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Howlingmad
02-21-2006, 10:24 PM
OK, this site is a great idea, just needs more loafers like me to start posting, so here's my contribution.

Here is a duplicate post to one that I put on advrider.com. Seems to fit this theme quite well.

I was inspired by RDM and his very nice custom box (here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=118938)) to get cranking on an idea that I've had brewing for a while. When we go camping on the bikes we bring two Thermarests and a tent, but haven't really worked out a system to load them. The problem is the 1200GS topbox mount handles get in the way of loading things on the pillion deck (with seat removed). See here:
http://motorcycleinfo.calsci.com/R1200GS/TopBox.jpg
Furthermore, the load would sit so low that you couldn't remove the cases without unloading the top.
Or you could say all of this is merely another long winded justification to freeze my ass of in the barn listening to tunes and fabricating, a favorite hobby.
So, I decided to build something similar to an earlier project here (http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=91226)
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/rear_rack/03.jpg
You can see the problem with the grab handles getting in the way here.

So I built this:
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/pillion_box/GSBOX04.JPG
The GS has such nice lines, I attempted to remain faithful to her as much as my limited skills would allow.
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/pillion_box/GSBOX05.JPG
The side bars allow you to strap the load down properly.

I put the door on the right side to make it easier to get at when on the kickstand. Also, I wanted to be able to access the contents without unloading, another reason for the door on the side. It made for a somewhat small door, but I can put a quart of oil or compressor in no problem.
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/pillion_box/GSBOX01.JPG
This pictures starts to show the advantage of elevating the load a bit (3")
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/pillion_box/GSBOX02.JPG

Here's a bad picture of the base and mount.
http://home.comcast.net/%7Ehowlingmadjohn/r1200gs/pillion_box/GSBOX06.JPG

Thanks to all for the inspiration to freeze my butt off.

Cheers, -HM

mongo
02-22-2006, 08:25 PM
Good looking box, and a good idea.

Trailace
02-23-2006, 12:21 AM
Howlingmad welcome and thanks for posting.

Thats a great looking setup. What is it made out of?

How many miles do you have on the GS?

Rick

LandRover
04-07-2006, 06:40 AM
First, great looking bike, and box. I love the "hidden" compartment. Very cool. You're quite adept with the maching tools.

Thanks for sharing a really good idea with us. I chuckled when I saw that you also post on AdvRider .... small world, eh? :)

Ride well, and be safe .......

Mellow
04-07-2006, 07:51 AM
Cool!... I'll bet you could sell a few of those if you wanted to...