mounting options for a pelican top case

You could possibly look at adapting a 1st gen 650/1000 04-12 steel Suzuki accy luggage rack. Drill new mounting holes...add spacers if needed....a bit of tweaking...even cutting/welding....its steel

NOTE: this sez 02 but its actually an 04-12 accy rac

Also mabe look at the 02-03 DL1000 rack assy made by 5 Stars for the Suzy/Kappa luggage. Also Steel tubing so easily modded

Or use this kit & also get support arms...
This kit is a copy of the Givi SR3112 kit but with several slots to allow for various plate/case mounting options.

A quick release mounting can easily be adapted using simple hdw like SW Motech or Givi Monokey bobbins or even simpler...hdw store items.

I don't know how much of a DIY guy you are, but I'll show these photos just in case they give you some ideas on how to adapt them for your use. The luggage rack in the photos is homemade, cut out from a piece of 3/16" aluminum plate. You may be able to purchase a commercial luggage rack with slots and adapt the idea.






Here's a closeup of one of the clamping blocks that lock to the luggage plate:









That quick release clamp was scavenged from an old mountain bike.

Grabcon said:

I mounted my Harbor freight pelican knock off using three bolts and the OEM rack.

I replaced the two front mounting blots with longer bolts, spacers and some fender washers. The I used the same bolt size, a nut and a couple of fender washers and place one hole toward the back side and bottom of case and just ran it thru the rack. No drilling of the rack.

I believe I used the Apache 3800 case. I use it to replace my tank bag and carry some stuff I always carry in my side cases. I don't know how much weight I cary in the case but it does have an air compressor and patch kit, tools, straps, gloves and the other junk one may carry all the time.

I have a several hundred mile on the bike since I installed and it is solid and has not fallen off.

Click to expand...

do you have pictures of this set up? I was thinking of getting the 3800 as well. only thing I see being an issue with mounting to the stock rack is that the arms of the rack extend upward near the front of the rack. which might force me to mount the case further back on the rack than I'd want to, so that the case can sit flush against the rack. if that makes sense.

Here are some pictures and an install explanation.

I removed the 2 bolts that hold the rack to the subframe and replaced with longer bolts. I also got a couple of spacers I want to say 3/4" in length. They go in the recessed hole in the rack. I reused one of the OEM bolt for the single bolt toward the rear of the box. Ace hardware is your friend they will have everything. I think I might put an aluminum plate in the bottom of the case to replace the fender washers. 1/8" thick

And are they equal to Pelican maybe not but they are a third to half the price. And does it matter?

Grabcon said:

Here are some pictures and an install explanation.

I removed the 2 bolts that hold the rack to the subframe and replaced with longer bolts. I also got a couple of spacers I want to say 3/4" in length. They go in the recessed hole in the rack. I reused one of the OEM bolt for the single bolt toward the rear of the box. Ace hardware is your friend they will have everything. I think I might put an aluminum plate in the bottom of the case to replace the fender washers. 1/8" thick

And are they equal to Pelican maybe not but they are a third to half the price. And does it matter?

Click to expand...

Agreed that Pelican is probably overkill in this instance and the Apache will works a treat. I have used both FWIW.

Now onto mounting to the wimpy OEM plastic rack that should be more than adequate as its doubtful you'll be loading it up with lead wheel weights or bricks. It will easily handle 15 to 20 pounds of stuff (which is a lot) plus the case without worry.

The only thing I'd do different is for bolts I'd use stove or button head bolts as they do not have sharp edges like cap bolts. That way if you toss a can of soda in there its less likely to pierce the can as it rolls around. Another thing to do is head down to the local carpet store and get small piece of low pile carpet to toss in the bottom of the case to act as a softie. It'll cover up the bolts like they were never there. You could use a couple small piece of stick-on hook and loop tape to keep it from moving around.

While you are at harbor freight get you a small 8" battery powered LED undercabinet light (they are on clearance for $4.97) and stick it inside the case. It works t illuminate the top case/pannier or can be taken off (again mount with hook and loop tape) and used as a roadside light if needed.

Late to the thread!

Wanted to share what I'm finding to be a surprisingly helpful set-up. I'm using an older, slightly smaller version of this 6.5L $30 knockoff brand drycase:



I had the case sitting around unused for years. Figured it was worth sacrificing and trying to directly mount it to factory rack on my 2020 WeeStrom.

Took the rack off the bike and had my son hold it and mark the bottom of box where to drill through the rearmost two holes on the rack. The holes are 3.5" apart:


I sacrificed water tight, drilled straight through the box and attached box using stainless steel hardware from Home Depot:

• Two 1/4" x 1 1/2" long bolts (phillips / flat slotted heads)
• Two 1/4" nuts
• Two 1/4" flat washers (between bolt heads and bottom of rack)
• Two nylon spacers:

Complete dumb luck, but these washers sit right in the square holes between the rack and the top box and level it!

I intend to add either two 1" washers inside the box or a 4" stainless mending plate to spread out the weight a little better. Possibly add caulk or a strip of rubber to function as a gasket to keep splashes at bay..

I had a roll of DOT reflective tape, so added some strips to increase low light visibility.

The box is tiny - it only has about 6.5L internal space, but its been a game changer. Field testing confirms it will get a six pack of tall boys home safely

I carry a ball cap, couple small water bottles and disk brake lock in it. On my maiden ride with it, found it nice to lock my gloves rather than carry them when we get off the bikes.

On one hand, it's not going to stop anyone really determined to take it. On the other, it's proving less goofy and more useful than I'd ever imagined.

Curious to hear Stromtrooper cheers and jeers on it.