Your topcase. Sell it to me.

[Norbert]

All these topcase hard luggage options are maddening.
What are some good topcases+racks?
I'd like to get a topcase and rack combo that will leave me open to the possibility of sidecases too.
Also, something easy to install and won't mess up the bike.
Where's the least expensive place to buy these?

Help! Before I get some sense and decide to put my tax return into savings and/or wise investment.....

 

[SirIsaac]

All these topcase hard luggage options are maddening.
What are some good topcases+racks?
I'd like to get a topcase and rack combo that will leave me open to the possibility of sidecases too.
Also, something easy to install and won't mess up the bike.
Where's the least expensive place to buy these?

Help! Before I get some sense and decide to put my tax return into savings and/or wise investment.....

I have and like the Shad rack, available for under $100, here for example. The only problem is it is a little tricky to install the clamps on the grab rail, but you only have to do that once. If I had it to do over, I would probably remove one of the nuts (they are tack welded in place) from each bracket and fit a separate nut. There are a few threads about this installation, search and you will see what I mean. You can fit virtually any topcase to this rack. I have a Shad SH29, which is good quality, and cost less than $100 if I recall correctly. I also recently purchased one of the (in)famous Sears/JC Whitney large top cases when they were on sale for less than $60. I see that the Shad SH45 only costs $140.39, so that is a relatively cheap option too. Shad also makes a sidecase rack that fastens to the top rack, but then you are probably stuck with Shad side cases. These items are quite expensive, $327.59 for the cases and $194.99 for the rack.

 

[Erci]

All your questions have been answered here before and you can likely find original threads by searching.
Quick summary:
2 top racks with side mount options to consider: 1. Givi. 2. SW Motech.
Cases: Givi, Shad (size of case is up to you).
None of the racks are *easy* to install. It's not very difficult, but chances are you'll run into an issue or two.
Good places to buy: HelmetHead Cycle Motorcycle Accessories and TwistedThrottle.com

I use a Givi rack with Givi V46 top case. Install was somewhat painful, but not too bad. Love how the setup looks and functions.

 

[Norbert]

thx folks. :cheer:

how do you feel about security offered by the locks on the topbox?
obviously, it's a bike and the whole thing can be stolen, but is there a reasonable amount of security??

 

[SirIsaac]

thx folks. :cheer:

how do you feel about security offered by the locks on the topbox?
obviously, it's a bike and the whole thing can be stolen, but is there a reasonable amount of security??

The Shad case lock offers a reasonable amount of security, should deter the casual thief. I would not leave my wallet or anything like that in there, but should be OK for things that could be easily replaced.

 

[cap'n]

I went Givi, and I went BIG. No regrets whatsoever, quite the opposite. No top case looks good, really, so you might as well get something for your trouble. Something like locking rain-proof storage for 2 full face helmets, with integrated brake lights. It's stable, it's secure, it's well made, the brake lights are way up high and nicely visible... it's not cheap but you only pay once and then you forget how much it was.

 

[Norbert]

I'm leaning towards the Shad. I think the price is more reasonable.
I may get the sidecases and the topcase.

The only thing I don't like is how the rear turn signals look.
Also, looking at the instructions, I don't want to splice the turn signal wires and add the extension wires.

Would a fender eliminator move the turn signals out of the way of the side cases; anyone using a fender eliminator and side cases?

 

[jody.adams]

Go Givi dude... no regrits!

 

[goker]

The only thing I don't like is how the rear turn signals look.
Also, looking at the instructions, I don't want to splice the turn signal wires and add the extension wires.

It is almost impossible to not splice into the turn signals' wires when you are installing side cases, however, that is not as bad as sounds.

Would a fender eliminator move the turn signals out of the way of the side cases; anyone using a fender eliminator and side cases?

Depends on the fender eliminator setup. At any rate, if you are unsure and would like help, I'll help you out. You are not all that far from me and I have everything you might need for this type of work. So if you come over, we'll knock it out in no time.

 

[Norbert]

It is almost impossible to not splice into the turn signals' wires when you are installing side cases, however, that is not as bad as sounds.



Depends on the fender eliminator setup. At any rate, if you are unsure and would like help, I'll help you out. You are not all that far from me and I have everything you might need for this type of work. So if you come over, we'll knock it out in no time.

Wow what a response!
Thanks dude!
I definitely wouldn't mind some help with this. I hope you live in NOVA and not like in Roanoke, lol!

