Bestem topcase - Page 3 - Stromtrooper Forum : Suzuki V-Strom Motorcycle Forums

jazzyj140 · #21 03-08-2008, 11:32 AM

Do any of you know whether you can get them in matching colors to the Strom? Probably asking too much.

southwheels · #22 03-08-2008, 05:39 PM

Sly
I got it installed last week. It took a little over an hour, but I avoided drilling the holes on the mounting plate. I am extremely happy with it. Best $80 spent.
I have not connected the brake light yet. It'll have to wait until I have more time.

Necro-99 · #23 03-08-2008, 06:45 PM

I'm getting one of these for my new Strom. Screw it... yeah, it's no Givi case, but it's just too cheap not to try.

Currency values probably have a role in the high cost of Givi products... they're made in Italy, and the Euro is gaining in value relative to the dollar. Sorry Givi, but you just got Wal-Marted... I'll take the Chinese knockoff that costs 1/5 as much.

If it's half as good as the Givi, I'm still coming out ahead! As I understand it, all I have to do paint that ugly orange piece and put some reflective tape behind that fake "reflector."

Sly · #24 03-09-2008, 12:08 AM

southwheels~
I'm sure you won't be disappointed at the money spent. How does your case fit on the two mounting studs - loose or tight? Mine was a little loose so I use a couple of rubber grommets to cinch things up a bit.

The brake light could stand to be brighter, but that's what I say about any brake light on a bike! Having said that though, it does do a fair job. After all, it adds a light that's more at eye level with the cagers

.

I also have a Whelen 500 Series LED mounted beneath my tag as a brake light - one bright light that definitely gets the attention of those behind you!

Necro-99~
Yeah, the dollar is losing face across the Atlantic. The quality of the Bestem is well worth the effort. You'll want to do the paint on the orange stripe, for sure. The reflective strip behind the faux reflector isn't really paramount, IMHO. You don't get a lot of reflective value overall, just a little.

L8r ~ Sly

Chewy · #25 03-09-2008, 07:52 AM

I've seen them on e-bay and thanks to the positive reports on this thread I'll be ordering one. Are these made in China? Looks like a nice inexpensive alternative for the occasional longer trips.

Sly · #26 03-09-2008, 10:55 AM

Chewy~

Not sure if these things hail from China or not. But, you are correct in their ability to provide that extra space on trips (even for daily commuting). I have mine paired w/ the Givi 41Es, and the wife and I are able to load all our camping gear for an overnighter or two. We could get more nights if we wanted to lower the comfort standard several notches.

Trips to the grocery store are a breeze, too. That thing hold a fair amount of grub!

L8r ~ Sly

southwheels · #27 03-10-2008, 12:39 PM

Sly~
Yes, it feels a little loose so I'll have to get some grommets too. Where did you get yours?

Sly · #28 03-10-2008, 09:57 PM

southwheels~

I purchased my grommets at Lowe's. The first set I put on dry rotted pretty quick, so the next set got a coating of lithium grease, which also makes the tight fit a little friendlier to accomplish. Even if they rot out every 4-6 months it's only about $1.85 for a 2-pack of grommets.

L8r ~ Sly

jazzyj140 · #29 03-13-2008, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sudzz

I just got the Bestem 2012 model (42L) with gloss black lid from ebay and spent some time last night playing around with the mounting bracket location. I'm very impressed with the overall quality of the box and I think it looks great on the back of the wee (as good as a top case can look anyway). I plan on replacing the very cheap backrest with something custom.

I'll post a full review once I get it completely installed and have a chance to ride with it.

Here's some pics...

How much modifications were made to the mount in order to attach it to the v strom. I would also like to know how comfortable the backrest is?

Thanks

Sly · #30 03-13-2008, 07:25 PM

jazzyj140 ~

Mods were minor for me - I drilled out access holes so I could remove the entire rack when/if necessary. I think I also had to saw off a couple of the mounting bolts so they wouldn't make contact w/ the plastic beneath. There are vaious photos in this thread depicting the case for comparatives.

The backrest is of the hardened rubber/plastic(???) variety, giving one the impression that it wouldn't be very forgiving

. That having been said, allow me to include that I don't ride pillion, but the wife does. She claims no discomfort on our trips that take us to and back from the west coast of the Sunshine State. So, she gives it a thumbs up!

There are cushier aftermarket pads that should be adaptable to the case if the original is too hard. I've also seen on these threads some of the custom back pads fellow posters have created, which might be an option if you're so inclined.

Good luck!

L8r ~ Sly

Thread Tools
Show Printable Version Email this Page
Display Modes
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode

Remove Advertisements Sponsored Links
Suzuki V-Strom Forum Advertisement