Hard Luggage (photos inside)

chrisc · June 8th, 2009, 12:50 PM

So I wanted something hard, lockable, and waterproof for holding my work stuff on my way to and from work. I haul a laptop, change of clothes, a couple books, etc, etc.

I used to use a Cortech sport tailbag which was too small for my stuff, not really waterproof, and not at all lockable.

I looked at the Ventura rack options. They were big enough, but again not lockable, and waterproof was questionable.

I came across http://www.cariboucases.com, which rocked, but they had no rack for a little 250.

Finally, I decided to roll my own using a combination of options. I bought the side brackets and a rack from Ventura and a 35L Topcase, mounting plate, and locking mechanism (DIY version) from Caribou Cases.

Note that this is not a cheap way to go! If I hadn't bought all the stuff last fall then I probably would not be buying it now with the economy the way it is... anyway.

I cut the top off the ventura rack and welded the part I cut off to the back of the rack. This way the rack was "flush" so I could mount the top-plate for the case on it. I drilled it, mounted the plate, etc. etc.

The case, plate, and my commute stuff (backpack with clothes, books, laptop), weighs about 25 Lbs. The Ventura people say the rack can hold 20... so I am taking it easy, checking the bolts, looking for signs of stress, but with about 100 miles on it now everything looks to be holding up OK. If something looks like it is going to fail then I will get out the welder again and go to town.

The rack is very, very sturdy. You can hold on to it and lift the back of the bike well off the ground.

The case locks to the rack, and the case also has a lock on the lid. It is a 35L pelican case. Which is waterproof, dust proof, and crush proof. You can quickly take the case off the rack with a twist of the key and a twist of a big ass knob.

The top of the Ventura rack is held in place buy some heavy duty thumbscrews. There is a little tool that they include to really, really, really tighten them down. I don't know if I would leave the case on there overnight, but I certainly feel comfortable about leaving my stuff in there in a parking lot for a half hour or so. (whereas the tailbag could be removed in 3 seconds).

All in all I think it is a nice, semi-secure, certainly waterproof, and definitely tough case.

Photos:

1.jpg 2.jpg

3.jpg 4.jpg

tinng321 · June 8th, 2009, 01:05 PM

very nice and creative.
but honestly, that does take away the look.
if i need storage i would have gone with a touring bike.
anyhow, a very well done job.

chrisc · June 8th, 2009, 01:16 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tinng321

very nice and creative.
but honestly, that does take away the look.
if i need storage i would have gone with a touring bike.
anyhow, a very well done job.

Yeah, it's ugly. I'm a function over form type of guy. But I take it off on the weekends when I'm just cruising around. Best of both worlds I think.

Alex · June 8th, 2009, 01:40 PM

Nice work!

tinng321 · June 8th, 2009, 01:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisc

Yeah, it's ugly. I'm a function over form type of guy. But I take it off on the weekends when I'm just cruising around. Best of both worlds I think.

I wouldn't say that it's urgly. It just takes away some of the characteristics of a sport bike. I could definitely see that on a dual sport.
It's good that you can take it off when you don't need it.
again, nice job.

Snake · June 8th, 2009, 01:51 PM

Looks like it would be great for touring.

sombo · June 8th, 2009, 02:56 PM

You wouldn't happen to be delivering pizza's with that would you? lol

Sorry, couldn't resist. It looks good for what you want to use it for at least.

SpyderGirl · June 8th, 2009, 10:11 PM

Looks like it gets the job done. Nice work.

Alex · June 10th, 2009, 11:43 AM

I added this as a wiki article right here:

http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Caribou_hard_luggage

chrisc · June 10th, 2009, 12:11 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Alex

I added this as a wiki article right here:

http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Caribou_hard_luggage

Cool!

When I get a chance I will add some better pictures of how I attached the caribou top plate to the ventura rack piece. It's really a simple mod if you can borrow a welder for 10 minutes and use a drill press to drill 6 holes.

Alex · June 10th, 2009, 12:15 PM

Also feel free to edit that wiki page however you'd like; anyone can improve those pages along the way.

randomwalk101 · June 11th, 2009, 08:58 AM

wbhahhaha....Love the "pizza delivery comment"...
one thing for sure though..you ain't going to pick up any chick with that contraption for sure

chrisc · June 11th, 2009, 09:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by randomwalk101

wbhahhaha....Love the "pizza delivery comment"...
one thing for sure though..you ain't going to pick up any chick with that contraption for sure

Haha, true, but I'm already married, so I don't need to pick up any more chicks.

