Kawasaki Concours Forum
The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => The Bike - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: kzz1king on November 25, 2015, 08:11:13 PM
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Just got my 14 and am looking for ideas for strapping on sleeping bag,pad and tent. I have no plans to use a top case and do not ride with a passenger. I could load the old C10 up pretty good. Happy Thanksgiving.
Wayne
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Dry bag that gets strapped down behind me.
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^^^ That. But put sleeping gear in a smaller, separate dry bag within so it's not exposed to a wet packed-up tent.
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I cross bungee my sleeping bag behind me (Pillion) with a clear garbage bag for a cover. Tent in right Pannier, air mattress in left. The tent poles break down into a small vinyl sleeve and that is bungeed along w/sleeping bag. I do use a Shad 50L top case it has most of my clothes and assorted other stuff and a magnetic tank bag as well for towels soap shaver ect..... I have not figured a way to get cooking gear yet but I usually either restaurant it or hobo with a brat on a stick or cook in a can stew/soup whatever suits me to minimize cooking gear with a nice sized fire.
Enjoy your adventures Connie will get you there.
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I have a large/expandable tailpack that straps to the rear seat. I keep all my stuff (burner, condiments, coffee cup and such) in it all the time. My sleeping bag goes in on the top. I'm terrible for over packing, the last time I went I carefully sorted out all the things I didn't use and won't take them again.
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Here's how I carry my gear. ;)
(http://d17qgzvii7d4wm.cloudfront.net/s3/img.rv/2321/i/446657/o/1_2321_446657_4992072.jpg;maxwidth=1024;maxheight=1024;mode=crop)
I'll be taking Connie along for the ride in a new enclosed trailer that I'll be buying next month.
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I like to travel light 8)http://zggtr.org/Smileys/default/cool.gif
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Here's how I carry my gear. ;)
I'll be taking Connie along for the ride in a new enclosed trailer that I'll be buying next month.
What gear? I camp at Hilton properties.
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I camp light when I can, but this basic arrangement served me well as I traveled - on a Sportster - 5000 miles from Los Angeles, to Toronto and on to Maryland. That bike was PACKED.
Typically, one Saddlebag is gear for the bike in case of roadside issues and campfire cooking gear. The other bag is camping essentials like trashbags, spare shoes and clothing. The tank bag is rain gear and maps / electronics. Strapped on back seat is small cooler at backrest position, behind that is the sleeping bag. Both covered with cargo net bungee. Strapped over one saddlebag is the small, one man tent. Strapped over second bag is ground pad. If you need more clothes than a saddle bag can hold, add second, water proof bag under cargo bungee on top of sleeping bag. EDIT: I used a backrest bag for long trips requiring lots of clothes or if my wife and I camped together.
I'll look to see if I can find a pic of the sporty. Looked like a cartoon.
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So this is what a big trip looked like. Usually by the third stop on the trip, the tent and ground pad were strapped to the saddlebags because it was just easier.
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Here's how I carry my gear. ;)
(http://d17qgzvii7d4wm.cloudfront.net/s3/img.rv/2321/i/446657/o/1_2321_446657_4992072.jpg;maxwidth=1024;maxheight=1024;mode=crop)
I'll be taking Connie along for the ride in a new enclosed trailer that I'll be buying next month.
Good looking gear indeed. Nosy people like me want to know how much?
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long time ago it was like this
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/298397421sxgHuH_fs_zps5460a0fd.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/298397421sxgHuH_fs_zps5460a0fd.jpg.html)
or this
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2240713010015463693qUdilS_ph.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2240713010015463693qUdilS_ph.jpg.html)
or this
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2264864100015463693uTqtVv_ph.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2264864100015463693uTqtVv_ph.jpg.html)
or this when hotel/motel/cabin camping with momma...
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2700955480015463693HmErmp_ph.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2700955480015463693HmErmp_ph.jpg.html)
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2040900270015463693VXWsgi_ph.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/ADV%20TAGS/2040900270015463693VXWsgi_ph.jpg.html)
now its this....
(http://i1327.photobucket.com/albums/u672/MAN_OF_BLUES/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/H-F%20TRAILER/076_zps50ec6d0e.jpg) (http://s1327.photobucket.com/user/MAN_OF_BLUES/media/old%201/COG%20TECHNICAL%20PHOTOS/H-F%20TRAILER/076_zps50ec6d0e.jpg.html)
love it.
