DIY: Hard locking saddlebags (luggage) - Page 2

Jerkson · June 17th, 2011, 12:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

I agree, I wish I had a welder too and the know how to use one, lol.

LOL.

It has been a while for me so my welds will be strong but likely rather ugly. Luckily most of the ugliness can be resolved with a grinder and powder-coat

setasai · June 17th, 2011, 03:35 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerkson

LOL.

It has been a while for me so my welds will be strong but likely rather ugly. Luckily most of the ugliness can be resolved with a grinder and powder-coat

Plus, it'll be obscured by the sidecases themselves so it wont matter. Mine will probably look worse. I'll be using mostly bolts and some JBWeld instead.

Do you plan on mounting it above the tail or under? I'm trying to mount under so that it avoids getting in the way of a passenger. Atleast until I copy slolane and fab up the topcase too.

Bosgarage57 · June 17th, 2011, 08:09 PM

Great job, it looks like a mini concours c14

setasai · June 18th, 2011, 09:13 PM

Still in the works and i'll post my own DIY when I get closer to finishing it but atm, here is what I have so far.

Just the undertail mount. I used steel because that is what I have lying around but quickly realized that it's a pain in the butt so I just bought aluminum square tube to fab up a similar bracket to replace it.

It is super sturdy though, so not a bad place to start.

slolane · June 19th, 2011, 06:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bosgarage57

Great job, it looks like a mini concours c14

Thanks so much, I really love my 250 now. It's setup well for me and is a lot of fun. I appreciate it.

slolane · June 19th, 2011, 06:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Still in the works and i'll post my own DIY when I get closer to finishing it but atm, here is what I have so far.

Just the undertail mount. I used steel because that is what I have lying around but quickly realized that it's a pain in the butt so I just bought aluminum square tube to fab up a similar bracket to replace it.

It is super sturdy though, so not a bad place to start.

Looking good setasai, I'm looking forward to your post and to watch your progress.

Jerkson · June 20th, 2011, 12:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Plus, it'll be obscured by the sidecases themselves so it wont matter. Mine will probably look worse. I'll be using mostly bolts and some JBWeld instead.

Do you plan on mounting it above the tail or under? I'm trying to mount under so that it avoids getting in the way of a passenger. Atleast until I copy slolane and fab up the topcase too.

Ahh JBWeld. I remember getting that stuff on my skin. Fun times.

I dont care about a passenger because A - I typically have a solo seat cowl on anyways and B - I am going to have the topcase mounted first and add the sidecases in a few weeks. No passengers for me

I'm completely copying Slolane

Buffalony · June 24th, 2011, 09:35 AM

@James.

Hey great job and thanks for adding this to the site.
? How well does that textured paint match up in person with the other black parts on the bike?

btw. I dont think that was aluminum that you used

slolane · June 24th, 2011, 11:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

@James.

Hey great job and thanks for adding this to the site.
? How well does that textured paint match up in person with the other black parts on the bike?

btw. I dont think that was aluminum that you used

Hi Joe,

It matches up pretty close.

Lol, yes it is aluminum, easier for me to work with.

Thanks,
James

setasai · June 25th, 2011, 12:57 AM

Not really a useful post. More like an update of anticipation and excitement. I ordered the E21's from revzilla and it's scheduled to arrive by July 1st. So hopefully, I'll have some kind of preliminary rig by the end of July 4th weekend. Exciting! It'll make the bike so much more practical.

Jerkson · June 25th, 2011, 05:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Not really a useful post. More like an update of anticipation and excitement. I ordered the E21's from revzilla and it's scheduled to arrive by July 1st. So hopefully, I'll have some kind of preliminary rig by the end of July 4th weekend. Exciting! It'll make the bike so much more practical.

Damn you! Beat me to it

Im going to pick up my top hardcase right now and placing an order for the e21's on Monday or Tues. Please post up your initial impressions when you get them.

