Cheap luggage option for the 4G

[Zerosum]

In the interests of adding to the sum of VFR knowledge, I figured I'd write a post about my most recent VFR mod.

I wanted a topcase on my VFR, to give it some storage capacity. Ever since I got my V-Strom with its full 3-piece luggage setup, the lack of storage capacity on the VFR has been a real downer. But, I didn't want to go with the Givi Wingrack, because it looks like complete and total crap. And, I don't ever see myself needing side cases on this bike. Plus, I didn't want to spend a lot of money.

My solution: I installed a Renntec luggage rack from here: Motorcycle Luggage Racks, Sports Racks, Carriers - REVsPerformance.com



Its about the beefiest looking rack I could find for the 4th Gen VFR. Installation was very easy. It's a single piece, and it bolts into the subframe in 4 places. Took about 5 minutes to install.

Then I bought a second base plate for the top case that I use on my V-Strom, and bolted it up to the luggage rack. I set the plate on top of the whole rack, so that is weight was being distributed to the strongest parts of the rack and not stressing the welds. I used pieces of rubber from an old mouse pad to sandwich between the metal parts to keep them from vibrating. Now, I can just detach the top case from my V-Strom, and snap it onto my VFR. Pretty sweet, IMO. Two bikes, one top case.

To go this route, it would cost $130 for the luggage rack, and $60 for the Givi-clone topcase (available on eBay.) Plus a few bucks for nuts, bolts, washers, etc.

I've been riding around with it for the past week over bumpy Baltimore streets without a problem. It seems that this luggage rack is plenty sturdy enough to support a top case. That said, I'm NOT going to put 30lb bags of dog food in it like I do on my V-Strom. :p This is a "light duty" solution... helmets, briefcases, stuff like that.














Later,

Rob

[punisher12b]

HEY SWEET ROB im in montgomery county MD... gotta 4th gen at our house..

[kd4ysi]

nice luggage rack thanks

[safetypro10]

And with just a little work, they can be made to work on a 3rd gen also.

I also went so far and adapted the BMW racks from the 80's from the Krauser luggage so I can run the luggage as well. works, at least for me.

Larry

[SLOVFR]

I guess you can call it what you want, but if your going to be doing any REAL touring the GIVI is the only way to go....But then again I wanted a quality versatile setup.

[Stranger]

My wife's bike has plenty of luggage room,



me on my BMW GS HA HA

[Zerosum]

Originally Posted by SLOVFR

I guess you can call it what you want, but if your going to be doing any REAL touring the GIVI is the only way to go....But then again I wanted a quality versatile setup.

Yeah, this solution isn't intended for long distances. I have a V-Strom with a luggage setup similar to your VFR. That's my distance bike. My VFR fulfills a sport role than a touring role for me.