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Good looking gear indeed. Nosy people like me want to know how much?
I think that it's just over 10k lbs ;)
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Motofizz large bag here
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I have a top case now, but I use to simply pack it all in the saddlebags and/or tie the larger equipment to my rack in a waterproof bag. The key to motorcycle camping is finding equipment that's small, compressible and designed for backpacking. Also, pack light. At the time, I couldn't afford a nice backpacking tent, so I bought a smaller 2 man tent at Wal-Mart and a tent pole repair kit. I modified the tent poles so they would break down twice as small as the original. Then, I rolled the poles up in the tent, wrapped some cord around it and put it in my saddlebags.
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Here's how I carry my gear. ;)
(http://d17qgzvii7d4wm.cloudfront.net/s3/img.rv/2321/i/446657/o/1_2321_446657_4992072.jpg;maxwidth=1024;maxheight=1024;mode=crop)
I'll be taking Connie along for the ride in a new enclosed trailer that I'll be buying next month.
Does it have to be an enclosed trailer? I know where you can buy a fine purple.. I mean Magneta trailer... ;D
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But seriously, never done it on the connie but have done it many times on my DR650. Dry bags are your friend. Strap them on however makes sense. Heaviest stuff (like water) low in the side cases. Lightest stuff up top.
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This is how I go camping.
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This is how I go camping.
^^^THIS!!!^^^
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And here I was thinking that men were supposed to be tough. Appears that most are preferring to not camp in a rustic style.
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This is my previous bike INSIDE my camping gear. Haven't hauled the C-14 yet.
(http://i1335.photobucket.com/albums/w669/ron2032/20140805_155307_zpsfgxcdbnf.jpg)
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And here I was thinking that men were supposed to be tough. Appears that most are preferring to not camp in a rustic style.
Rustic is over rated! LOL! Been there and done that it my younger years. Not to mention that in Canada the mosquitoes have been known to carry away small dogs! At the end of a long day riding now I want two things---a long hot shower; and the directions to the hotel bar! ;D
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Does it have to be an enclosed trailer? I know where you can buy a fine purple.. I mean Magneta trailer... ;D
Magneta is NOT a color! ;)
I went trailer shopping yesterday. I have to check out another dealer as the local dealer is a bit pricy.
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And here I was thinking that men were supposed to be tough. Appears that most are preferring to not camp in a rustic style.
Been there done that!
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Magneta is NOT a color! ;)
I went trailer shopping yesterday. I have to check out another dealer as the local dealer is a bit pricy.
I know where you can get a decent one on the cheap.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20015.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20015.0)
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I know where you can get a decent one on the cheap.
http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20015.0 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=20015.0)
::)
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Yes, like Conrad I no longer "really" camp and prefer a bed/heat and ac.
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This is how I go camping.
Does the management frown on campfires in the lobby?
If invited, would you "hang out" with any hotel guest
you just met and had nothing in common with,
including this forum?
Does anybody enjoy listening to your "hotel stories"?
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And here I was thinking that men were supposed to be tough. Appears that most are preferring to not camp in a rustic style.
I do but not on the Connie. On my DR650 I can get to places out of the way. I NEVER camp at a designated camp site where another tent is just feet away. I find places where the next human is miles away.
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Rustic is over rated! LOL! Been there and done that it my younger years. Not to mention that in Canada the mosquitoes have been known to carry away small dogs! At the end of a long day riding now I want two things---a long hot shower; and the directions to the hotel bar! ;D
But nothing beats a small camp fire, two bottles of beer you've been icing in your tiny cooler all day, and a small transistor radio picking up the only station for miles (inevitably an oldies station).
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Does the management frown on campfires in the lobby?
If invited, would you "hang out" with any hotel guest
you just met and had nothing in common with,
including this forum?
Does anybody enjoy listening to your "hotel stories"?
When I ride with a group and stay in a hotel. I generally hang out with them for a nice evening meal at a restaurant within walking distance typically. I believe I have plenty of companionship should I need/want it. I also don't have to worry about bad weather, starting a fire, loud neighbors, hard ground, nosy neighbors, etc. I like staying in hotels and I do strike up conversations at the hotel bar or even the restaurant bar. Typically I have something in common with everyone so it's not a big deal to have a conversation with someone I don't know. I guess I'm not a camping person at all and find really nothing I like about it, personally. It doesntworksforme.
