5,200km (Aug 8, 2009)
NOTE: All Pictures open in a new window
I purchased the bike in Mid September of 2008. As much as I like riding a
bike again, I was unable to take anything along with me that wouldn't fit
in my pockets. I soon had to remedy that issue. This photo shows the new
custom laser cut stainless steel rack installed on the bike.
After I have made sure everything is where I want, and when I store the
bike for the winter, the whole thing will come off and be sent back in to
be polished to look its best for next season.
The other things that I have added to the bike are the 2.5" Mirror
extensions, a Protac backrest, a SlipStreamer windshield, and a Baron
1" handlebar mount Tachometer that is mounted to the side of the
Speedometer.
One of the issues that I heard from some friends while returning one night
was that my bike was not very visible from behind. Since I had to relocate
the turn signals to do all this anyway, I incorporated that into the work
and these bright LED turn/tail/brake lights make the bike very visible
from behind at night.
A closer look from behind.
Here you can see how the bracket is supported by the shock bolts at the
front, the same as the ProTtac back rest brackets were.
Here you can see the cases supported by the brackets as well as the
rear position for the Protac backrest while carrying a passenger.
A little different profile of the side case. Yes you do need a padlock
to lock these cases, but I can assure you, they are watertight.
A side profile of the side case. Shows a bit better where the whole thing
is bolted to the bike. It is quite solid. You can literally sit on the rack
if you want to. If anyone is interested in doing something similar, I can
provide you with the contact information as well as details of the parts
fabrication for just the rack with backrest supports, or with the brackets
for the Pelican cases as well.
The stainless steel was laser cut for me by
Diversified Metal Fabrication Inc. in London.
The Brackets for the Pelican case were cut and bent for me by
Brander Steel Industries in Strathroy.