Rack and top box for Fireblade
Discussion
After a break of about 10 years, I bought a 2006 Fireblade last week.
Although it will be an occasional vehicle, I'm already finding problems with lack of luggage.
From my previous biking days I have a bag (kind of top box shape and size) with built in bungees that I can strap to the back seat. But the previous owner has made changes (a tail tidy I think) with mini indicators which make it tricky to attach and I don't really trust it with my work laptop.
I also have a magnetic tank bag - but that's not much use because the tank is plastic.....
I've never liked using a rucksack on a bike.
So, I would prefer to be able to attach a rack/ topbox, but a quick search didn't find much.
Any suggestions?
Although it will be an occasional vehicle, I'm already finding problems with lack of luggage.
From my previous biking days I have a bag (kind of top box shape and size) with built in bungees that I can strap to the back seat. But the previous owner has made changes (a tail tidy I think) with mini indicators which make it tricky to attach and I don't really trust it with my work laptop.
I also have a magnetic tank bag - but that's not much use because the tank is plastic.....
I've never liked using a rucksack on a bike.
So, I would prefer to be able to attach a rack/ topbox, but a quick search didn't find much.
Any suggestions?
Givi tank lock ring (BF03 might be it?) and an XS307 tank bag.
Doesn't touch the tank. I used to have that XS307 on my 2014 fireblade.
I have just fitted it to my S1000R, but the tank lock ring kit for that was way more complicated. Vid here: https://youtu.be/YHSzBArkp1I
For a tail pack, the US20 Kriega works well on a sports bike. You can hook it to the pillion seat if nothing else is available. I have this fitted to my S1000R, but also had this on my 2014 fireblade.
Doesn't touch the tank. I used to have that XS307 on my 2014 fireblade.
I have just fitted it to my S1000R, but the tank lock ring kit for that was way more complicated. Vid here: https://youtu.be/YHSzBArkp1I
For a tail pack, the US20 Kriega works well on a sports bike. You can hook it to the pillion seat if nothing else is available. I have this fitted to my S1000R, but also had this on my 2014 fireblade.
I have Kriega bags, I think about 3 or 4 of them. I found them a pita having to keep taking them on and off, the straps all need tightening every time you put them back and I've had one strap melt where it dangled down on the exhaust of an older bike I had.
I now use a top box, a small scooter top box bolted to the KTM rack and just use a key to open it. It's much less likely to be tampered with and is about 32 or 34 litres, so holds a helmet and gloves when I go to a cafe or when touring all the wet weather gear, a couple of snacks and a bottle of water.
David hates top boxes with a passion !
But in this case I'm not sure a top box would look good on a sports bike.
I now use a top box, a small scooter top box bolted to the KTM rack and just use a key to open it. It's much less likely to be tampered with and is about 32 or 34 litres, so holds a helmet and gloves when I go to a cafe or when touring all the wet weather gear, a couple of snacks and a bottle of water.
David hates top boxes with a passion !
But in this case I'm not sure a top box would look good on a sports bike.Kriega also do a strap system for the tank that lets you clip a tank bag on, and I think you can also use the tail pack bags on it.
SW Motech also do tank rings like the Givi one mentioned above. Dunno about Givi but SW Motech also do one with a 12v connection in the ring to let you charge a phone in the tank bag without needing to plug in extra cables.
If you want to go the top box route rate a look at Rentec or similar racks that you can then bolt a Givi base plate to take a top box.
SW Motech also do tank rings like the Givi one mentioned above. Dunno about Givi but SW Motech also do one with a 12v connection in the ring to let you charge a phone in the tank bag without needing to plug in extra cables.
If you want to go the top box route rate a look at Rentec or similar racks that you can then bolt a Givi base plate to take a top box.
Edited by RizzoTheRat on Wednesday 27th July 10:03
To be honest, looks don't bother me too much these days. If I can find a rack and top box that fit, I could probably live with it.
One issue I might have with the Kriega stuff is that it looks like the fittings attach to the frame rails. Mine are not visible when I take the pillion seat off (covered by a plastic base). I expect I can work around that - however, because it's a 2006 Blade, the exhaust exits under the seat. Which means it's very close to the frame rails, which might cause an issue with any fabric type straps.
I am going to try and stop by a local shop today to take a look at Kriega stuff though
One issue I might have with the Kriega stuff is that it looks like the fittings attach to the frame rails. Mine are not visible when I take the pillion seat off (covered by a plastic base). I expect I can work around that - however, because it's a 2006 Blade, the exhaust exits under the seat. Which means it's very close to the frame rails, which might cause an issue with any fabric type straps.
I am going to try and stop by a local shop today to take a look at Kriega stuff though
Edited by davek_964 on Wednesday 27th July 10:03
Edited by davek_964 on Wednesday 27th July 10:04
Ventura maybe - https://ventura-bike.co.uk/collections/honda/produ...
For a tank bag have a look at SW Motech
For a tank bag have a look at SW Motech
A500leroy said:
That's pretty much identical to what I'm currently using. Mine is Oxford, but attaches with bungees and doesn't feel that secure with my limited attachment points.I wonder if I should approach this a different way though and see if I can replace the bungee cords with a better system
What some of the sports bike commuters do around here is to buy a spare pillion seat and bolt the top box directly to that. Then the weight is held more centrally and it can normally removed with a key so you don't have to have it on at weekends. Looks a bit odd the first time you see it but is actually quite sensible.
The other option is a baglux tank cover. I have one and they're great. My laptop is too big to fit in the bag though so limited use for commuting for me but if it's a smaller laptop it should work.
As a bit of thread diversion, but still relevant, what do you put your laptops in when carrying them? I'd imagine the vibration of a bike wouldn't do a laptop much good and rattling around in a top box can't be good for one either? I'm thinking the same thing as the OP as I currently use a back pack which works well on the Hornet but not so much on the TLR.....
The other option is a baglux tank cover. I have one and they're great. My laptop is too big to fit in the bag though so limited use for commuting for me but if it's a smaller laptop it should work.
As a bit of thread diversion, but still relevant, what do you put your laptops in when carrying them? I'd imagine the vibration of a bike wouldn't do a laptop much good and rattling around in a top box can't be good for one either? I'm thinking the same thing as the OP as I currently use a back pack which works well on the Hornet but not so much on the TLR.....
I've done this and currently have two different settings on my R1s....
1999 R1 has a Renntec rack and a Givi top plate bolted to it.
2017 R1 has a Ventura L bracket setup to which I have either a rack or a Givi plate using the Ventura adapters for this purpose.
Loads of people go nuts about sticking a top box on an R1 - f
k knows why. If I'm going away for the weekend, stick the box on and take it off when you are done. But no! "Purists" would rather I strap a load of soft bags on.
I've st loads of Kriega stuff too, which I can use instead of/in addition to, but you can't beat the convenience and security of a box.
And, hey, purists - they only take moments to remove and the bike is back to normal!
1999 R1 has a Renntec rack and a Givi top plate bolted to it.
2017 R1 has a Ventura L bracket setup to which I have either a rack or a Givi plate using the Ventura adapters for this purpose.
Loads of people go nuts about sticking a top box on an R1 - f
k knows why. If I'm going away for the weekend, stick the box on and take it off when you are done. But no! "Purists" would rather I strap a load of soft bags on.I've s
t loads of Kriega stuff too, which I can use instead of/in addition to, but you can't beat the convenience and security of a box.And, hey, purists - they only take moments to remove and the bike is back to normal!
Just get a renntec rack and whack a box on it, works well for me on all my sportsbikes.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144650643362?chn=ps&...
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/144650643362?chn=ps&...
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