And If I only bought a bike to pick up chicks it wouldn't have been a 250

Skidro · June 11th, 2009, 05:18 PM

I think you did a fine job there my friend.

tjkamper · June 12th, 2009, 08:28 AM

Good job! I think it is great that it is removable. You can use it when you need it.

cifex · August 3rd, 2009, 01:35 PM

I just got a Ventura rack as well. I am not crazy about the design. All the stress is on those two little bolts that hold the L brackets to the cross member mounted under the seat. If those bolts fail the whole the will swing down onto the rear rubber and potentially lock it up. Obviously that isn't going to happen with 20 or 25lbs but it seems stupid when a slight modification would enable it to carry 50...75+ lbs safely. I am thinking of drilling it out so that a stronger bolt can be used.

chrisc · August 3rd, 2009, 01:54 PM

I agree it looks a little weak, but I've had 30 pounds on them and they held fast over some pretty big highway bumps (grooved pavement transition to cement bridges. Nasty bumps!)

Also, the way mine is mounted it could only drop 1/2 inch onto the rear seat. It might be more hazardous in the stock configuration.

Finder · August 4th, 2009, 03:35 PM

Good job! I've been trying to find a bit more information about how the Ventura racks mount to the back of the bike. Do you think you can take a picture of the rear mounting points up close? Pretty please?

chrisc · August 4th, 2009, 03:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finder

Good job! I've been trying to find a bit more information about how the Ventura racks mount to the back of the bike. Do you think you can take a picture of the rear mounting points up close? Pretty please?

Page 2 of this thread has a bunch of large, close-up, glossy photos of the rack and how the install works.

http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-system-2.html

Enjoy

Note: Not my bike, but after I saw that thread I decided to buy the rack. I never did by the backpack though.

Finder · August 4th, 2009, 07:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chrisc

Page 2 of this thread has a bunch of large, close-up, glossy photos of the rack and how the install works.

http://www.kawiforums.com/ninja-250r...-system-2.html

Enjoy

Note: Not my bike, but after I saw that thread I decided to buy the rack. I never did by the backpack though.

Many thanks! That's exactly what I needed. I see what you mean about the two bolts. I'm surprised they didn't mount to the blinker brackets to get the bolts horizontal. Interesting. If I can re-inforce it, this could actually make my Givi side mounts a whole lot easier!

Cheers!

cifex · August 5th, 2009, 08:06 AM

I don't think the week point is the way the crossmember is mounted. Its the way the L brackets mount to the crossmember. I'll take a picture from the back later so you can see what I mean. The crossmember doesn't slide inside the L-bracket or anything. The bolt is the only thing holding it.

Finder · August 5th, 2009, 10:14 AM

Thanks for the clarification. Personally, I would trust those more than i would trust the bolts holding the crossmember to the subframe. I would think it's easier to shear off the threads on a vertical bolt than it is to shear those side bolts in half.

Regardless, I'll be ordering one up soon because of these excellent pics you and Chris have provided. Thanks!

June 8th, 2009, 12:50 PM	#1
chrisc ninjette.org newbie Name: Chris Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 2fiddy Posts: 7	Hard Luggage (photos inside) So I wanted something hard, lockable, and waterproof for holding my work stuff on my way to and from work. I haul a laptop, change of clothes, a couple books, etc, etc. I used to use a Cortech sport tailbag which was too small for my stuff, not really waterproof, and not at all lockable. I looked at the Ventura rack options. They were big enough, but again not lockable, and waterproof was questionable. I came across http://www.cariboucases.com, which rocked, but they had no rack for a little 250. Finally, I decided to roll my own using a combination of options. I bought the side brackets and a rack from Ventura and a 35L Topcase, mounting plate, and locking mechanism (DIY version) from Caribou Cases. Note that this is not a cheap way to go! If I hadn't bought all the stuff last fall then I probably would not be buying it now with the economy the way it is... anyway. I cut the top off the ventura rack and welded the part I cut off to the back of the rack. This way the rack was "flush" so I could mount the top-plate for the case on it. I drilled it, mounted the plate, etc. etc. The case, plate, and my commute stuff (backpack with clothes, books, laptop), weighs about 25 Lbs. The Ventura people say the rack can hold 20... so I am taking it easy, checking the bolts, looking for signs of stress, but with about 100 miles on it now everything looks to be holding up OK. If something looks like it is going to fail then I will get out the welder again and go to town. The rack is very, very sturdy. You can hold on to it and lift the back of the bike well off the ground. The case locks to the rack, and the case also has a lock on the lid. It is a 35L pelican case. Which is waterproof, dust proof, and crush proof. You can quickly take the case off the rack with a twist of the key and a twist of a big ass knob. The top of the Ventura rack is held in place buy some heavy duty thumbscrews. There is a little tool that they include to really, really, really tighten them down. I don't know if I would leave the case on there overnight, but I certainly feel comfortable about leaving my stuff in there in a parking lot for a half hour or so. (whereas the tailbag could be removed in 3 seconds). All in all I think it is a nice, semi-secure, certainly waterproof, and definitely tough case. Photos: 1.jpg 2.jpg 3.jpg 4.jpg Last futzed with by chrisc; June 8th, 2009 at 01:49 PM. Reason: Thanks for fixing huge images :)

June 8th, 2009, 01:40 PM	#4
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	Nice work! __________________________________________________ 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)

June 8th, 2009, 10:11 PM	#8
SpyderGirl 3 for street, 2 for dirt Name: Katlyn Location: San Francisco Bay Area (California) Join Date: Mar 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2008 Can Am Spyder PE #1344 / 2009 Kawi KLX140L Monster Energy / 2009 Kawi Ninja 250R (RIP 8.23.09) Posts: 586	Looks like it gets the job done. Nice work. __________________________________________________ Feel free to look me up on facebook.