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But nothing beats a small camp fire, two bottles of beer you've been icing in your tiny cooler all day, and a small transistor radio picking up the only station for miles (inevitably an oldies station).
I agree with you completely, except the two bottles of beer are used for preparing to set up camp, the fire is big enough to be seen from outer space and a large amount of bourbon or other whiskey is consumed while burning every piece of combustible material within reach except the tents and chairs unless the fire is too small. Maybe I have a problem. :-[
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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/dealgap/bikesafe.jpg)
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(http://i80.photobucket.com/albums/j180/stevewfl/dealgap/bikesafe.jpg)
Nice. 8)
You should have room for a BBQ on that trailor as well.
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Cot tent on mid rack.
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Camping is fine if you like to pretend that you're homeless.
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Usually pack light....
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Camping is fine if you like to pretend that you're homeless.
+1
Usually pack light....
+1
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I could really do without the dead horse.
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I would like more info on the mid rack. Looks like a great place to carry.
Wayne
Cot tent on mid rack.
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I could really do without the dead horse.
There's quite a few of them around here. Which one in particular?
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I could really do without the dead horse.
They take up a lot of room in the tent...and smell bad, too.
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They take up a lot of room in the tent...and smell bad, too.
Same goes for live ones, too.
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Difficult (but not impossible) to carry a horse on the bike live or dead. However, if it's a talking horse then all bets are off and you'll need to fit a communicator for it. If you run out of gas you can always ride the horse.
http://youtu.be/y_PZPpWTRTU (http://youtu.be/y_PZPpWTRTU)
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Sure Wayne...attaches where you pin the bags and tail frame. Weighs less than 5 lbs and goes on and off in minutes . Aluminium and fabbed. Be happy to answer any other questions Wayne....blanton
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Sure Wayne...attaches where you pin the bags and tail frame. Weighs less than 5 lbs and goes on and off in minutes . Aluminium and fabbed. Be happy to answer any other questions Wayne....blanton
Great idea blanton. Very innovative. :thumbs:
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Thanks Pilgrim....12"× 24" and fits a $10 walmart bag. Air matress, 5×7 tent, sleeping bag and blanket w/pillow fits inside. Bought cot tent and been off the ground ever since.....blanton
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Sounding better all the time! So the mounts that go forward are just pinned with the bags? What kind of treatment do the mounts that go up under the tail get? It looks like your dimensions work well. What are there? Thanks again.
Wayne
Sure Wayne...attaches where you pin the bags and tail frame. Weighs less than 5 lbs and goes on and off in minutes . Aluminium and fabbed. Be happy to answer any other questions Wayne....blanton
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Sounding better all the time! So the mounts that go forward are just pinned with the bags? What kind of treatment do the mounts that go up under the tail get? It looks like your dimensions work well. What are there? Thanks again.
Wayne
I see the dimensions now :D
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The front mounts with 1/4 20 and spacer..top mount was only place I drilled and it is hidden.
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Used camping and hauling a seat across state.
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With the top box and the rack loaded how much weight are you carrying behind the axle?
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Heaviest carried 26 lbs..for 3 days.
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Thanks
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Is that a tent or a camper in the background?
Wayne
Heaviest carried 26 lbs..for 3 days.
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blanton mentioned a cot tent a few posts back....
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It is a cot tent....$80.00 by Ozark..set up is just unfold. Repacking not too bad. I still use an air matress but tolerable without. Rain fly is on and has good ventilation. Also has sky light. Nice to wake up and turn and be sitting to get ready for the day. I always wanted one but had no way to haul until the mid-rack. No more ground sleeping for this senior Wayne...blanton
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Front view. Now I will stop rambling..blanton
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That is pretty amazing! (http://i768.photobucket.com/albums/xx321/mr_beeps/Icons/yes_zps563357b2.gif)
I agree... impressive
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Thanks....blanton
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I was able to pile a sleeping bag, a tent, and bag of personal belongings on the stock rack and the passenger seat. But I don't see how two-up PLUS all this stuff could fit using just that little rack. Never-the-less, where there is a will there is definitely a way.
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My attempt at building a quick attach rack for camping. I am not sure how I want to do the attachments points for the bungees yet.
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That's a work of art! But please tell me you aren't going to use the 'PLASTIC' rear carrier. I wouldn't trust that to carry more than a sandwich.
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I was! Is it that weak? I totally have to redesign if I use something else but that would be better than picking my gear off the road!
