View Full Version : Rear luggage systems for Gladius - need more ideas!
Hi all,
I've had my Gladius since October (first big bike) and I need to get some luggage for it so I can go away without carrying a heavy rucksack. I've done a bit of research into all rear luggage options (already have the Suzuki magnetic tank bag) and still haven't found anything I'm happy with, so I thought I'd list the options here in the hope that someone can point out something I've missed! (At least there is Gladius specific kit on the market now, there wasn't when I got the bike). My criteria are that I want to be able to secure the luggage closed and to the bike, and be able to transport kit for a weekend away camping and hiking (e.g. tent, sleeping bag, walking boots, clothes, stove, food - minimum of 40 litres should hopefully do it). I'm in the UK, but most systems seem to have UK distributers so that's not too much of an issue.
I know there are other threads on luggage and I have read through a few but although they gave me a few extra options I still haven't found what I want/need. Also maybe the research I've done so far will be useful to other! Apologies if this is in the wrong forum, I toyed with putting it under 'reviews' but it didn't seem to quite fit there.
** GIVI **
SR121 rack, can fit any monokey box, for example the V46l. However the rack has a maximum carrying capacity of 6kg, and I believe the box itself is 4kg, leaving 2kg to play with. This definitely wouldn't allow me to take all the kit I need!
COST. Rack £94.99, V46l topbox £197.99, total £292.98 (prices from mad4bikes)
There's also the pannier option, using the PLX540 pannier holders with the V35 panniers. I can't find a load capacity for these but I believe it's higher. It's a more expensive system though, and I've only budgeted for £250-£300.
COST. Holder £163.99, panniers £274.99, total £438.98 (prices from mad4bikes)
** SW Motech **
It is possible to buy a their alu-rack rack instead of a Givi one (and still fit monokey or other boxes with the appropriate adapter plate),
however the maximum load capacity of the rack is 5kg, which is even lower.
COST. Alu-rack £111.63, monokey plate £22.33, shipping £4.99, total £138.95 minus box (prices from www.motorbikesandparts.co.uk (http://www.motorbikesandparts.co.uk)) or £336.94 with Givi V46l box
They also do a pannier rack.
COST. Quick-lock evo side carrier 199.95€ / £167.80, adapter plate £16, plus Givi panniers £274.99, total £458.79 (more expensive than Givi)
** Renntec **
The Renntec rack only takes a box up to 26l, which isn't big enough for what I need.
COST. Carrier £69.50. Tech top box 26l £29.99, total £99.49
** Suzuki **
Suzuki provide a rack and top box (no panniers), but it's only 30l and I don't think this would be big enough for what I need.
COST. Top case rack 99000-99074-A23 £137.81, adapter plate 990D0-99999-075 £14.84, 30l top case 990D0-K3000-000 £576.25, top case insert 990D0-K30TC0-xxx £42.40, total £252.30
** Kappa and JC Whitney **
Provide cheaper Givi-like top boxes but still have the problem of the load capacity of the rack you choose
** Ventura **
This is a nice setup, and the luggage can be turned around to sit on the pillion seat when you're not taking a passenger, and can also be work as a rucksack off the bike. However, although all packs have D-rings so that you can lock them up or lock them to your bike, you need to provide your own padlock and I don't feel this system would be as secure. I'm not sure of the maximum load either, I'm waiting to hear back from them.
COST. L-brackets £99.99, pack rack £59.98, 51l Aero-Spada VII pack (or other pack) £99.99, shipping 8.75, total £268.71 (slightly cheaper from MCN)
** Oxford **
Don't provide anything lockable
** Bags-connection (American) **
Do soft luggage, not lockable
** Touratech **
Don't think they do a rack
** Dowco **
Lockable soft luggage but I think they're all tail packs
** Hepco & Becker **
Looks more expensive than their Givi stuff but couldn't find much information on it except fitting instructions on their website
** Krauser **
Can't find much information on this
So in short, everything is either too weak, too expensive (over £300, ouch), or too insecure, or I can't find information on. Any ideas?!?