June 10th, 2009, 11:43 AM	#9
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	I added this as a wiki article right here: http://www.ninjette.org/wiki/Caribou_hard_luggage __________________________________________________ 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)

June 10th, 2009, 12:15 PM	#11
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	Also feel free to edit that wiki page however you'd like; anyone can improve those pages along the way. __________________________________________________ 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)

June 8th, 2009, 01:05 PM	#2
tinng321 ninjette.org sage Name: Tin Location: NJ Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 08 black 250r (sold); '09 black zx6r Posts: 903	very nice and creative. but honestly, that does take away the look. if i need storage i would have gone with a touring bike. anyhow, a very well done job.

June 8th, 2009, 01:51 PM	#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	Looks like it would be great for touring.

June 8th, 2009, 02:56 PM	#7
sombo Newb..... on a steeek! :D Name: Mike Location: Windermere, FL Join Date: Feb 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2012 Harley Davidson XL883L Sportster Superlow Posts: A lot.	You wouldn't happen to be delivering pizza's with that would you? lol Sorry, couldn't resist. It looks good for what you want to use it for at least.

June 11th, 2009, 08:58 AM	#12
randomwalk101 self wrencher Name: john Location: houston Join Date: Dec 2008 Motorcycle(s): 08 250r and 07 600r Posts: A lot.	wbhahhaha....Love the "pizza delivery comment"... one thing for sure though..you ain't going to pick up any chick with that contraption for sure

June 11th, 2009, 05:18 PM	#14
Skidro ninjette.org member Name: Troy Location: Northwest Georgia Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250 & 1988 Honda Shadow VTwin 800 Posts: 19	I think you did a fine job there my friend.

June 12th, 2009, 08:28 AM	#15
tjkamper ninjette.org certified postwhore Name: Travis Location: Warwick, RI Join Date: Apr 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R Posts: A lot.	Good job! I think it is great that it is removable. You can use it when you need it. __________________________________________________ Addicted to anything that has an engine and rolls.

August 3rd, 2009, 01:35 PM	#16
cifex ninjette.org guru Name: Z Location: Long Island, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356	I just got a Ventura rack as well. I am not crazy about the design. All the stress is on those two little bolts that hold the L brackets to the cross member mounted under the seat. If those bolts fail the whole the will swing down onto the rear rubber and potentially lock it up. Obviously that isn't going to happen with 20 or 25lbs but it seems stupid when a slight modification would enable it to carry 50...75+ lbs safely. I am thinking of drilling it out so that a stronger bolt can be used.

August 3rd, 2009, 01:54 PM	#17
chrisc ninjette.org newbie Name: Chris Location: Boston, MA Join Date: Jun 2009 Motorcycle(s): '08 2fiddy Posts: 7	I agree it looks a little weak, but I've had 30 pounds on them and they held fast over some pretty big highway bumps (grooved pavement transition to cement bridges. Nasty bumps!) Also, the way mine is mounted it could only drop 1/2 inch onto the rear seat. It might be more hazardous in the stock configuration.

August 4th, 2009, 03:35 PM	#18
Finder ninjette.org member Name: Mr. Location: SF Bay Area, California Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): F650GS Dakar, FJR1300, Ninja 250R Posts: 47	Good job! I've been trying to find a bit more information about how the Ventura racks mount to the back of the bike. Do you think you can take a picture of the rear mounting points up close? Pretty please?

August 5th, 2009, 08:06 AM	#21
cifex ninjette.org guru Name: Z Location: Long Island, NY Join Date: May 2009 Motorcycle(s): 2009 Ninja 250R (sold) Posts: 356	I don't think the week point is the way the crossmember is mounted. Its the way the L brackets mount to the crossmember. I'll take a picture from the back later so you can see what I mean. The crossmember doesn't slide inside the L-bracket or anything. The bolt is the only thing holding it.

August 5th, 2009, 10:14 AM	#22
Finder ninjette.org member Name: Mr. Location: SF Bay Area, California Join Date: Jul 2009 Motorcycle(s): F650GS Dakar, FJR1300, Ninja 250R Posts: 47	Thanks for the clarification. Personally, I would trust those more than i would trust the bolts holding the crossmember to the subframe. I would think it's easier to shear off the threads on a vertical bolt than it is to shear those side bolts in half. Regardless, I'll be ordering one up soon because of these excellent pics you and Chris have provided. Thanks!

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