Full-Size Left Case Installation

[sillyjax]

Just completed the installation of both the Ohlins rear shock and full size left system case hardware installation. Very simple for both.

A search thru the Board would show that several alternatives for mounting a full-size left-side system case (R1100/1150RT) for Roadsters/Rocksters with either lowered or removed muffler. I decided to try the mounting hardware for the Authority R1150GS. This proved to be successful; although, I will only install it on the bike when I know I will be taking a journey and using the cases (the hardware is NOT aesthetic and looks completely "add-on"). The hardware package is not the greatest deal being that it is a bit over $100US.

If any of you are interested....I am adding pics below of the installation process:

[R4R&R]

Good job! That full sized case really makes a difference on trips. Yeah, that bracket isn't exactly pretty. I noticed you had to remove the passenger footpeg - did you do the same on the other side as well?

Some of us modified the bag and used the original foot on the bike:


DJ (I'm sure he'll chime in on this) had a custom foot made up that looks really nice. I'll bet he could have them made and sell them!

How do you like the Ohlins? Did you change out the front shock too? Is that a Buell in the background of the last picture?

[Boxer]

Cool. Does Oregon let you ride around with that blurred tag like that?

[wncbmw]

Nice pics. I abandoned my short flirtation with the can removal after two dealers made veiled threats about possible warranty issues. However, mine is off warranty next week and I will start looking at the easy route to a full size bag - no can and modifying the bag to use the original foot, like John showed!

Speaking of can removal, where did you get that tip? Looks nice. I have one but am having a difficult time getting it mounted to make me comfortable that it will stay put!

[sillyjax]

DJ (I'm sure he'll chime in on this) had a custom foot made up that looks really nice. I'll bet he could have them made and sell them!

...Installing an angle bracket on the case looks better, and but I didn't want to mess with the case. It gets pretty drippy here in Oregon. I do like DJ's option of having a custom foot fabbed and would most likely buy it if it were available. I don't know how many times I tried to "make" the existing footpeg work -- and I did remove the right side footpeg to try just for sh_ts and giggles. As for both footpegs -- I did remove them. In fact, if I could find a way to remove the tubular support for the footpegs/side cases I would...Sweatmark is working his engineer brain to come up with a cool idea for this...

How do you like the Ohlins? Did you change out the front shock too? Is that a Buell in the background of the last picture?

Actually, just put the back Ohlins on yesterday and haven't had a chance to ride. The front shock will be next -- and YES ->that is a Buell XB9S with a modified front end (XB9R). It was my first bike and is now Sweatmark's track bike.

Speaking of can removal, where did you get that tip? Looks nice. I have one but am having a difficult time getting it mounted to make me comfortable that it will stay put!

DJ is pretty clever and has some good ideas...the tip removal being one of them. It looked like a GREAT way to take some weight off the bike and give the bike a nice low exhaust note without spending much money. I got the tip at a generic autoparts store for less than $10....my bike is out of warranty and mods can happen now!

A side note RE: rear shock vs. exhaust tip:
My neighbor down the street owns a german auto repair shop and wanted to weld the tip on. I am glad I decided to keep the tip on with bolts. In changing out the rear shock, I had to remove the tip in order to get to the lower attachment bolt. Something for any of you to consider as it relates to making these things permanent.

Cool. Does Oregon let you ride around with that blurred tag like that?

... It's what cars see when I ride past them!

[sweatmark]

OK, might be obvious that sillyjax and I are sitting on the couch, sipping morning coffee, watching local news, surfing on the laptop. My turn to comment:

Rode the bike around the block with the "new" Ohlins rear shock. Amazing improvement over the OE Showa on our '02 Roadster; admittedly, the OE shock had served its life pretty well with two-up riding and several years with big ol' me as rider (plus loaded cases). Biggest immediate differences is feel of tire grip at the rear, and we're looking forward to finishing the suspension with the front shock.