Cheers,
Sarah
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 02:56 PM
I think you've pretty much covered all the types there :D
Couple of thoughts though from experience on what you've listed:
Givi - Had the the Givi 'arms' and a 45 litre top box. Plus points, the box was huge and could fit loads in and was lockable obviously, so good for leaving stuff on the bike and it being pretty secure. Bad points, it looked rubbish, I couldn't get the 'arms' and the fittings that secure it to the grabrail to stay put resulting in a damaged grabrail,marks on the rear seat panels and coming back from the AR last year one of the fittings worked loose and fell off completely (luckily 2 mins from home so I found it and not 100 miles away). It also made quite a noticeable difference to the riding experience. Mainly you could feel the bike being slowed down by wind etc and it really did feel heavier. If I was to have a top box again I wouldn't go for one above 30 litres personally.
Renntecc - Replaced the above with one of their racks and use a dry bag/roll bag to put camping stuff in and cargo net/bungee that to the rack. Looks better and doesn't affect the bike as much as the above. Downside, it isn't lockable and therefore not secure to leave it on the bike whilst away from it.
If I was going down the top box route again I would probably get the SW Motech rack as it looks better and doesn't need the GIVI arms as it replaces the grabrail on the SV (not sure if same on the Gladius). Quite expensive though!
I would like the Ventura set up, but for what it is, I can do the same with the Renntecc rack for less money. i.e. tent stuff on the rack and a tail bag on the seat.
cb1000rsteve
21-07-10, 03:07 PM
Buy a spare seat off ebay and screw a top box to it. cheapest way. I've done it permantly to my SV which i use for commuting and i have a seat with a base plate attached for my CB1000r so i can use a box when camping rallying on that
Thanks for your input, useful stuff.
I'm not sure what the givi 'arms' are but I think the fitments for the SV are quite different than the SFV. For example, the givi topbox rack for an sv doesn't list any maximum load but for the Gladius it's quite clear it can't take more than 6kg.
I'm now wondering if you can get lockable saddlebags as I haven't looked into those. Can still take a pillion that way.
However the rack has a maximum carrying capacity of 6kg
Seriously? That can't be right. My soft panniers, held on with velcro, can take more than that.
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 03:17 PM
Thanks for your input, useful stuff.
I'm not sure what the givi 'arms' are but I think the fitments for the SV are quite different than the SFV. For example, the givi topbox rack for an sv doesn't list any maximum load but for the Gladius it's quite clear it can't take more than 6kg.
I'm now wondering if you can get lockable saddlebags as I haven't looked into those. Can still take a pillion that way.
The arms are the long metal parts that run down each side of the bike and hold the top box plate and top box. On the SV they are bolted to the rear footpegs and also have 2 holders that bolt onto the grabrail.
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 03:17 PM
Seriously? That can't be right. My soft panniers, held on with velcro, can take more than that.
My top box had a recommended loading of only 3kg and was a GIVI top box.
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 03:24 PM
I would also try ebay for the top box at least. My 45 litre was only £45 and was pretty much as new.
Yup, seriously. See top item here, the SR121 (http://www.givi.co.uk/My-motorcycle/?ma=SUZUKI&mo=Gladius-650-09).
Mr uk1 - it's the rack that has the restriction. The box (V46) can take 10kg but no good if the rack underneath it can't, which is the problem here.
I've looked on eBay, trouble is this stuff is all pretty new. The most expensive item is the V35 panniers and they're only £5 cheaper on eBay as they're new - they're the only monokey pannier (and the only givi pannier specific to the Gladius!)
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 03:40 PM
Mr uk1 - it's the rack that has the restriction. The box (V46) can take 10kg but no good if the rack underneath it can't, which is the problem here.
I've looked on eBay, trouble is this stuff is all pretty new. The most expensive item is the V35 panniers and they're only £5 cheaper on eBay as they're new - they're the only monokey pannier (and the only givi pannier specific to the Gladius!)
Mine was definitely the box that had the 3kg restriction, but it was a cheaper box than the V46. It was a mono-lock box not a mono-key so not double skinned plastic. The mono-lock stuff is cheaper than the mono-key stuff, but with disadvantages (carrying weight).