Note to self: must get this set up before Setasai (Brian)

slolane · June 25th, 2011, 07:24 AM

Good stuff guys!!

I can't wait to see the hard case "build off" unfold.

drdoug99 · June 25th, 2011, 12:35 PM

Very nice slolane! You turned the Ninja into a touring bike for less than 200 bucks! Who needs a Versys or Concours LOL.

Nice work, looks like it was a factory add on, I would love the extra storage like that.

slolane · June 25th, 2011, 12:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by drdoug99

Very nice slolane! You turned the Ninja into a touring bike for less than 200 bucks! Who needs a Versys or Concours LOL.

Nice work, looks like it was a factory add on, I would love the extra storage like that.

Thanks!! Exactly, my cheap sport-tourer.

This was my way of doing it but as noted above 2 other are in the process of building their own. Maybe from these 3 you will have enough ideas to start a build for yourself.

CZroe · June 25th, 2011, 04:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

You like that exhaust hanger? I think it turned out fairly well, plus it's the same as my sidecase mounting brackets so it all kinda works for me.

Yeah. It looks great! Would it also hold a stock exhaust?

slolane · June 25th, 2011, 05:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CZroe

Yeah. It looks great! Would it also hold a stock exhaust?

Thanks. I don't see why not, same thing they did in Streetbike Surgery in Motorcyclist Magazine when they fabbed up one...

Buffalony · June 26th, 2011, 12:55 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Hi Joe,

It matches up pretty close.

Lol, yes it is aluminum, easier for me to work with.

Thanks,
James

Sorry. I couldnt leave it alone....Aluminum isnt usually Zinc plated

Have you weighed this rig yet? Could you? thanks

Thanks for the info on the paint. I think i'll pick some up now

setasai · June 26th, 2011, 01:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerkson

Damn you! Beat me to it

Im going to pick up my top hardcase right now and placing an order for the e21's on Monday or Tues. Please post up your initial impressions when you get them.

Note to self: must get this set up before Setasai (Brian)

Haha. Yea I ordered them a week ago but apparently revzilla needs 5 days to process it. Not sure why but they took the entire 5 days.

As per my earlier post, I have the undertail bracket installed and it feel's pretty secure. The real question is how do I incorporate that into the MONOKEY quicklock latches I got from twistedthrottle AND support the whole thing. Kawasaki really did not make this easy for us.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Good stuff guys!!

I can't wait to see the hard case "build off" unfold.

Yikes, the pressure is ON!

It's not going to turn into a pile of scrap metal.

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Thanks!! Exactly, my cheap sport-tourer.

This was my way of doing it but as noted above 2 other are in the process of building their own. Maybe from these 3 you will have enough ideas to start a build for yourself.

The fact that you showed us it could fit and LOOK cool is what inspired me to do it. I really like the practicality of it and your rig really encouraged me to give it a shot. We'll see what happens.

johnjohn · June 26th, 2011, 03:05 AM

Looks good on the Ninja. One thing ,I would use denser foam over your bike parts. Open cell will wear through and compress too much with a lot of use.

slolane · June 26th, 2011, 07:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Sorry. I couldnt leave it alone....Aluminum isnt usually Zinc plated

Have you weighed this rig yet? Could you? thanks

Thanks for the info on the paint. I think i'll pick some up now

Your right! After a short search on Home Depots website I found THIS, looks like the guy at Home Depot misquoted "aluminum" when he was helping me select which metal to use. He pulled out a couple of pieces, I went with the lightest one, some others were very heavy. Again, being new to this I didn't know the difference. Thanks so much for pointing this out so anyone else interested in this can get the right stuff the first time.

I will weigh the setup soon for you.

Hopefully the paint works out for you, not as good as powder coating but cheap and easy.

slolane · June 26th, 2011, 07:07 AM

@ Setasai - I'm sure it will turn out great, cannot wait to see it too since your leaving room for a passenger that should appeal to many others who need that option.