Wayne
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It was recalled once and replaced and we've heard a story or two of the new ones breaking. Mine is sitting on a shelf in the garage where it can't hurt anyone....POS. If you are going to carry any kind of weight go for one of the metal replacement racks like from Phil or others.
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That's a work of art! But please tell me you aren't going to use the 'PLASTIC' rear carrier. I wouldn't trust that to carry more than a sandwich.
I don't know, I like my sandwiches BIG.
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Then you need a metal rack....sigh.
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I was! Is it that weak? I totally have to redesign if I use something else but that would be better than picking my gear off the road!
Wayne
Nice woodwork! :thumbs:
Yes the OEM plastic rack is not very good but it may suit your purpose if I understand your design. (I'm not a fan of the original rack but it may be overly hated as much as the large muffler, besides I'm trying to save you a little work and money here. ;) ) Obviously with only two screws plus the sculpted cut out and slot plugs to resist lateral loads you might want to do more up front. If I understand your design the front of your rack extends over the rear of your seat? And you'll have something under it so it is resting on the seat? If it is just cantilevered above the seat then I do believe the OEM rack will eventually fail when loaded (not at first but eventually depending on how much you use it.). If the front of your rack is going to be resting on the pillion portion of your seat then maybe some downward extensions might be a good idea in that area to resist side loads and excess lateral forces being levered back to the OEM rack. These could just be shaped blocks of wood that project down from the underside of your rack and rest between the seat and the support arms/rails.....that is if I understand how your rack is supposed to work. Another item of concern regarding the strength of the under supporting OEM rack is the size and wind exposure of your load. If the load is bungied to the bike instead of the rack, then no problem. However if a large bulky wind exposed bundle is bungied only to your rack then it may stress the OEM rack in the opposite direction than it would be when stopped, this repeated back and forth stress would no doubt accelerate failure potential (cracking or bolt pull through) at the bolt holes of the underlying OEM rack. I'm certainly no engineer, perhaps Brian or any other engineer could chime in here.
("Easy boys" applies to all the above mentioning of rack and seat and especially to "the front of your rack extends over the rear of your seat?" and if needed ::) to "Nice woodwork!")
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Excellent usage of the 'Easy Boys' phrase! :thumbs:
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Then you need a metal rack....sigh.
Way ahead of you ;)
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You have it figured out FM! My plan is to stuff something between the rack and the seat. I also plan to bungee a strap or two to the siderails and have thought of some standoffs for the side rails as well. Have to wait until I get back to the bike. The rack will not be carring much weight but more than a sandwhich 8) Thanks for the input.
[quo
te author=fartymarty link=topic=20484.msg259083#msg259083 date=1457031006]
Nice woodwork! :thumbs:
Yes the OEM plastic rack is not very good but it may suit your purpose if I understand your design. (I'm not a fan of the original rack but it may be overly hated as much as the large muffler, besides I'm trying to save you a little work and money here. ;) ) Obviously with only two screws plus the sculpted cut out and slot plugs to resist lateral loads you might want to do more up front. If I understand your design the front of your rack extends over the rear of your seat? And you'll have something under it so it is resting on the seat? If it is just cantilevered above the seat then I do believe the OEM rack will eventually fail when loaded (not at first but eventually depending on how much you use it.). If the front of your rack is going to be resting on the pillion portion of your seat then maybe some downward extensions might be a good idea in that area to resist side loads and excess lateral forces being levered back to the OEM rack. These could just be shaped blocks of wood that project down from the underside of your rack and rest between the seat and the support arms/rails.....that is if I understand how your rack is supposed to work. Another item of concern regarding the strength of the under supporting OEM rack is the size and wind exposure of your load. If the load is bungied to the bike instead of the rack, then no problem. However if a large bulky wind exposed bundle is bungied only to your rack then it may stress the OEM rack in the opposite direction than it would be when stopped, this repeated back and forth stress would no doubt accelerate failure potential (cracking or bolt pull through) at the bolt holes of the underlying OEM rack. I'm certainly no engineer, perhaps Brian or any other engineer could chime in here.
("Easy boys" applies to all the above mentioning of rack and seat and especially to "the front of your rack extends over the rear of your seat?" and if needed ::) to "Nice woodwork!")
