New product for Top Case Removal ....

6565 Views 30 Replies 26 Participants Last post by CVX20, 10 mo ago

Petre

Discussion Starter · Jun 30, 2006

Hey all . In case some of you didn't know

(I'm sure most don't)

I make custom Motorcycle parts .... part time.

I am considering making a replacement for the Top Case when removed that would incorporate both a carrying rack and a backrest for the passenger.

Already designed it and am going to make a prototype for myself. Was wondering if this is an item others would be real interested in.

1" thick billet aluminum , polished to a chrome like shine (Or matte or chromed for an extra charge), made to follow the rear end lines of the bike with a real nice heavy duty low profile back rest for the passenger. (Like 4 " above the seat)

Gimme a yay or nay if anyones interested.

I could probably bang out 20 of them in a couple months time if there's enough interest. Cost would probably be around 500 bones with the backrest. (Maybe a little more depending on my cost for the backrest pad)

:bmw:

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

kosmo

· #2 · Jun 30, 2006

Show me a proto!!!

avonfloater

· #3 · Jun 30, 2006

Need to see a photo of the prototype installed to peek my interest.

BallsCasten

· #4 · Jun 30, 2006

I'd like to see it without the backrest.
And quick change between the top case and rack.

messenger13

· #5 · Jun 30, 2006

Petre said:
I could probably bang out 20 of them in a couple months time if there's enough interest. Cost would probably be around 500 bones with the backrest. (Maybe a little more depending on my cost for the backrest pad)

People already are complaining about the cost of the Fort Worth rack setup, and it's cheaper than that. I don't see how this is going to fly. But...I don't mean to rain on your parade. Just sharing some thoughts...

PhilD

· #6 · Jun 30, 2006

Rack

I'd like to see a prototype, also did you consider incorporating an LED running and brake light combo?
The cost may be too high as compared to the Fort Worth RacK

Phil D.

eljeffe

· #7 · Jun 30, 2006

Perry Bushong at Perry's Motorcycles and Sidecars still makes and sells this setup.

http://www.perrysmotorcycles.com/

He doesn't have an ecommerce site, so you can call and order one from the phone number on his site, or try any number of dealers that sell it (like www.ascycles.com)

http://www.ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1694

hschisler

· #8 · Jul 1, 2006

Like others, I'd like to see a photo when you get the prototype done. I'd like to have the flexibility of having the backrest be removable or foldable (down, flush against the rack). Looking to haul a very large bag for camping/travelling, or a heavy briefcase/laptop bag, etc. Add some bungee/tie-down points, running and brake lights.

Sounds intriguing. Get working!

pieceofficer

· #9 · Jul 1, 2006

With the others

I was looking at the one listed above at AS cycles.. I am in no hurry though, until the wife gets back from the "tent land in the sand" I need my top box for my daughter to lean against and the armrests to "cage" her in. So, I will wait and see your prototype. Definitely have LEDs in it for Brake AND running lights, as well as turn signals possibly...being that close to the main turnsignals...it may be mute add-on.

I like the idea of the backrest, but it would DEFINITELY need to be removeable.

I will test drive one for you...I wont charge you a dime for my field testing...just let me keep it!!

kip

· #10 · Jul 1, 2006

2 cents

forth worth rack and grab rail is $269 at A&S

needs to be less than that....

OR maybe separate the back rest from the rack like alot of cruiser back rests/luggage racks....

i need the rack but not the back rest.....

but thats just me......

was eyeballing my grille while ago while cooking supper but couldnt figure out where id mount the propane bottle

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airborneod

· #11 · Jul 1, 2006

Why not go from 1 inch billet to 1/4 inch and cut the price the same way? 1/4 inch plate should be more than strong enough and lighter weight. Just a thought.

Petre

Discussion Starter · #12 · Jul 1, 2006

kip said:
forth worth rack and grab rail is $269 at A&S

needs to be less than that....

OR maybe separate the back rest from the rack like alot of cruiser back rests/luggage racks....

i need the rack but not the back rest.....

but thats just me......

was eyeballing my grille while ago while cooking supper but couldnt figure out where id mount the propane bottle

Actually the Fortworth rack is $294.65 and the grab rail is another $77.78

I could make it with or witrhout the backrest ... for me personally I'd like to see it with one , which would bolt on for easy removal (That's the plan) with a nice low profile backrest.

I think adding lights would be nice , but that LED would add a lot to the cost , plus the wiring harness (I'd want it to plug in to existing wiring)

Was thinking about making a low profile wing/spoiler across the back as an option too.

I knew I was kinda putting the cart before the horse , haven't received my billet plate yet .

Will post pics when it's done. :bmw:

Without the backrest , the price would be closer to $250.

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Petre

Discussion Starter · #13 · Jul 1, 2006

airborneod said:
Why not go from 1 inch billet to 1/4 inch and cut the price the same way? 1/4 inch plate should be more than strong enough and lighter weight. Just a thought.

I'm notorious for overbuilding things

And actually in the plan I have , the thickness is required for the backrest strength and ability to tap the aluminum with 1/2" bolts. Also if I wanted to add an LED bar across the back , the thickness would make it possible.

It'll still be WAY lighter than the topcase :bmw:

meese

· #14 · Jul 1, 2006

One suggestion, build it with metric hardware. The whole bike is made that way, and it is a royal pain to have to carry standard allen wrenches for just a few bolts. People with J-Pegs often complain about this very thing.

DaFlake

· #15 · Jul 1, 2006

Another suggestion ... how about designing an add on passenger back rest for the Ft. Worth rack?

WPNorton

· #16 · Jul 2, 2006

Sounds much more substantial and stylish than the fortworth rack. I'd like to take a look at the prototype. One up riding would be much improved with that top heavy case gone. Two up wold require the topcase (AKA...SO Backrest) be inplace.

motorhead

· #17 · Jul 2, 2006

This is my L.E.D. brake light that was retrofitted to the harley rack conversion.

It is a "Pilot" brand automotive unit that retails for under $30 bucks.

Been using it for 3 years without issue.

**** you could retrofit it to your rack design and add very little to its overall price IMHO.

Scott

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Petre

Discussion Starter · #18 · Jul 2, 2006

Thanks for the suggestions guys ! :bmw:

GSinNC

· #19 · Jul 2, 2006

I would like to see it and I understand for the low volume production of these "custom" parts the cost is going to be more than the mass produced.

ansonk1200lt

· #20 · Jul 2, 2006

Rear Rack

$500 is cost prohibitive, unless you want to sell only a couple, as there will be a couple or so that would not mind dumping more $$ into an already expensive hobby. On the other hand, keep the cost "reasonable" and you might make more $$ by volume selling.

Have you checked into just fabricating a platform that accommodates an already made rack from other manufacturers? Seems like a flat, light-weight metal plate, with drill holes matching our top case mounting holes, provides the opportunity for riders to affix any type of rack they want. All they have to do is install the rack to the plate and then the plate to the bike. Just a thought I am considering for my bike but not for mass production.

1 - 20 of 31 Posts

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