@ johnjohn - Good idea, I'm going to look into that. Currently the metal doesn't touch at all and even fully loaded the brackets/bags do not flex so for now I'm in the clear.

ultraquick1 · June 27th, 2011, 03:49 PM

when you think about putting bags on a sport bike at first its like that would be ugly, but now that I've seen the pics I gotta say it looks good.

slolane · June 27th, 2011, 04:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraquick1

when you think about putting bags on a sport bike at first its like that would be ugly, but now that I've seen the pics I gotta say it looks good.

Thanks, I was putting them on one way or another... I'm just glad they turned out well.

Buffalony · June 27th, 2011, 04:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by ultraquick1

when you think about putting bags on a sport bike at first its like that would be ugly, but now that I've seen the pics I gotta say it looks good.

Their called sport tourers. performance and agility of a sports bike, creature comforts and cargo space of a touring crusier. They've been around awhile now.

setasai · June 27th, 2011, 05:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Their called sport tourers. performance and agility of a sports bike, creature comforts and cargo space of a touring crusier. They've been around awhile now.

Yes they have except those bikes tend to be larger and since the Ninjette is so tiny as it is, mentally, I had imagined it would have this bulky look and be too cramped to have on.

Jerkson · June 27th, 2011, 05:47 PM

So how many of us are building copycat setups now? 3?

I just ordered my E21's today (here by the weekend) and I already have my ebay topcase (which came with a kewl mounting plate)

Can't wait to start cursing at my bike this weekend

setasai · June 27th, 2011, 09:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jerkson

So how many of us are building copycat setups now? 3?

I just ordered my E21's today (here by the weekend) and I already have my ebay topcase (which came with a kewl mounting plate)

Can't wait to start cursing at my bike this weekend

What! How'd you get it shipped to you in a week? Maybe I should have gone with a twistedthrottle instead of revzilla. I only used them since I had $10 credit from an earlier purchase. I better get cracking.

slolane · June 27th, 2011, 09:24 PM

Heck yeah, the heat is on... this build off is ramping up.

Buffalony · June 27th, 2011, 10:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Yes they have except those bikes tend to be larger and since the Ninjette is so tiny as it is, mentally, I had imagined it would have this bulky look and be too cramped to have on.

Ahh. I understand ur angle better now. Ive had comments from other bikers about it not looking like a 250...whatever thats supposed to mean

Thats what probably put your view away from my frame of mind. I'm considering this myself. Its now proven that this can be done well. looking good is a plus too.

Jerkson · June 28th, 2011, 06:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

What! How'd you get it shipped to you in a week? Maybe I should have gone with a twistedthrottle instead of revzilla. I only used them since I had $10 credit from an earlier purchase. I better get cracking.

Yeah, I ordered from TT since the 3-5days processing kinda threw me off. Besides I need every extra day I can get to beat you to the punch

I ordered yesterday and they shipped yesterday.

m1ckDELTA · June 28th, 2011, 01:47 PM

This is a great setup, I wish you had some riding pix to post. It definitely changes my opinion of the newer, more contemporary style vs the older 80’s GPz styling; the older version being more generic saddlebag friendly.

My 2004 Ninja has over 48,000 miles on is just now starting to show its age (needing new brake rotors and a carb rebuild – not too bad really). It’s a great everyday rider and short haul tourer (LA to San Francisco/San Diego) but the 16” wheels limit tire choices to one and the saddle could be a bit higher; both solved with the newer bike. Now, you appear to have solved the saddlebag dilemma quite nicely. Well done.

slolane · June 28th, 2011, 06:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by m1ckDELTA

This is a great setup, I wish you had some riding pix to post. It definitely changes my opinion of the newer, more contemporary style vs the older 80’s GPz styling; the older version being more generic saddlebag friendly.

