Topcase rack choices, looking for recommendations

[elizilla]

I'm trying to choose a topcase carrier rack. Anyone have suggestions?

My wishlist is:
1. Carry a Givi case
2. Carry more than the silly 11 lbs / 5 kg of the stock plastic decorative rack
3. Can be attached to the passenger seat rack extension so I can keep the weight more centralized and use my topcase as a backrest while traveling. But also fits in the normal position for when I occasionally carry a passenger.

Seems like there ought to be something like this out there. But I'm guessing #3 will be tough. Altrider has a piece that fits the first two pretty well. If I don't find anything better I might order that and then just make my own passenger seat rack to switch to when I want the case in the forward position.

 

[rem]

I have the Givi 46L ... the rack fit well and I like the look, etc. Had it on my Honda already so just bought the rack for the Tenere. I suspect you can put a bit more weight in it. I'm sure the rack will hold it. If I'm not mistaken, the limit on this boy is 10 kg, but I may be wrong about that. Whatever the limit is, I would imagine it has more to do with "safety" concerns than the actual capability of the case.


Anyway, I'm very happy with it. Very versatile. Lock shut, locks on the bike .. one key. R

 

[colorider]

I'm trying to choose a topcase carrier rack. Anyone have suggestions?

My wishlist is:
1. Carry a Givi case
2. Carry more than the silly 11 lbs / 5 kg of the stock plastic decorative rack
3. Can be attached to the passenger seat rack extension so I can keep the weight more centralized and use my topcase as a backrest while traveling. But also fits in the normal position for when I occasionally carry a passenger.

Seems like there ought to be something like this out there. But I'm guessing #3 will be tough. Altrider has a piece that fits the first two pretty well. If I don't find anything better I might order that and then just make my own passenger seat rack to switch to when I want the case in the forward position.

I went with the Givi setup. Cost was reasonable, quality and fit was (as always) good and it just flat works. Well, at least for items 1 and 2. I never considered #3 so not sure if there would be a way to adapt the brackets or not.

HTH,
Rod

 

[elizilla]

I have accumulated a collection of Givi cases over the years. I'm not buying any new cases for this bike, at least not at this time (though I do like the looks of the Trekkers!) I'm already breaking my piggybank for the rest of it, and still more cases would just be bulky to store. But Givi makes an excellent product.

I made an adjustable slider topcase rack for my NT700. I still have leftover aluminum flat stock and another set of the Givi adapter buttons, so I can make something for the new bike if I choose to. But I am not a very good machinist - it takes me days to make one piece, and when it's done it may be perfectly functional but it looks like a kid's art project. I'd rather buy something off the shelf if I can.

 

[bloke]

But I am not a very good machinist - it takes me days to make one piece, and when it's done it may be perfectly functional but it looks like a kid's art project. I'd rather buy something off the shelf if I can.

ha ha ha i know how you feel mate!

im working on a bracket to mount the stock rear bag mount on the passenger seat, just a simple 14" allow with the bag mount bolted to it, gotta pick up a couple spacers and some dampers to go under then im set to go, i like the rear case on the passenger seat too

 

[martinh]

I went with the Altrider rack. It is well made and you can get adapter kit from them or Revzilla for your Givi case. Plus under the rack has a little cubby hole to strap some tools in.

 

[jajpko]

I went with the Altrider rack. It is well made and you can get adapter kit from them or Revzilla for your Givi case. Plus under the rack has a little cubby hole to strap some tools in.

Another nice thing about the ALTrider rack for the Givi,, is you can leave out the rack and lower the case by that amount.

 

[colorider]

Another nice thing about the ALTrider rack for the Givi,, is you can leave out the rack and lower the case by that amount.

Hmmm, I didn't know that!!! NEAT!!!

 

[elizilla]

You guys convinced me. I have ordered the Altrider rack.

 

[martinh]

You guys convinced me. I have ordered the Altrider rack.

hope you ordered from Revzilla. great group of guys there and free shpping

 

[ST-venture]

Another nice thing about the ALTrider rack for the Givi,, is you can leave out the rack and lower the case by that amount.

So if you run without the Givi and the passenger seat, is that all at the same level so you could place a big "Dry Bag" lengthwise?

 

[jajpko]

So if you run without the Givi and the passenger seat, is that all at the same level so you could place a big "Dry Bag" lengthwise?

Yes, pretty much. I also have the other rack that fits where the passenger seat was. With it is is nearly flat, with out there is about 1/2" difference.
With all the picks I have taken I don't have one showing that. This one is the closest.

 

[Ron_Luning]

I have the Altrider rack, and it is top quality. The feature to mount it lower by not using the lower mounting plate is very tempting, but it looks like the visibility of your brake lights may be blocked by the rack/topcase in that lower position. Cars wouldn't have a problem seeing your brake lights, but taller vehicles might. I haven't tested it at all, but it's worth considering before using that option.

 

[jajpko]

I have the Altrider rack, and it is top quality. The feature to mount it lower by not using the lower mounting plate is very tempting, but it looks like the visibility of your brake lights may be blocked by the rack/topcase in that lower position. Cars wouldn't have a problem seeing your brake lights, but taller vehicles might. I haven't tested it at all, but it's worth considering before using that option.

That was a concern, but I also added the Whelen tr3 where the reflector is. You can see the lights from a short and long distance and the Tr3 will get there attention..

 

[ST-venture]

Yes, pretty much. I also have the other rack that fits where the passenger seat was. With it is is nearly flat, with out there is about 1/2" difference.
With all the picks I have taken I don't have one showing that. This one is the closest.

Thanks for the reply - one other question. Can you have the Altrider rack in the low position and your Givi top case installed with the grab rails still in place?

 

[jajpko]

Thanks for the reply - one other question. Can you have the Altrider rack in the low position and your Givi top case installed with the grab rails still in place?

Can't answer the top case and grab rails. I am not using them as I ride solo. One more thing, I made a mistake on the measurement. It is 1/2 inch difference with the rack on.. Sorry.

 

[ST-venture]

I ride solo as well but I was thinking that the grab rails would make a nice channel to help hold the dry bag (with top case and passenger seat removed).

 

[elizilla]

I too ride solo. But if I wanted to remove the grab rails I would need to shim the Givi sidecase rack with washers.