Side cases general question(s)

[PeDubYa]

Hi Folks,

I'm still looking around at getting a DL1000 - this site has been so helpful and I've searched topics with regard to this question. But still haven't gotten the info I'm looking for.

Right now I'm looking at a couple of bikes 2003 that have the factory side & top cases, both bikes are in good shape and I believe the bags are made by a division of Givi.

I'm also looking at a 2006 that doesn't have any bags but upgraded front suspension. The owner suggested I look at the GIVI V35N PLX Series Side Cases. Which I did on-line (and found pictures here too) but I couldn't find any reference to the cases being so close to the muffler with respect to heat issues. So should this be a concern? I really like the way these bags form to the bike and am looking at a GIVI E52NF Monokey Topcase w/Integrated Stoplight for the topcase. Which it looks like this set up would run about $1000.

Here is the delimma.....

The 2006 bike would be about $1100 more than either of the used 2003's with the factory cases. Then I would have to add another $1000 to the 2006 bike for luggage... Or should I just use that "extra" $1000 that I would use for cases to upgrade the front forks on a 2003? FYI - the 2003 units have 14K to 18K for mileage and the 2006 has just under 8K.

Looking for pros and cons here - and hope that I've posted this in the correct catagory.

Cheers,
Phil

[bobosmite]

I want to contribute some good advice, but there are so many things to consider. Are you financing the sale? Bike to bike, the 2006 with lower mileage is worth financing an extra $1100. If you want to pay cash, and the 2003 models fit your budget, then go that route. In either case, you're buying a motorcycle and that's what I would focus on: Which bike is in better condition and better maintained.

[Uglyduck]

It really comes down to what you want. I just bought a 03 Vee w 58,000 smiles, er I mean miles on it. It had all of the upgrades for the Vee that I would do. ie PCIII ,Master Mikes spacer ,heated grips, power outlets fog/driving lights, and as a added extra bonus ,Wilbers racing suspension front and rear All of this for $3,000. But, no luggage... At that price I will put my own on. BTW Looking really hard at the pelican top loading cases..... But it all comes back to. What do you want, How quick do you want it, and how much are you willing to pay for it ... IMHO...:D

[PeDubYa]

I want to contribute some good advice, but there are so many things to consider. Are you financing the sale? Bike to bike, the 2006 with lower mileage is worth financing an extra $1100. If you want to pay cash, and the 2003 models fit your budget, then go that route. In either case, you're buying a motorcycle and that's what I would focus on: Which bike is in better condition and better maintained.

At this time I think it would be a cash deal for any one bike that I'm considering. When looking at condition of the bikes the 2006 is well maintained and just under 8K. The better of the two 2003 models has new tires this season, new 16T front sprocket and around 18K mileage. This has the 2003 style Kappa/Givi bag set up on it. No other mods have been done to this, and it would save me as I said about $1100 from the 2006. The 2006 with the exception of the front Ohlins fork rebuild/upgrade, gel seat, original tires and clean. Given the 2006 I might choose to finance half so I could have some farkeling $$$ for the winter months.

Either bike I'm considering has been well maintained, neither seem to have any major issues, nor would I hesitate throwing a leg over and go for a scoot across the country.

Just as a point of reference how much does an Ohlins fork rebuild run?

It appears to me that the 2003 Kappa/Givi side bags have a smaller volume than the G35N PLX does. They also seem to sit out from the pipes more. Reading posts here I gathered that they are as waterproof as the newer models are.

My main purpose in looking at a V was to get a different type of bike than my VTX 1800R. Something that I could "tinker" with in the off season, and have a bunch of fun with the rest of the year. :-D
Phil