My 2004 Ninja has over 48,000 miles on is just now starting to show its age (needing new brake rotors and a carb rebuild – not too bad really). It’s a great everyday rider and short haul tourer (LA to San Francisco/San Diego) but the 16” wheels limit tire choices to one and the saddle could be a bit higher; both solved with the newer bike. Now, you appear to have solved the saddlebag dilemma quite nicely. Well done.

Thanks, I actually want to get some action shots soon and will post up here when I do.

48k, nice!! I can understand your points regarding the newgen vs pregen bikes, and I like them both too. I'm also interested to see the other side case builds going on, always neat to see what ideas others have.

setasai · June 28th, 2011, 06:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Thanks, I actually want to get some action shots soon and will post up here when I do.

48k, nice!! I can understand your points regarding the newgen vs pregen bikes, and I like them both too. I'm also interested to see the other side case builds going on, always neat to see what ideas others have.

As long as it's about functionality then I'm excited too. It's started raining again so that means more garage/workshop time. The passenger pegs have me wondering if it's even possible to put sidecases without either getting in the way or locating them farther back on the bike which would be awkward placement. Will know more when the cases come in though.

slolane · June 29th, 2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

The passenger pegs have me wondering if it's even possible to put sidecases without either getting in the way or locating them farther back on the bike which would be awkward placement. Will know more when the cases come in though.

Maybe space the pegs out a bit and put the support bracket between and leg and subframe. I think that would be possible, just get some longer bolts... or mount it to the backside of the subframe... which would require longer bolts and making room by getting some of the undertail out of the way.

Buffalony · June 29th, 2011, 08:36 AM

Random thought: Whos gonna do the first throne passenger seat mod???

slolane · June 29th, 2011, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Buffalony

Random thought: Whos gonna do the first throne passenger seat mod???

That's easy... Buffalony

Buffalony · June 29th, 2011, 09:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

That's easy... Buffalony

hahaha. wish I had photoshop. I'd put a baby basket on her. lol

setasai · June 30th, 2011, 07:18 PM

Cases just came in. First impression is they're much larger than I expected and it definitely looks like something needs to be done to the turn signals. Are turn signals supposed to be seen from behind/diagonalside/side? or all of the above preferably. From where I would like to mount it, the signals will be right dead center of the quicklock assembly which would be obscurred from any other angle except from behind.

slolane · July 1st, 2011, 07:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by setasai

Cases just came in. First impression is they're much larger than I expected and it definitely looks like something needs to be done to the turn signals. Are turn signals supposed to be seen from behind/diagonalside/side? or all of the above preferably. From where I would like to mount it, the signals will be right dead center of the quicklock assembly which would be obscurred from any other angle except from behind.

Since you want to be able to remove yours maybe some rear flushmounts that would be seen when the bags are off AND a second set mounted on the rear of the bags. Setup the bag mounted ones with quick disconnects for easy on and off.

??

setasai · July 1st, 2011, 09:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slolane

Since you want to be able to remove yours maybe some rear flushmounts that would be seen when the bags are off AND a second set mounted on the rear of the bags. Setup the bag mounted ones with quick disconnects for easy on and off.

??

Yep. That's the plan. Although since the cases already cost $200, and I'll need to move the original turn signals anyways, I'm going to move the signals tonight, make the bracket on sunday and see how it works. The quicklock system is mounted on cardboard right now and it's pretty sweet. I'm liking it already. Update you when it's finished.

June 24th, 2011, 09:35 AM	#48
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.	@James. Hey great job and thanks for adding this to the site. ? How well does that textured paint match up in person with the other black parts on the bike? btw. I dont think that was aluminum that you used __________________________________________________

June 27th, 2011, 03:49 PM	#62
ultraquick1 ninjette.org member Name: David Location: Cincinnati Ohio Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Red Kawasaki ninja 250r Posts: 11	sweet when you think about putting bags on a sport bike at first its like that would be ugly, but now that I've seen the pics I gotta say it looks good.

