Luggage attachments for hardcase saddlebags?

[Blue on Black]

I'm looking for information on lockable hardcases that can be attached to my GS550LX.

I'm interested in the SW-Motech Trax EVO hardcases. Here's a thread on another forum that demonstrates better than I ever could what these cases are like. http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=710567

My only problem is how to attach the mounting plates to my GS550LX. Are there any aftermarket hardcase mounts that work on our classic bikes? Would I have to get a generic mounting plate, locate it in space, and weld up a custom mounting system to hard points on the bike?

Any hints would be appreciated.

[salty_monk]

No and yes.... The only mounts out there are for Krauser or Samsonite stuff and wouldnt be much use to you.

[Blue on Black]

Looking back at some Bikes of the Month. There are soft bags on Feb. 2005 http://www.thegsresources.com/hallof...hoto_feb05.htm and Oct. 2003 http://www.thegsresources.com/hallof...hoto_oct03.htm and a set of hard bags on Apr. 2005 http://www.thegsresources.com/hallof...hoto_apr05.htm and Feb. 2002 http://www.thegsresources.com/hallof...hoto_feb02.htm . Those April `05 hard bags do look like Samsonite aftermarkets.

So, Salty, you're saying just buy the cheapest model-specific mounting plates offered and modify them to weld up custom mounts to my GS?

[rustybronco]

Those April `05 hard bags do look like Samsonite aftermarkets.

The write-up said they are Krauser's.

Hint... http://thegsresources.com/_forum/sho...d.php?t=185026

2nd hint... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Goldwi...item3a6cb65789 PM me if you are contemplating bidding on it, as I am also. no need to step on toes.

[salty_monk]

I think the Trax will take more punishment.

Yes get the cheapest rack SWMotech or something or build it from scratch. If I remember rightly the Trax evo's mount on spools/bobbins so getting them attached should be fairly simple.

[BigD_83]

You can check out this NOS luggage bracket:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Suzuki-GS550-Accessory-83-Vintage-Street-Luggage-/400193547816?hash=item5d2d64ee28&item=400193547816&pt=Motorcycles_Parts_Accessories&vxp=mtr

It might give you ideas for a starting point

[salty_monk]

They don't tell you a lot...

Your mounting options are really the shock bolts & the peg brackets. Some racks also use the rear turn signal mounting points & the licence plate mounting holes for additional support.

I would make something up myself & follow a similar design to the Motech, Happy trail, et al frames.
They tend to pick up on 2 frame points (Suggest Top shock bolt & rear peg bolt or turn signal frame hole (not the pressed bracket that hangs on it) & rear peg bolt & run a 3rd support bar around the back of the bike joining the 2 frames together at the rear. Some of these tie into the licence plate bracket or rear fender which I would likely also recommend.

My Krauser frames were mounted to top shock bolt, peg bolt, turn signal bracket with a bar to the licence plate bracket. They didn't directly connect to each other but very similar.

[salty_monk]

[michaelj_444]

Rb

So I guess you got my PM yesterday. If you decide to get them I sure would love to take that bacrest off your hands.

Mike

The write-up said they are Krauser's.

Hint... http://thegsresources.com/_forum/sho...d.php?t=185026

2nd hint... http://www.ebay.com/itm/Honda-Goldwi...item3a6cb65789 PM me if you are contemplating bidding on it, as I am also. no need to step on toes.

[rustybronco]

Mike, yes I did. don't you worry none, a swap has been and still is my thought.