Edit - I had this one http://www.cmcbikes.com/givi-e450-simply-ii.html
cb1000rsteve
21-07-10, 03:45 PM
I have a Tech 7 45 litre top box it can take 2 full face helmets and is totally water proof. It only cost £39 delivered. Comes with a lock too. i wouldn't waste my money on the expensive Givi stuff as this box does the job perfectly.
It isn't the cost of the box that's the problem!
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 03:55 PM
It's difficult to tell from the internet pics, but it looks like the Gladius givi rack just replaces the grabrail the same as a renntecc rack does, which is why they quote a weight limit for the Gladius givi rack and do not for the SV. The renntecc rack has a 'recommended' carrying capacity, probably for Health & Safety reasons as it is only held on by the 2 bolts that would usually hold the grabrail. Peeps usually ignore it though :D
I've seen pictures of what happens when people ignore it :-)
I want something that's within the manufacturer's recommendations if possible so it doesn't snap.
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 04:05 PM
I've seen pictures of what happens when people ignore it :-)
I want something that's within the manufacturer's recommendations if possible so it doesn't snap.
You may need to compromise then on a) being able to carry x kgs and b) it being secure when you get there so you can leave it on the bike :D
What are you planning on carrying in a top box etc? I think the limit for the Renntecc rack is 2.5kg, but I usually carry approx 5kg. Bearing in mind that if the same 2 bolts that hold the grab rail can handle the force of a pillion pushing down on it or the rail being used to manhandle it off the paddock stand without breaking they can handle an additional 2.5kgs of weight on a rack.
I obviously wouldn't suggest exceeding the weight limit by loads and carrying an engine on it or summat :-)
You may need to compromise then on a) being able to carry x kgs and b) it being secure when you get there so you can leave it on the bike :D
I may do, but I'm sure that there must be a way to carry more, I've seen bikes loaded up and they can all be flouting the recommendations so much (I guess other bikes have different limits though). I'm sure I haven't found all the options (one more below for starters). What options do I have if I don't want it so secure?
What are you planning on carrying in a top box etc?
Camping and walking stuff as per my OP!
Bearing in mind that if the same 2 bolts that hold the grab rail can handle the force of a pillion pushing down on it or the rail being used to manhandle it off the paddock stand without breaking they can handle an additional 2.5kgs of weight on a rack.
True, but in the pictures I've seen of racks breaking, it's the rack that breaks, not the bolts that shear. Although I'd rather the rack break than the bolts as that's easier to replace!
I've just discovered that the SW Motech EVO side carrier (specific for the Gladius) can take 12.5 kg per carrier. It also has adapter plates for a whole stack of different luggage (Givi monokey, TraX alu-box, Kappa, Shad, Hepco-Becker, Krauser) and with any luck I can find one that's cheaper than the Givi V35 pannier pair and so comes in under budget.
See here (http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4955/496/) and here (http://shop.sw-motech.com/cgi-bin/cosmoshop/lshop.cgi?action=showdetail&wkid=127972907520396&ls=en&nc=1279729315-20690&rubnum=products.1252674507.1256046195.1256046318&artnum=KFT.05.630.20000/B&id=64&gesamt_zeilen=50Tshowrub--products.1252674507.1256046195.1256046318&typid=16587164)
It's typical that I can search for days and as soon as I write it all down and post it up for advice I find a better option!! :-S
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 05:06 PM
It's going to ultimately depend on how much you want to spend really isn't it and whether you really need the stuff to be securely left on the bike if you leave it somewhere and whether you are prepared to slightly ignore weight limits or not.
I have the following, but then I don't usually leave the bike parked up with the gear attached for anything more than 15 mins and have only been for max 4 days away:
Baglux Tankbag - 30 litres
Oxford Tailpack - 45 litres
Renntecc rack with an 80 litre roll bag
In all that I carry, sleeping bag (and it doesn't fold down small either), 4 man tent, airbed, footpump, clothes/pair of trainers, toiletries, stove (with gas bottles), pan, cutlery, cup, kettle, big camera and other odds and sods.
