

Very cool setup. You don't live in Ellicot City, do you? Looks a lot like a neighborhood out that way.

slolane · April 22nd, 2011, 07:50 AM

Thanks guys!

Quote:

Originally Posted by pugs24

Very cool setup. You don't live in Ellicot City, do you? Looks a lot like a neighborhood out that way.

No, I'm in AACo.

Snake · April 22nd, 2011, 07:55 AM

They look great and they do not take away from the sporty look of the bike.

Megiddo · April 24th, 2011, 09:22 AM

I am looking at possible doing the same thing. If you don't mind, could you post some pictures of the mounting system you created. I see the bracket coming from under the seat, but did you brace the cases under the rear seat to prevent them from moving toward the rear wheel? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

bob706 · April 24th, 2011, 09:36 AM

Awesome. Looking forward to your DIY.

setasai · April 24th, 2011, 09:40 AM

Sweet. Looking forward to your DIY. The ninja 250 is becoming a very versatile bike.

slolane · April 24th, 2011, 05:41 PM

Thanks guys I appreciate the comments.

I'm working on a DIY that I will post soon, since this is the first go at it I didn't want to get too far into a DIY if I had to backtrack and change a bracket or two but I'm going to try to get it posted tonight anyway.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Megiddo

I am looking at possible doing the same thing. If you don't mind, could you post some pictures of the mounting system you created. I see the bracket coming from under the seat, but did you brace the cases under the rear seat to prevent them from moving toward the rear wheel? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

Sure thing, I took many pictures along the way for the DIY, I will get started on that tonight. In the DIY I will describe the bracing I went with and why.

AMMOCAN · April 24th, 2011, 05:54 PM

Very nice setup!

setasai · April 24th, 2011, 06:15 PM

What do you use the sidecases for and how much were they back then? I've been flip flopping between the top case or side cases because I like the look of the sidecases but am not sure how much stuff would fit into it and how efficient it would be to be using them over a topcase. If you could offer some practical insight on them, that'd be fantastic, along with the DIY =)

slolane · April 24th, 2011, 08:58 PM

DIY posted HERE.

slolane · April 24th, 2011, 09:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

What do you use the sidecases for and how much were they back then? I've been flip flopping between the top case or side cases because I like the look of the sidecases but am not sure how much stuff would fit into it and how efficient it would be to be using them over a topcase. If you could offer some practical insight on them, that'd be fantastic, along with the DIY =)

(DIY posted in link above)

In my opinion the easiest and cheapest way to add luggage is a trunk like I did here. I decided I wanted both based on what I need to carry at different times and to be able to carry more. I'm not sure what you would need to carry but suggest getting 3 cardboard boxes that are the size of the cases you want, then you can test loading whatever you want to carry in them to see how easy it is to load and how well it packs. The good thing about the sidecases is that you could mount them differently to retain the rear seat and pegs for passengers.

setasai · April 24th, 2011, 10:00 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

(DIY posted in link above)

In my opinion the easiest and cheapest way to add luggage is a trunk like I did here. I decided I wanted both based on what I need to carry at different times and to be able to carry more. I'm not sure what you would need to carry but suggest getting 3 cardboard boxes that are the size of the cases you want, then you can test loading whatever you want to carry in them to see how easy it is to load and how well it packs. The good thing about the sidecases is that you could mount them differently to retain the rear seat and pegs for passengers.

Hmmm I see. Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it the next time I get the chance. What do you plan on putting in the saddlehardcases? Do you think it would be efficient for groceries and take-out containers (say from a typical chinese takeout)?

slolane · April 25th, 2011, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Hmmm I see. Thanks for the advice. I'll look into it the next time I get the chance. What do you plan on putting in the saddlehardcases? Do you think it would be efficient for groceries and take-out containers (say from a typical chinese takeout)?

I split the stuff I usually have in my topcase into the two sidecases... disc lock, cable lock, bag of misc items (cough drops, power bars, advil, etc.), paper/pen, bungee net, rubber slotted strap with S hooks, tire repair kit, small air compressor, kickstand plate, rain gear, hat, zip ties, tool kit, tape, wire, rags, paper towels, windscreen cleaner, disposable camera, glasses, extra gloves.

