Pointy (naked?) K3 luggage advice

Hi all.

Short n sweet as I'm posting this on my phone.

I've been having trouble locating a rack system to carry a Givi Monokey (or similar) large hard top box and possibly planners also. I should mention I don't own the box either currently.

I use my bike for carrying work gear around, shopping and I want to tour asap so I need something large (40ltr+) sturdy, capable of carrying heavy loads and waterproof. Soft luggage would only be an option for the panniers.

Any suggestions (links preferable) if you/a friend is selling what I need, or any other advice worth a mention, I will be most grateful.

I have a 2003 K3 naked/unfaired/pointy. I should also mention I think it has a tail tidy as my research suggests it is missing mount points for a full system. I can possibly post photos with guidance when I'm on my PC if needed.

Many thanks in advance.

Nutter

Bump....no help at all? haha

You lot never travel or work?

[TamSV]

How about something like this?

Add a Givi box or take off the Givi plate and use any universal topbox.

I think I read on here a while ago that the full Givi rack for top box and panniers had been discontinued but not entirely sure about that.

I've got a Renntec rack and top box on the fireblade. I wouldn't recommend that for you as the rack includes a grabrail which pushes the location of the box rearwards. As you want a large box, most of it would be hanging off the rack and you'd have a massive overhang off the back of the bike.

The racks usually have a pretty weedy weight limit (although I've gone way over it with no problems). If you're not carrying a passenger and luggage at the same time you could look at bolting a box onto a spare pillion seat. Brings the weight forward and, when you're not using the box, you can just stick your normal pillion seat on.

[Jayneflakes]

I use my bike for touring and have carried a considerable amount in my Oxford Sports Panniers and Tank bag. The way I do it is that I use the panniers on the sides and the tank bag goes on my pillion seat and I use the tank bag base for Sat Nav, keys change etc. However having the Sat Nav here is a bit duff because as soon as you get any sunshine, the screen is lost altogether.

These are old photos and she looks much nicer than this now.

Originally Posted by TamSV

How about something like this?

Add a Givi box or take off the Givi plate and use any universal topbox.

I think I read on here a while ago that the full Givi rack for top box and panniers had been discontinued but not entirely sure about that.

I've got a Renntec rack and top box on the fireblade. I wouldn't recommend that for you as the rack includes a grabrail which pushes the location of the box rearwards. As you want a large box, most of it would be hanging off the rack and you'd have a massive overhang off the back of the bike.

The racks usually have a pretty weedy weight limit (although I've gone way over it with no problems). If you're not carrying a passenger and luggage at the same time you could look at bolting a box onto a spare pillion seat. Brings the weight forward and, when you're not using the box, you can just stick your normal pillion seat on.

Haha, I was looking at that very same fleabay page only last night or so!

It's a nice option, neat, small, looks good etc, but I have seen some awful reviews on forums and seen the evidence in photos. It can't take any load, only good for a helmet, waterproofs and sandwich. I need something that can take the mother-load, 15-20kg without a whimper.

I do like you idea about bolting a box to the pillion seat though. Me and a friend were talking about how to get a box on the cheap, and we thought about looking for an old DJ record box in aluminum and drilling holes....?

I've just been on the phone to my Suzuki main dealer and they said to look at SW Mowtech or Tourtech ala BMW. They are steel and not pish poor ali so they will take the loads I am wanting. Not cheap,but when was biking cheap?!

Thanks for your comments and ideas.

Nutter

Originally Posted by Jayneflakes

I use my bike for touring and have carried a considerable amount in my Oxford Sports Panniers and Tank bag. The way I do it is that I use the panniers on the sides and the tank bag goes on my pillion seat and I use the tank bag base for Sat Nav, keys change etc. However having the Sat Nav here is a bit duff because as soon as you get any sunshine, the screen is lost altogether.

These are old photos and she looks much nicer than this now.

I'm pretty sure I will get some Oxford Sports panniers also, and the Humpback (as it's called now) looks like a versatile option for the tank/pillion seat. More so that the Sports tank bag as the Humpback is a tank n tailer.

If the luggage was going on JUST for touring, then I could go all, "Soft" (ahem!) in theory, but I live in London, I need something that will hold my lid secure when I'm in the gym, that is always there, when I stop randomly late for some milk and eggs etc. I really do want hard luggage as my top box solution. As per my other response, my Suzuki main dealer has suggested I look at SW Mowtech and Touratech, both recommended by the company CEO who is an avid tourer.

Can I ask - where did you get your levers? What brand are they? Fleabay? Easy to fit? Etc etc etc...I have small hands for a guy and I have difficulty reaching the levers, especially the all important front brake. I need to get some adjustable ones to bring the lever a good 1cm closer to the bars. Do you know any? I don't want to pay out for the £150 ones someone told me about with a hinge that folds if you drop the bike, just some copy/Chinese ones are fine, assuming they are well made.

Thanks for your reply and input.

Nutter