The rack only has 5kg max on it, being the tent and poles. Airbed, pump, cooking stuff and stove in the tailbag, the rest in the tankbag.
The Ventura stuff might be good depending on the weight limits they stipulate, but the bag wouldn't be secure. If you don't carry a pillion, with the Ventura stuff you could have the Ventura bag on the pillion seat and then use the rack to put a roll bag on (if weight limits allow). If you wanted an element of this secure, check these guys out (just to throw something else in the mix!) http://www.pacsafe.com/www/index.php?_room=3&activity_id=11&_action=activityList
I've seen peeps leave 2 sets of leathers and boots in the pacsafe stuff sack and locked it to the bike in the middle of Northwich for the Thundersprint before now and leave it there all day.
Bluefish
21-07-10, 05:10 PM
As you have found most, read all racks and boxes seem to have a limit of 5kg, i'm sure most break that rule, ask yc.
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 05:13 PM
As you have found most, read all racks and boxes seem to have a limit of 5kg, i'm sure most break that rule, ask yc.
See posts 12 and 17 here :D:
http://forums.sv650.org/showthread.php?t=127532&highlight=renntec&page=2
Ah, another option into the mix, *THAT'S* what I'm after, thanks :)
Post 17 doesn't load for me on that thread, but... nice!
For the flip side of the coin see here:
http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/wordpress/?p=100
From carrying 11.4kg on a 7.5kg capable SW Motech alu-rack #-o
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 06:49 PM
Ah, another option into the mix, *THAT'S* what I'm after, thanks :)
Post 17 doesn't load for me on that thread, but... nice!
For the flip side of the coin see here:
http://www.nirvana-motorcycles.com/wordpress/?p=100
From carrying 11.4kg on a 7.5kg capable SW Motech alu-rack #-o
The other option of course is to reduce the weight of what you're carrying (lighter tent, sleeping bag etc) then you could get pretty much whichever set up you want :D
Bluefish
21-07-10, 06:50 PM
Seems to me that that rack has too many pieces joined together at odd angles, i have just fitted a triumph rack which is one piece and bolts on in two separate places, 4 bolts under the seat as in that picture and two into the rear grab handle, seems very secure, will find out in two and a bit weeks :D
MR UK1 - If I had the money to buy new kit I'd have the money to buy the expensive pannier system :-p
Bluefishman - I can't alter the design of it ;-)
Bluefish
21-07-10, 06:54 PM
no but you don't have to buy it.
No, but I do need to buy something!
Although I'm very unlikely to buy that one as it has a lower weight limit than the Givi system. Here's the fitting diagram for the Givi option: http://www.givi.co.uk/attachfile/content/prodotti_regionali_uk/20920/0.0.1.man_sr121.pdf
Bluefish
21-07-10, 07:08 PM
Although I'm very unlikely to buy that one as it has a lower weight limit than the Givi system. Here's the fitting diagram for the Givi option: http://www.givi.co.uk/attachfile/content/prodotti_regionali_uk/20920/0.0.1.man_sr121.pdf
Well that appears to be a lot better, although i guess if that design were to fail it would be along the tubular arm, you pays your money and takes your chances.
Don't forget though that link with the broken rack wasn't for a Gladius. Here's the mounting instructions for the Gladius version: http://shop.sw-motech.com/cosmoshop/artikelpdf/gpt_05_631_10000_b.pdf Although you could have looked that up yourself if you wanted to ;-)
This is a bit beside the point, it's new options I'm interested in rather than ones I've already found and considered!
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 07:17 PM
Well that appears to be a lot better, although i guess if that design were to fail it would be along the tubular arm, you pays your money and takes your chances.
As ultimately it does only use the existing grabrail fittings, which I would suspect is why the weight limit of the rack itself is only 6kg in this case and as you have already said it's unlikely any other luggage solutions are going to offer a greater weight capacity. Which comes back to either, ignore the weight restrictions or carry less weight.
