Packing the bike for camping trip, rack, no topbox

I'm moving towards doing a u-turn on the topbox. As the rack doesn't sit comfortably with the indicators since I've had the tail tidy put on and it needs to come off again to do some work to it maybe new indicators or move them or something I am now thinking what if I just get rid of the whole thing.

Although I really like the usefulness it's v practical it really doesn't do anything for a nice looking bike like the SV. I like my bike when I rode without the rack for a few weeks.

I think I'll be alright for commuting (the main reason I got the topbox for). I'm more worried about packing the bike for camping trips. I have got it down to a fine art with the top box and use bungees and cargo net (tent, sleeping bag) attached to the pillion pegs and then underneath the top box. I also use fabric panniers which I'm v happy with. Might get a bigger tankbag.

My question is without the topbox I have nothing to attach the other end of the bungees too, will just the pillion pegs be ok (for sleeping bag, tent and mat)? I also have nothing to lean tent etc against.

I am not keen on getting a tail pack.

Are there racks for SVs like the Renntec ones, guess they still spoil the look or are they ok. Do I need one?

I found this one on ebay. It says it stops at 07 my bike is an 08 bike will it fit you think?

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Renntec-sport-rack-to-fit-SUZUKI-SV650-X-TO-K7_W0QQitemZ280343360140QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Moto rcycle_Parts?hash=item4145c4328c&_trksid=p3286.c0. m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1683|293% 3A1|294%3A50#ebayphotohosting

[yorkie_chris]

Originally Posted by wow

My question is without the topbox I have nothing to attach the other end of the bungees too, will just the pillion pegs be ok (for sleeping bag, tent and mat)? I also have nothing to lean tent etc against.

I am not keen on getting a tail pack.

Yeah the pillion pegs are fine to bungee stuff too. You can also link bungees together under tail, or around grabrail.

Will the tent not locate at the back on the grabrail? Or do you not have this fitted?

You will struggle to get lots of kit into a tailpack, easier to just bungee it all on.

Yes grabrail of course forgot about that as I'm not using it (it's not visible) when I'm packing the bike at the moment.

Will I be able to get away without a renntec rack you think? I can't try it out as the top box rack is still attached.

[yorkie_chris]

Yes, will be fine. I've done the same with an old tent (huge) and army issue sleeping bag (hardly compact!). As well as having the essential 24 cans under it all.

for total security you could put a blanket over the tail, and use a ratchet strap around the lot. I have used this to good effect with bergen and panniers, stuffed full. It didn't shift an inch!

I'm hoping to put everything in front of the grab rail and on the pillion seat and not on the tail. Mine is quite narrow (08 pointy) and I can't wrap anything around as I have nice LED lights! But I could if needed to. I got some ratchet straps from a friend. I'm quite excited by all this. It's since I've had the tail tidy that I think yes that looks a lot better but the top box and the rack (which goes all the way to the pillion pegs) just spoil it.

[yorkie_chris]

Ah, when I said tail I meant wrap something around the tailpod as in over the pillion seat and down the sides, to avoid ratchet strap scratching the plastics.

Does the pointy have the small bungee rails underneath?

Yes I already use that web stuff for the bungees. No hasn't got a bungee rail only points it has are hooks attached to the pillion pegs and the grab rail.

[dizzyblonde]

Just a tip, for if you don't want to spoil your rear plastics with bungees etc. Buy a roll of rubber mat from 'Instore' used to be 'poundstretcher' for a quid. You can buy motorcycle ones but they cost more. Lay it over your rear seat, and let it hang down. Also cover the ends of bungees with electric tape, so it cushions the metal coils at the end of them.
A rentec takes more than the bag of sugar it says your limited to
My tailpack will fit the kitchen sink in. They are the same capacity as a set of panniers(depending which make and size of course)
My sleeping bag is in essense a 15 tog double duvet when rolled out(so a bit large) I've had that and a 10kg 4 man tent bungee'd to the back on the Rentec as well as having a tailpack on.

edit..my typing was slow and WOW already got in there first about the webb/mat

[yorkie_chris]

In that case if you need a point in the middle you might have to bring a bungee right over and link it to itself underneath.

This would not usually cause any complication, but if your bike is lowered a very long way (much further than the suzuki lowering kit), there may be trouble. Probably be fine though...