That leaves each case about 1/2 full. I could move the items around in each case to accommodate groceries... take-out orders stacked tall such as Chinese would do better in the sidecases as they would prevent tipping based on their shape. This now leaves my topcase empty to carry groceries, laptop to work when commuting, lunch, etc.

Fly'in Ninja · April 29th, 2011, 11:35 PM

great looking bike with the top and sides cases!!

slolane · April 30th, 2011, 07:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Fly'in Ninja

great looking bike with the top and sides cases!!

Thanks man, much appreciated.

Lou · May 2nd, 2011, 03:06 PM

Wow that looks real good. Im also looking into putting some hard bags on my bike, that way i have plenty of weekend clothes when i visit SD. Does the bike feel/handle the same?

slolane · May 2nd, 2011, 09:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lou

Wow that looks real good. Im also looking into putting some hard bags on my bike, that way i have plenty of weekend clothes when i visit SD. Does the bike feel/handle the same?

Thanks

Yes, can't even tell the bags are on it. People talk about topcases/sidecases and the weight and all but it's very little difference if you can even tell. A passenger would be in the same place really and they are much heavier so unless your carrying bricks all should be good, LOL. Only time I can really tell is getting on and off, can't swing your leg over these cases, more like a punch kick. I have ridden with them a few days now and really like em.

ScorpionNinja · May 3rd, 2011, 08:01 PM

Tip: For added Safety, you could add Strips of Reflective "Black" Vinyl in certain areas on all 3 Cases, for Nighttime riding!

Very cool Mod man!

grandelatte · May 4th, 2011, 08:12 PM

Great work!

slolane · May 5th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by grandelatte

Great work!

Thanks

Here is the updated pic with mounts and top case trim painted black...

Buffalony · May 5th, 2011, 01:30 PM

This looks really good. looks like a Projobber. I think you found your calling

could you please post a picture of the hardware you fabbed up to accomplish this mount. I just want to see how it was done.

Congrats

KGar · May 6th, 2011, 12:44 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Thanks

Here is the updated pic with mounts and top case trim painted black...

Great job makes me want to take a road trip!

slolane · May 6th, 2011, 08:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

This looks really good. looks like a Projobber. I think you found your calling

could you please post a picture of the hardware you fabbed up to accomplish this mount. I just want to see how it was done.

Congrats

Thanks!!

As for the hardware, check out my DIY... DIY: Hard locking saddlebags (luggage), it's all posted up there. Anything else just let me know.

Quote:

Originally Posted by KGar

Great job makes me want to take a road trip!

Yup... I'm going to do a couple trips this year and a camping trip or two, can't wait!!!

April 21st, 2011, 05:59 PM	#1
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Slolane's Touring Ninjette After months of going back and fourth on what luggage to mount to my 250 and how to do it I decided to go ahead and mount some Givi E-21's to compliment my existing hard locking topcase. I debated on just having 2 top cases, the one I have now and a huge one for trips and such but decided against that in the end since I didn't want any boxes that I felt were too big. I had E-21's on my ZX14 and really liked them. Having never done any bracket fabrication before please go easy on me. I started lurking on many forums that cover metal fabrication, welding and the like to get some ideas on how people build stuff and what techniques I may apply to this project, this was a very good approach as I am very happy with my first try. I had some simple hand tools... drill, socket set, screwdriver, punch, clamps, a vice, hammer, and tape measure but I decided to get an angle grinder with cutting wheel to help speed the project along. Materials needed for this were: 3 aluminum strips, aluminum primer, crinkle black paint, a new torch and some mounting hardware. I will go further into this in a DIY later if all works out. I decided I would use aluminum rather than steel even if it requires additional brackets/bracing, I now have my initial setup in place to test before paint/finishing so I can determine if it proves sufficient after some test runs. Once I'm sure this is exactly the way I want it I can do a short DIY write up with what I did. Anyway, on to the pics... I will add my other mods to this thread later.

