On the last few big rides my wife and I have used the Vision passenger backrest and rack with a large T-Bag on it. She doesn't like the Vision top box to lean against and really dislikes what it looks like besides which she's really comfortable using the backrest after I had it modified a bit. From my standpoint I'd just as soon not have the top box either since it adds quite a bit of weight just by itself and I'm not crazy about the look either. So the T-Bag has been the choice so far. The problems with the T-Bag include it not being at all secure, having to bag it in the rain and the need take it on and off for overnights. So far we haven't had any real issues with it but I've been looking for a better solution.

The other day I was browsing Givi's catalog thinking about using one of their bags as a top case. The problem is that in order to get a reasonably sized one it ends up being 16.5" long which means that it would stick out beyond the back of the bike. Then I noticed their Trekker line of bags they market for adventure bikes. These are big rectangular side cases that attach to the bike with a really strong looking mounting system and pop on and off with one button. They are waterproof and lock closed and to the mount. I decided to mount one in the rear of the Vision using their mounting plate and a fabricated support utilizing the 4 original rack mounting holes in the backrest supports. I made it out of 6061 aluminum plate. The arms coming off of the backrest are 1/2" thick and the mount itself is cut from a piece 3/8" plate. I had it powder coated matte black for durability. The bag is 46 litre which is quite a bit larger than the T-Bag we were using. The mount turned out really strong. I took some pics as I was assembling it.

This is the bike side of the mount

This is the mounting side of the mount

This is a close-up of the supports

These are the original rack mounting holes

This is with the mount attached

This is with Givi's mounting system and cover installed

With the box attached

Marc

I posted a .pdf of the Givi support. When you print it make sure you check the box that says Actual Size. Be careful with hole placement. I would suggest drilling one hole first and then checking the position of the second hole to make sure it aligns with your backrest mounting holes. The other side support is the same, just flipped over. From that point your fabricator can just trace the Givi mounting plate on to a piece of 3/8" plate and screw it to the ends of the supports. Its very simple. If there are any questions please let me know. The part number for the Givi Monokey universal plate is E250. I found the best prices and inventory at Revzilla.com. They have various boxes in sizes that will work.

Here is the .pdf: http://www.marcparnes.com/givi/VisionGivi.pdf

Marc

Very cleaver and nice work!

Great alternative to the factory trunk.