Made the switch this past week from my 02 Suzi Volusia to a 03 DL1000. Now, in addition to learning to keep an engine revved higher than I'm used to, I get to do fun things like load it up with luggage.

I'm pretty sure I want hard luggage. My question to y'all is if you prefer plastic or aluminum? Any pros and cons I should be considering?

I look forward to learning a lot from this board....thanks in advance.

 

Congratulations on an astute choice--your motorcycling world is about to change for the better.

On luggage it seems there are many options, on hard bags the only drawback seems to be the overall width of the bike--hard bags go right next to the mufflers so they cannot tuck in tight a la BMW. I have a friend with a vee and he has a rig that is alarmingly wide.

Check out a rig belonging to A GIRL, aka Strommette. I have been meaning to inquire about her luggage which makes a trim package going down the road (soft bags).

I am going full hillbilly with a large Rubbermaid box on a custom rack that is able to switch from my Vee to my KLR. It looks odd, but works pretty well so far. All my camp equipment fits inside (waterproof) and it doubles as a chair/table in camp. I will continue to refine it as the miles accumulate.

That width thing is something you need to decide for yourself including the cost factor. I just ordered a new E52 because my wife wanted quality and that size on her 900 Kaw.
It was around $450 with a new mounting plate. Definitely hard luggage for me. Side cases are E41.

Just my .02
Mike

It really depends on where you're going to ride. If you are going to do a lot of off road, alum. or the pelican type cases are hard to beat-virtually bombproof, I've seen pictures of a guy that drove his truck on one! If you aren't doing a LOT of off roading Givi or Shad makes some cheaper options. They are still very durable but won't take repeated crashes as well. I have Givi side cases and like them, but I don't plan on any serious dirt ridding, Givi makes the PLX side cases that mount closer to the bike and use a specific mount for them. BB

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DL 1000K8,Zook gel seat, centerstand, tankslapper clear tank bra, Givi E36's & 21'S, Givi crash bars, grip puppies, NC Vstream, front fender extenda, V4 Speed O Healer,pea shooter mod,Aprilia Tuono mirrors,Rox riser blocks,Shad 45L top case,Sonic fork springs,E/B dual headlight relays,Superbrace fork brace,not much more to go-I hope!

Just found the "luggage pictures" thread. Now to block off a few hours to go through it....

I plan to mostly stay on pavement, but like lockability, as I put the bike in a parking garage while at work, and like to leave a lot of "just in case" stuff in the bags.

I just installed my hard bags yesterday.

I purchased the PL532 givi bracket

[IMG][/IMG]

and installed the Kappa 40 L side cases

[IMG][/IMG]

I was originally going to purchase the E36 Givi cases, but got a much better deal on the Kappas. I already had the Kappa 44 L top case

Yes, it is wider than I would have preferred but I like the idea of having lots of carrying capacity while on a trip

bob
http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com

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'09 Wee-strom (abs), Black, Heaterz grips, Givi bars, PL532, side: kappa 40's, top: kapp 44L, OEM centre stand
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http://www.wetcoastscootin.blogspot.com

Most (except the very largest) aluminum cases won't fit your helmet(s). If you want it/them hidden while you are in the mall or on the trail, you'll need plastic cases. The Givi salesware for the close fitting cases state that they won't fit a helmet, but I've read otherwise. Seems atleast a few specific helmets may fit.

Aluminum seems to have the advantage of having places to tie stuff too. Lots of them have racks or tie down loops. Haven't seen that on any plastic sides.


R.I.P. (Retire In Peace, thanks for the great ride.)

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Orange Wee Club #34 using Rotella® Synthetic/OEM filter
On my bike: GIVI Engine guards & Windscreen, Madstad, OEM Hand Guards, Stealth® Backrest, SW-MOTECH Center stand, ROX Pro-Offset Elite block riser, RichlandRick's Fork Brace & Mirror Extenders, Spencer modded seat, brake/running LEDs
On my shelf: OEM Tank Cover, Fenda Extenda, Stebel
Previous ride: VTX1800C

oooooooooooh, where is that please???? could save me trawling through cheers.

Best Side Cases for DL-650?

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2009 DL650 ABS
2008 SV650SF

cheers for that, will take a look