Re the actual question, maybe it's best to decide what you are or are not prepared to compromise on and what sort of system you want and then decide whether you get Givi, Kappa etc as they are all going to have similar limitations etc.
I think you're right about the grabrail / weight limit association. The ventura system fits on differently (http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/images/models/1032.jpg and http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/images/models/1033.jpg) so maybe that has a higher weight limit, but I don't think you can fit a hard box to it.
I'm pretty sure there are more options out there than I've already found (although obviously I don't know what they are) so I'll keep looking for a bit. I was hoping some people here would throw up some more. There's still time!
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 07:36 PM
I think you're right about the grabrail / weight limit association. The ventura system fits on differently (http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/images/models/1032.jpg and http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/images/models/1033.jpg) so maybe that has a higher weight limit, but I don't think you can fit a hard box to it.
I'm pretty sure there are more options out there than I've already found (although obviously I don't know what they are) so I'll keep looking for a bit. I was hoping some people here would throw up some more. There's still time!
The grabrail is still there on that though and it doesn't appear to bolt anywhere else other than below the rear panels so maybe not much greater than the Givi option. Good luck with the continued search though, hope you find something that ticks all the boxes :thumbsup:
Oh and you can't fit a box to a Ventura unless you bodge something up. I looked when considering it a while back!
MR UKI (1)
21-07-10, 07:47 PM
Oh, Kriega are excellent also, but not lockable.
Stephen McG
21-07-10, 11:49 PM
The Renntec rack will take much more weight than suggested.
I got the rack/engine bars/top box combination for £135 (from Renntec)
I already have a big and small topbox
I fitted the double helmet sized topbox and carried laptop + extras
I have since fitted the Renntec topbox as it was brand new and will not be carrying big loads in very near future.
It only takes a couple of mins to swap over.
The published weight ratings I suspect have a large factor of safety.
SMcG
Thanks.
Adding to my OP - I've heard back from Ventura and their recommended max weight rating for the pack rack is 9kg.
I've made a choice now. I couldn't really compromise on my criteria as it would defeat the object of getting the luggage! I need to be able to carry a fair few kg so I can go camping with all my climbing or caving kit, and leave it locked to the bike for security. That ruled out all top box systems, leaving panniers which have significantly higher weight ratings.
The problem there was cost, most decent size top box systems were £250 - £340, but the cheapest pannier system was £430. I manage to reduce this by ordering from Italy (OjMoto, who I found through eBay but ended up ordering direct). I got the Givi PLX540 side rack holder and Givi V35 panniers, for £379.29 including postage, a saving of almost £55 over any uk site. I could possibly have saved about an extra few pounds by getting Kappa instead of Givi, or an older style pannier, but I decided it was worth it for the sake of future-proofing and saving money in the long run: if I buy a newly released luggage system (to match my reasonably newly released bike) I'm less likely to feel the need to fork out another large sum of money a year down the line. I've just sold my van so I borrowed money of that (was earmarked to save for a 'winter vehicle' fund) to make the purchase.
My order's currently being sorted at the depot, should get it in a couple of days!
MattCollins
14-08-10, 06:03 AM
Bit late now that you have made your choice which appears to be hard gear, but FWIW...
I elected to keep it simple with Givi T421 (38L) soft saddlebags and a Wolfman expedition duffel bag when I need it. The saddlebags lay across the bike and have a single tube no welds "frame" running from the grab handle to the pillion peg mount to keep the bags where they should be with straps holding the saddlebags to the frame - the pillion area is rated for the weight. Duffel gets strapped on over the top. Over Christmas the girls and I came up with vacuum moulded HDPE scuff protection for the body work.
On longer trips or the shopping run I'll pull the 140L Uni-go like third wheel. Maybe this isn't everyone's ideal and I meet plenty of uninformed naysayers that advise against the thing. A lot of the time I forget it is there even dragging a peg and it has never damaged the bike.
Security issues are taken care of by taking the bags off the bike. On an overnighter I'll also pull the trailer indoors. It is reasonably secure with locks, but that doesn't stop the little mongrels from messing it up while trying to get into it. Whether it be hard or soft luggage I'd recommend dry bags.
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