I really like your setup here:
http://www.600riders.com/forum/fz6-...mings-using-givi-racks-yamaha-fz6-2008-a.html
(I bookmarked this a while ago.)

I don't think I'd do the lighting stuff, mainly because I'd like to take the cases on and off easily without any wires. I really like the reflective tape idea. I saw some people on advrider.com do something similar:
GiVi Reflector Mod - Be Seen! - ADVrider

I think if I buy this fender eliminator, made by a member of the SBN board:
'04- 09 Yamaha FZ6 Fender Eliminator Kit : eBay Motors (item 250613767606 end time Apr-18-10 16:50:54 PDT)

I can avoid the funky rear end on my bike, plus get a nifty fender eliminator too.
I'm pretty sure I can because I just compared these 2 photos of the Shad rack:

and the FAZR6 fender eliminator:

Do you think it's do-able?

 

[Erci]

Another option to consider (this is the way I'll go if I ever find I need more cargo space than I currently have). Givi rack / top case + soft side luggage.
Givi makes relatively inexpensive side rails for soft luggage which mount up to their top rack. This does not require signal relocation either.

 

[Norbert]

Another option to consider (this is the way I'll go if I ever find I need more cargo space than I currently have). Givi rack / top case + soft side luggage.
Givi makes relatively inexpensive side rails for soft luggage which mount up to their top rack. This does not require signal relocation either.

this is a good idea, but i think i'll go with everything.

still not sure if the FAZR fender eliminator would allow the turn signals to not hit the sidebags. i'd like to be sure before dropping some big bucks on everything....

 

[Erci]

this is a good idea, but i think i'll go with everything.

still not sure if the FAZR fender eliminator would allow the turn signals to not hit the sidebags. i'd like to be sure before dropping some big bucks on everything....

Here you go then: http://www.600riders.com/forum/touring-traveling/13305-show-us-your-fz6-touring-mode-10.html

 

[Norbert]

Here you go then: http://www.600riders.com/forum/touring-traveling/13305-show-us-your-fz6-touring-mode-10.html

Thx dude. :thumbup:

Well now I think I should go with GIVI and get a fender eliminator.
Yeah I guess I flip-flopped, but I like the look of the Givi.
The Shad rack for the side cases have that turn signal stem welded onto the rack:

While the GIVI doesn't:

Looks better with the fender eliminator.
Hopefully the FAZR6 fe kit allows the lights to clear the siderack bars.....

 

[scottfarm]

cyclesaddles.com--givi e45--will hold two full face helmets and adapter for fz6 for $290 delivered to the house. Cheapest and the mostest for your dollar.

 

[fureinku]

ive got a givi e52 with mounting system for sale, mesage me for details, looking for 300 shipped in CONUS.. i dont know how the e45 fits two helmets.. the e52 is larger, i can fit on helmet, and a jacket in it though

my bike came with this case and i just dont see myself using it

 

[MinisterMike]

Thanks for posting that link to ebay, I just purchased the kit. I missed that some how in my endless searching. The fact that I can use the stock lighting and connectors is a huge plus. I almost bought one at twice the price and the lights most likely wouldn't even have been seen (looked like the size of my thumb). Some late night surfing and stumbled upon your thread.

Oh and I have a Givi top rack and luggage v46. Mine however came with the bike, so installation was a breeze! I love it. I can fit milk, bread, eggs, meat. Yesterday was a family pack from KFC. I think of all the bikes out there that are fitted for touring, the FZ6 is the cleanest and meanest looking.

 

[Norbert]

:welcome: lots of good info here so enjoy!!!!

Thanks for posting that link to ebay, I just purchased the kit. I missed that some how in my endless searching. The fact that I can use the stock lighting and connectors is a huge plus. I almost bought one at twice the price and the lights most likely wouldn't even have been seen (looked like the size of my thumb). Some late night surfing and stumbled upon your thread.

Oh and I have a Givi top rack and luggage v46. Mine however came with the bike, so installation was a breeze! I love it. I can fit milk, bread, eggs, meat. Yesterday was a family pack from KFC. I think of all the bikes out there that are fitted for touring, the FZ6 is the cleanest and meanest looking.

 

[SirIsaac]

Thx dude. :thumbup:

Well now I think I should go with GIVI and get a fender eliminator.
Yeah I guess I flip-flopped, but I like the look of the Givi.

I'm sure you will be happy with either one. Just as long as you spend that tax refund on your bike instead of doing something silly like saving it!

 

[Erci]

Room-wise, I can fit one medium and one small Scorpion EXO 700 helmet in my V46.