April 21st, 2011, 09:54 PM	#3
Alex ninjette.org dude Name: 1 guess :-) Location: SF Bay Area Join Date: Jun 2008 Motorcycle(s): '13 Ninja 300 (white, the fastest color!), '13 R1200RT, '14 CRF250L, '12 TT-R125LE Posts: Too much. Blog Entries: 7	__________________________________________________ Montgomery Street Motorcycle Club / cal24.com / crf250l.org / ninjette.org ninjette.org Terms of Service Shopping for motorcycle parts or equipment? Come here first. The friendliest Ninja 250R/300/400 forum on the internet! (especially Unregistered)

April 24th, 2011, 05:54 PM	#11
AMMOCAN SLIME-R Name: AMMOCAN Location: Maryland Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): SOLD '10 Kawasaki 250R SE A.K.A. SLIME-R SOLD Posts: 596	Very nice setup! __________________________________________________

May 4th, 2011, 08:12 PM	#22
grandelatte Go Pack Go! Name: Jim Location: houston-ish Join Date: Feb 2011 Motorcycle(s): 09 250R, 07 XL1200L Posts: 39	Great work! __________________________________________________ 09 Ninja 250R (commuter) 07 XL1200L (weekend fun) 02 SV650S (totaled by an idiot cager) & others

May 5th, 2011, 01:30 PM	#24
Buffalony ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Joe Location: Buffalo NY Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 Ninja 250 "Wasabi", 82 Yamaha xj650j Posts: A lot.	This looks really good. looks like a Projobber. I think you found your calling could you please post a picture of the hardware you fabbed up to accomplish this mount. I just want to see how it was done. Congrats __________________________________________________

April 21st, 2011, 09:50 PM	#2
Yasko Texas Newbie Name: John Location: D/FW Texas Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 07 Ninja EX250, 07 FZ6 Posts: A lot.	That's so kool...

April 21st, 2011, 10:10 PM	#4
pugs24 ninjette.org member Name: Joey Location: Romeo, MI Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Kawasaki Ninja 250R Posts: 45	Very cool setup. You don't live in Ellicot City, do you? Looks a lot like a neighborhood out that way.

April 22nd, 2011, 07:55 AM	#6
Snake ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Rick Location: Alexandria, Louisiana Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 05 Blue Ninja 250 Posts: Too much. MOTY - 2017, MOTM - Jan '19, Oct '16, May '14	They look great and they do not take away from the sporty look of the bike.

April 24th, 2011, 09:22 AM	#7
Megiddo ninjette.org newbie Name: Rusty Location: Jacksonville, FL Join Date: Apr 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 Posts: 1	I am looking at possible doing the same thing. If you don't mind, could you post some pictures of the mounting system you created. I see the bracket coming from under the seat, but did you brace the cases under the rear seat to prevent them from moving toward the rear wheel? Any insight would be helpful. Thanks.

April 24th, 2011, 09:36 AM	#8
bob706 ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Sean Location: Mary Esther, FL Join Date: Jan 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Ninja 250 1998 HD Road King Posts: A lot.	Awesome. Looking forward to your DIY.

April 24th, 2011, 09:40 AM	#9
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Sweet. Looking forward to your DIY. The ninja 250 is becoming a very versatile bike.

April 24th, 2011, 06:15 PM	#12
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	What do you use the sidecases for and how much were they back then? I've been flip flopping between the top case or side cases because I like the look of the sidecases but am not sure how much stuff would fit into it and how efficient it would be to be using them over a topcase. If you could offer some practical insight on them, that'd be fantastic, along with the DIY =)

April 24th, 2011, 08:58 PM	#13
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	DIY posted HERE.

April 29th, 2011, 11:35 PM	#17
Fly'in Ninja ninjette.org guru Name: Al Location: Bay Area Join Date: Mar 2011 Motorcycle(s): C-250R-ST Posts: 287	great looking bike with the top and sides cases!!

May 2nd, 2011, 03:06 PM	#19
Lou ninjette.org member Name: LOU Location: Imperial County, California Join Date: Nov 2010 Motorcycle(s): GreenSE 09 250R Posts: 247	Wow that looks real good. Im also looking into putting some hard bags on my bike, that way i have plenty of weekend clothes when i visit SD. Does the bike feel/handle the same?

May 3rd, 2011, 08:01 PM	#21
ScorpionNinja ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Dave Location: Michigan Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 650RTE & 2009 Kawasaki Ninja 250R (SOLD) Posts: A lot.	Tip: For added Safety, you could add Strips of Reflective "Black" Vinyl in certain areas on all 3 Cases, for Nighttime riding! Very cool Mod man!

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