June 29th, 2011, 08:36 AM	#75
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.	Random thought: Whos gonna do the first throne passenger seat mod??? __________________________________________________

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June 17th, 2011, 08:09 PM	#43
Bosgarage57 ninjette.org sage Name: Luke Location: Sevierville, TN Join Date: May 2011 Motorcycle(s): 06 Buell Uly, 05 VStar 1100 Posts: 577	Great job, it looks like a mini concours c14

June 25th, 2011, 12:57 AM	#50
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Not really a useful post. More like an update of anticipation and excitement. I ordered the E21's from revzilla and it's scheduled to arrive by July 1st. So hopefully, I'll have some kind of preliminary rig by the end of July 4th weekend. Exciting! It'll make the bike so much more practical.

June 25th, 2011, 07:24 AM	#52
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Good stuff guys!! I can't wait to see the hard case "build off" unfold.

June 25th, 2011, 12:35 PM	#53
drdoug99 ninjette.org member Name: Doug Location: ohio Join Date: Sep 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2010 Ninja 250R Special Edition Posts: 14	Very nice slolane! You turned the Ninja into a touring bike for less than 200 bucks! Who needs a Versys or Concours LOL. Nice work, looks like it was a factory add on, I would love the extra storage like that.

June 26th, 2011, 03:05 AM	#59
johnjohn ninjette.org member Name: John Location: Caledonia, Ontario, Canada Join Date: Jul 2010 Motorcycle(s): Honda, Buell, Kawasaki, Suzuki, Yamaha Posts: 170	Looks good on the Ninja. One thing ,I would use denser foam over your bike parts. Open cell will wear through and compress too much with a lot of use.

June 26th, 2011, 07:07 AM	#61
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	@ Setasai - I'm sure it will turn out great, cannot wait to see it too since your leaving room for a passenger that should appeal to many others who need that option. @ johnjohn - Good idea, I'm going to look into that. Currently the metal doesn't touch at all and even fully loaded the brackets/bags do not flex so for now I'm in the clear.

June 27th, 2011, 05:47 PM	#66
Jerkson ninjette.org member Name: Jason Location: Hamilton Join Date: Aug 2010 Motorcycle(s): Blue 2010 Kawasaki Ninja 250r Posts: 170	So how many of us are building copycat setups now? 3? I just ordered my E21's today (here by the weekend) and I already have my ebay topcase (which came with a kewl mounting plate) Can't wait to start cursing at my bike this weekend

June 27th, 2011, 09:24 PM	#68
slolane Motorcyclist Name: James Location: Maryland Join Date: May 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2014 Ninja 300 ABS Posts: A lot.	Heck yeah, the heat is on... this build off is ramping up.

June 28th, 2011, 01:47 PM	#71
m1ckDELTA ninjette.org newbie Name: Mick Location: La Crescenta Join Date: Jun 2011 Motorcycle(s): '04 EX250, '07 HD Sportster Posts: 1	This is a great setup, I wish you had some riding pix to post. It definitely changes my opinion of the newer, more contemporary style vs the older 80’s GPz styling; the older version being more generic saddlebag friendly. My 2004 Ninja has over 48,000 miles on is just now starting to show its age (needing new brake rotors and a carb rebuild – not too bad really). It’s a great everyday rider and short haul tourer (LA to San Francisco/San Diego) but the 16” wheels limit tire choices to one and the saddle could be a bit higher; both solved with the newer bike. Now, you appear to have solved the saddlebag dilemma quite nicely. Well done.

June 30th, 2011, 07:18 PM	#78
setasai ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Brian Location: Detroit, MI Join Date: Jun 2010 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Green Posts: A lot.	Cases just came in. First impression is they're much larger than I expected and it definitely looks like something needs to be done to the turn signals. Are turn signals supposed to be seen from behind/diagonalside/side? or all of the above preferably. From where I would like to mount it, the signals will be right dead center of the quicklock assembly which would be obscurred from any other angle except from behind.