[/quote]
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My plan is to stuff something between the rack and the seat. I also plan to bungee a strap or two to the side rails and have thought of some standoffs for the side rails as well. The rack will not be carrying much weight but more than a sandwich 8)
Well in that case I think the OEM rack will work for your camping needs. Now being made of wood I also recommend that you encapsulate your rack in epoxy like many home boat builders do. West System 105 and Glen-L's Poxy-Shield are both good products, but not cheap. However paint alone might actually outlast the bike if you don't ride/park in the rain much.
I'm also of the opinion that Phil's rack would be a good investment if you ever want a top case or care to lash other stuff to your bike. It would be simple enough to change out as needed, but for now I think your camping gear plan will work with the OEM rack. Unless some naysayer comes along (qualified: like with a degree or at least got a C in calculus) then I think you should carry on. (<-- SWIDT ::) )
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Off topic but I'm curious about the workshop. I'm I seeing curved glue-lam ribs supporting wooden plank decking on a Quonset style building?
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Yes it is a WPA built project. Used to be the town hall and the local school played ball games there.Now itis a dandy shop where I teach high school carpentry classes.
Wayne
Off topic but I'm curious about the workshop. I'm I seeing curved glue-lam ribs supporting wooden plank decking on a Quonset style building?
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My plastic carrier broke. Kawi sent me a new one under warranty, but it was shipped off to someone who needed it for a special project. I built my own replacement out of a slab of aluminum. I also added helmet locks to it since Kawasaki decided we all would want to put our helmets in the bags, despite the fact that when most of us go on a trip the bags are full of our gear. I have a couple of pictures but they aren't real good. My piece is the black painted part under the plastic top case bracket.
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Pics on the bike to follow. I am happy with it. Added supports for the front. These will also resist side loads. Come on summer!!
Wayne
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Pics on the bike to follow. I am happy with it. Added supports for the front. These will also resist side loads. Come on summer!!
Wayne
Lookin good! I like the front supports.
The supports aren't going to be fastened down, right?..just resting on the bike? I ask because of the holes I see in the supports.
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No, i twill be tied down. I dont want it bouncing. I will get some more paracord the white stuff. It is very solid. I like the platform and not having to attach near bodywork.
Wayne
Lookin good! I like the front supports.
The supports aren't going to be fastened down, right?..just resting on the bike? I ask because of the holes I see in the supports.
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This reminds me of my old Yamaha SX 650 that I took on many camping adventures. The gear was held by a motley collection of bungee cords. I could never be the last rider because someone always had to be behind me to pick the items that fell off. (But I did really look forward to sleeping in a soaking wet sleeping bag.)
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I am hopingthis willprevent that problem ;)
This reminds me of my old Yamaha SX 650 that I took on many camping adventures. The gear was held by a motley collection of bungee cords. I could never be the last rider because someone always had to be behind me to pick the items that fell off. (But I did really look forward to sleeping in a soaking wet sleeping bag.)
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No, i twill be tied down. I dont want it bouncing. I will get some more paracord the white stuff. It is very solid. I like the platform and not having to attach near bodywork.
Wayne
I tied my camping gear on in a similar fashion. This is how I ended up - 7 years ago.
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/hxr400/P3010319.jpg)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/hxr400/P3010323.jpg)
(http://i380.photobucket.com/albums/oo247/hxr400/P3010340.jpg)
Any arrangement that does not have a solid bracket at the rear to prevent items slipping over the back is a recipe for potential disaster - broken leg and 4 months off work in my case. :'(
The cause is obvious.
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Sorry to hear that but I dont see what the problem with my set up. It is bolted down and has 14 solid attachment points.
Wayne
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Any arrangement that does not have a solid bracket at the rear to prevent items slipping over the back is a recipe for potential disaster.
The cause is obvious.
Not so obvious to me.
Are you saying that something still tied to the bike fell over the back, and since it was still attached didn't tumble down the road but rather wedged itself up into between the rear tire and the sub frame effectively locking up the rear wheel and causing a skid?
Did you not use the saddlebags so you could tie things up to their mounts instead, or did they just fly off at impact and out of the photo(s) frame?
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Not so obvious to me.
Are you saying that something still tied to the bike fell over the back, and since it was still attached didn't tumble down the road but rather wedged itself up into between the rear tire and the sub frame effectively locking up the rear wheel and causing a skid?
Did you not use the saddlebags so you could tie things up to their mounts instead, or did they just fly off at impact and out of the photo(s) frame?
Tied with inadequate cord.
Locked up rear wheel as you deduced.
Bags not fitted.