Bought the Ohlins rear from a Roadster (former?) board member, supposedly slightly used, but now I'm wondering... we noticed some fluid leaks in the vicinity of the rear shock after the second test flight around the block. In the words of Cheech and Chong: "looks like shock oil, smells like shock oil, tastes like shock oil."

Would really hate to get ripped off via our own Buy & Sell section!

If it turns out we've got to replace a shock seal, then there's an authorized Ohlins service dealer close by. At least the front shock (sillyjax's infamous birthday present) is brand new.

Mark
Oregon

p.s. and very observant, R4R, spotting my Buell in the background; always wanted to have a vehicle I could fiddle with (without dire consequence if I screwed things up), and the Buell's been designated my "never in quite one piece" machine.

[R4R&R]

p.s. and very observant, R4R, spotting my Buell in the background; always wanted to have a vehicle I could fiddle with (without dire consequence if I screwed things up), and the Buell's been designated my "never in quite one piece" machine.

I can usually spot those short stubby bikes. If I were to go buy a bike right now, it would most likely be a Buell Lightening. For some reason those bikes appeal to me. Others I would consider would be the older SV-650, F800ST, and Honda Superhawk. All 'fun' bikes, but not up to the light touring I do with the R.

[wncbmw]

It's what cars see when I ride past them!

Nice answer!

[sweatmark]

R4R - Compliments on your list of Fun Bikes; agree that each has appeal and good balance of performance and character for not much dough. There are lots of interesting comparisons within that small group of bikes, good list of pluses and minuses. Maybe something for Off Topic?

The Buell doesn't have the aftermarket support of the SV650, but OE parts are cheap. You can pick up a lightly used XB9S Lightning for a pittance, at least compared to originaL asking price. Suspension is lots better than the SV, and motor is low maintenance. Bike is simple to work on, and the year/model-specific Service Manuals ($50-60) are best in the business.

Come on, I need another Beemer/Bueller Brother on the board! Agreed: the BMWs work great for general use & long-haul, but it's fun to have a tinkering bike for city riding.

[Ian]

how about a photo of the new exhaust

[sweatmark]

Ian - we posted pics of sillyjax's Roadster and new (last year) exhaust tip in "The can is off!" thread in Rockster section:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t ... c&start=45

I cleaned/polished the exhaust tip for her while she worked on the Ohlins, and found the tip to be in great shape after last season's riding. And $10US is tough to beat! I'll do this mod myself when the Rockster's warranty expires.

... And we're glad we didn't weld that tip on!

[Coffeebean]

Good job! That full sized case really makes a difference on trips. Yeah, that bracket isn't exactly pretty. I noticed you had to remove the passenger footpeg - did you do the same on the other side as well?

Some of us modified the bag and used the original foot on the bike:


DJ (I'm sure he'll chime in on this) had a custom foot made up that looks really nice. I'll bet he could have them made and sell them!

How do you like the Ohlins? Did you change out the front shock too? Is that a Buell in the background of the last picture?

Does anyone make a bracket to do the above without drilling the holes? I am about to undertake the drilling and would rather take a more unobtrusive approach as well as have the option of low mounting my muffler and keeping my passenger foot pegs....

Thanks in advance...

[OU812]

viewtopic.php?f=2&t=13214&p=138713#p138713

[Coffeebean]

nope, johnnyjs1 does not make these anymore...

[FloridaBeakster]

Does anyone make a bracket to do the above without drilling the holes? I am about to undertake the drilling and would rather take a more unobtrusive approach as well as have the option of low mounting my muffler and keeping my passenger foot pegs....

As I mentioned in another thread, I went with the ZTechnik kit since I found one for a good price. HOWEVER, you cannot use the stock muffler with the kit (at least that's what the instructions say). I am using it as a side case bracket only and have removed my muffler. The bracket looks kinda dorky without the case beause of the arm that extends back to support the muffler. I will probably end up cutting that part off.

IMO, the ZTechnik one looks better than the BMW kit, is a little cheaper, and you can keep the passenger footpeg. I believe that A&S Cycles still has the ZTechnik kit.