I was trying to find the "perfect" idea for a tail pack that would fit a large notebook for commuting on the GTR and found this:
http://www.ventura-bike.co.uk/system/rackselect.aspx?id=976
I know it only mentions up to the 2009 model, so something to check, but looks like a real solid and tidy way to get my commute sorted.
OK, it looks like it'll be around £300 for the full kit, but has anyone tried, or come across these? What is the frame quality like and is the bag good, robust, shower proof, and easy on/off?
Cheers
Geoff
I've thought about getting an IPad thingy for taking with me on trips. Very compact, extremely light and will very easily slot into a pannier bag or top box.Downside is theyre too bloody expensive.
Says He who has recently updated his Gtr !!!!!!!! :mfr_lol: :mfr_lol:
So what your saying, Lonewolf, is that you reckon my plans for gilding the tank are maybe a tad extortionate?
Bumpkin, always keep it simple if you can.
I used the Ventura Tail Pack kit on my ZX14. It is expensive BUT one of the best investments I have ever made. The quality of the frame and bag cannot be faulted. Strong and sturdy and rain proof. In fact, when I traded my ZX14 in on the GTR, I gave the kit to my son for his ZX14 and he still uses it. Good stuff !!!!
Deon
Thanks Deon, I can see I'm going to have to make a few calls about compatibility with the 2011, and then get me to an outlet.
I did not know that they had kits for the GTR. Will be intersting to see it. Post some pics once you have it fitted please.
Deon
Geoff,
I have only ever heard great reviews about Ventura stuff, but I think you are being un-naturally swayed by your experiences of the shoddy, flimsy, Givi reject topbox that Kawasaki fitted as standard to mine.
It may wobble a tad when examined up close, in a way you just know BMW would not allow, but it has carried far more than the allowable weight over many tens of thousands of miles without issue. And it has a Kawasaki badge on it so large, and in such a font that it would not be out of place on a 1980s Cortina. What's not to like?
Martin.
Quote from: MJJ_ZX6RR on September 19, 2012, 09:13:07 PM<snip>It may wobble a tad when examined up close, in a way you just know BMW would not allow <snip>
[sounds of hollow laughter]
(http://thewellers.us/photos/Lithuania2010/lithuania12.JPG)
Quote from: Lithuania Trip Report]It was pot-holed and mud-covered - my (other) 'favourite'! We bumped and slid along this road for about 20 miles and only a couple of cars came the other way. As Kevin's confidence grew (he doesn't enjoy doing off-road with me on the back for some reason!) we sped up and a couple of pot holes really bounced us around. Finally we were back on to a real road. I relaxed back...and back...and...where's the top box?!! I waited with Paul whilst Kevin retraced our route and found the box slap bang in the middle of the road. Luckily it had landed top-side-down so the mechanism for attaching it was still intact but the rest of it was a little sorry for itself.
(http://thewellers.us/photos/Lithuania2010/lithuania13.JPG)
I'll grant you the road wasn't exactly smooth and it was a big pothole but I didn't expect the top box to self-eject! As you can see, I did manage to cobble it back on once I'd retrieved it. I discovered later that Vario top boxes have a reputation for doing this. The aluminium top box on our GSA is rock solid.
Back to Ventura packs, we've used one for tens of thousands of miles on our Hayabusa and only lost it once but I think someone leant on it and broke it on the ferry back from Spain. The maximum weight they are supposed to carry is surprisingly low but we generally ignored that. It's still the way we carry luggage on the Hayabusa (not that it gets much of an airing lately).
Kevin
Picked up the Snotmobile on Saturday, very pleased with her :clap:
Now fitted the Ventura rack, and fits a treat, solid as the proverbial and went on in the promised 20 mins. Would have been 10 if they'd included all four bolts, but an extra couple and a hacksaw saw me through.
I'll sort out some photos by the weekend, but definitely a good fit with the GTR, and definitely worth getting the grab bar for when you're not "carrying" :banana:
Someone I worked with had the Ventura .. on his R1 of all things but it was very practical and as far as i am aware he was pleased with it ! :smiley:
Quote from: Bumpkin on September 30, 2012, 05:42:17 PM
Picked up the Snotmobile on Saturday, very pleased with her :clap:
Now fitted the Ventura rack, and fits a treat, solid as the proverbial and went on in the promised 20 mins. Would have been 10 if they'd included all four bolts, but an extra couple and a hacksaw saw me through.
I'll sort out some photos by the weekend, but definitely a good fit with the GTR, and definitely worth getting the grab bar for when you're not "carrying" :banana:
Looking forward to the pics !!
Deon
As promised here's a couple of photos - OK not sparkly clean, but you get the general idea.
Extremely easy to fit, took a little over 10 minutes, all the bits cost about £260 from Motohaus in Hook, but only need L-Brackets to move the whole lot to the next bike.
Bag is (nearly) perfect for work, I have a PC sleeve from a back pack in there and with it at its 15L min size is more than enough space - expanding to 35L means a real touring capability.
Ventura pack in place:
http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz186/geoffp1/GTR%20Ventura/L1010552.jpg[/img]](http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz186/geoffp1/GTR%20Ventura/L1010552.jpg) (http://[img)
Pack frame:
(http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz186/geoffp1/GTR%20Ventura/L1010556.jpg)
When not commuting I got the grab bar for sublety (and as a tail pack anchor point):
(http://i826.photobucket.com/albums/zz186/geoffp1/GTR%20Ventura/L1010558.jpg)
Had a look at fitting the laminar lip this morning - the comment about the temp being above 70 degrees means I have a little wait until the timing is right for that one. :taz: