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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | well 5 months and 4 bills later my vision dash organizer is a reality. As far as I know this is the first of its kind, especially designed for the bentley. as with my baby, it can use some tweaking but I see some grand potential here. I don't think many want to part with 4 c-notes just to stash some crackers and a wallet on the dash, but hey, it makes mine functionally customed.
Edited by varyder 2009-10-02 5:29 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 3006
San Antonio, TX | Nice work. Take a closer picture please.
Ride on! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | How does it attach? Is it two layers? Looks nice. How do the pockets open? Hope to see it in person next week. ET | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | thanks RT. how's this?
i'll be rolling tomorrow, whether (sic) permitting. That is, whether the wife wants to ride in the rain or not. hopefully it won't be. But I'll try to work on a larger close-up within the byte range for the site and post. Or I can email....
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Tourer
Posts: 388
Salisbury, NC | Thanks for the closer picture. I can see that it is one piece. Still, how does it attach? ET
Edited by etspastimes 2009-10-02 10:00 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | It attaches at two points, the left and right dash screws. I got a longer screw and a nylon spacer to put between the VDO and the dash. This is the left attach point.
ET, if all goes well you'll get to see it either Tuesday or Wednesday evening. I've got about an hour I can play with after work either day. I might take off a little earlier, depending how late you'll be at the track. Or maybe a long lunch.
Edited by varyder 2009-10-02 10:09 PM
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Tourer
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Salisbury, NC | <p>That looks cool. Hope to see you one of them days. They try to be done by 5:00. Wed. would be the last day, so we have to load the truck, so we could be a little later then. ET (Eddie)</p><p>Cell 704-202-1289</p>
Edited by etspastimes 2009-10-02 10:25 PM
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Eddie, I'll definetly get away some time unless work goes off the hook, which is what's been happening later. If I understand you correctly you all will be blowing around the track testing tires, correct? Maybe I can check out the tires on the Bentley a few laps. 
This VDO is cool and I've not even had on a day and don't know how I lived without it. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Well, I'm just curious as too why there is not much interest in a dash organizer for the Vision? From almost day one I got the Vision I started thinking how nice it would be to use that space on the dash to keep stuff. For me it is now a reality, and the only thing that I found difficult was the price, but that is okay for me at this juncture as it was well worth it. But everytime I make a post only a very few people, a handful even like the idea, and that is where I'm curious. Do the majority of you find that you have more than adequate space on the Vision and this would be an unnecessary eye sore? Again, only my curosity is up on this one and find that it is very difficult to even find a dash organizer for a standard type bike dash. I've only seen maybe two in all my riding day's that had some sort of dash thing, one a harley, the other was a wing. Even my wife commented "you paid $400.00 for that?" She thinks it's great except for the price. So with that, what does some of you think, without turning this into a poll, is a solution to get at those things that you use the most and keep in your trunk or side pocket? I wanted the dash thing because it is much easier to get too for quickly needed items. I now can just unzip, grab my wallet or cell phone without getting off the bike while needing to pay toll or sit on the side of the road and make a call. My pockets are not buldging causing discomfort while riding, yet everything is a my finger tips. I have a place for my goggles and when I riding, I put my glasses in the same pocket. I no longer have the frustration of getting off the bike, digging through my trunk or bag looking for things like my wallet or goggle case. I'm not trying to sell this thing as just getting my alone was a pain; cost and time. But in the world of conviences this is one that makes sense to me the most. I would take this above a radio if you gave me an option... Just curious on your thoughts... | |
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Iron Butt
Posts: 600
Linwood, MI | varyder - 2009-10-04 6:54 AM
Well, I'm just curious as too why there is not much interest in a dash organizer for the Vision? From almost day one I got the Vision I started thinking how nice it would be to use that space on the dash to keep stuff...
I can't speak for others but for me, well, I'm a simple guy and I just don't carry a lot of crap when I ride. If I'm going a long distance I'll take my wallet out of my pocket and put it in the glove box with my iPod. I just throw my glasses up on the dash unless I'm going to be a while, in which case they go back in the case and locked in the saddle bag. I don't carry a cell phone (evil things...), but on the rare occasions that I take my wife's it just sits in its "holster" on a belt clip.
So there's not really anything that I would need to have readily accessible that isn't already readily accessible. If there were, that's a pretty nice bag you have there. I would consider getting one. The $400 price tag is certainly steep, but I imagine that would come down considerable if it were getting mass-produced. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 297
VA | Va, I can tell you that the biggest downside to me is certainly the price. I know that it is a one-of-a-kind item, but that is pretty steep to pay for any accessory...imho.
As for asthetics, it looks pretty nice, but it is a little bulkier that I would probably want. Also, I would have rather had smaller, pouch like flaps. I find that when I throw multiple things into one space, they are much harder to dig out when they are in with so many other things. So, some velcro pouches would have been better for me.
That's just me. As with all motorcycle stuff, there is a balance or form, function, and price. For me, the price is certainly too high, the form is OK, but I would want to see it on the bike, and the function seems good, but not as perfect as I would like. Since those three things aren't there for me, I don't think I'll be buying one anytime soon.
However, that said, I love the fact that you basically made what you wanted (at least designed it). I give you major credit for that. I love fining alternative to problems through creativity. I'm the one that has my garage door opener linked to my high beam, so I understand.
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Tourer
Posts: 332
Dale, Indiana | I would LOVE to have the dash organizer.
But, not for $400.00.
sorry | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | thanks for the responses thus far and it helps me understands. certainly this took a lot of thinking to even start but I did it because of my thought of how nice it would be if I had such a thing. And the only way to do it, was to do. I didn't want something gawdy and that was the first tackle.
I had even hoped someone would have come up with a better solution, but so far there isn't one.
it is very functional for me. 1-goggles, 2-cell phone, 3-wallet, 4-change is what i designed it for.
price is way too high and hope to figure out how to bring the price down for others who would want one. I had originally thought $200 would have been the price but that is not possible with the current designed.
I would also like to use it for a while and see how it holds up as it may turn out to be a waste if it falls apart.
I do want to also say that this is by no means a money making venture, I only wanted to share with fellow vision riders since we ride a different class of bike.
Edited by varyder 2009-10-04 11:00 AM
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Visionary
Posts: 1436
| Dash organizer $400, fanny pack $15....... Not that it wouldn't be a handy option but in some 40+ years of riding I just haven't found a need for one (or fanny pack for that matter). I keep my toll change in the front outside vest pocket, wallet and cell on the inside pockets. I suppose it is like cup holders; I have a buddy that wouldn't put one on his bike for all the money in the world, hates them. Me on the other hand wouldn't be without mine. Not like you can drink and ride at the same time, but the cup is handy when you pull off the side for just a quick overlook peak and don't want to get off to get your drink out of the saddlebag/trunk.
For what its worth varyder, I think you came up with a stylish and functional option. Maybe someone at the motor company will follow your lead and offer it as an accessory. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 271
Belding Michigan | For my needs this is not the way I would go. I am glad it works for you. Money is an issue and for the price many items come in ahead of this one. Also I have a grarage Door opener installed on the dash as well as my XM antenna so they would both have to move to somewhere else and that means more work that i don't have time for. I have trouble making time to ride let alone wrench. Archie | |
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Tourer
Posts: 447
Cleveland, GA | Teach - 2009-10-04 2:03 PM Not like you can drink and ride at the same time... I do, but I wear a modular helmet. Soft drinks or water in bottles, tea or milkshake in cup with straw, coffee with lid. It's all good! | |
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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | varyder - 2009-10-04 7:54 AM
Well, I'm just curious as too why there is not much interest in a dash organizer for the Vision? From almost day one I got the Vision I started thinking how nice it would be to use that space on the dash to keep stuff.
I agree, and I have been thinking about the same thing as well.
My personal deal is that I have a futuristic looking bike with smooth curves and hard bags... and I don't want to put leather on it. That's why I never really spoke up with a "that's for me".
My personal concept of a dash is to make it much like yours, but taller to just fit in the space under the windshield at its lowest adjustment. I would put a vertical face on it to hard mount and hopefully secure personal electronics... a gps, MP3 player, etc. with a weatherproof door. That way, I can use a nuvi instead of a zumo... and change songs on the mp3 without fishing it out of the glove door.
Any space not used for electronics could be apportioned to "shelf" for keys, wallet, etc.
Anyway... the point is that I'm still dreaming... you have done something. I guess there is something to leather, after all. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Well Chris. You have prompted me to 'come out of the closet' - at age 65.
I carry a PURSE. Not a 'murse' - a Purse. (well, the wife wouldn't be caught dead with it) but I am not afraid to call my fancy lunch kit a PURSE.
In it, I have my wallet, cell phone, camera, kleenex, spare change, keys, reading glasses and all the other things I used to stuff in my pockets. On top of that, it has room for a BIG lunch and a thermos or water bottle.
My purse fits easily into the VV's trunk, and I carry it everywhere. This is a NEW process for me, and I am learning why women are nervous about leaving their purse laying around. But it beats the hell out of moving shit from pocket to pocket every time I change clothes, and I know where things are, rather than pat myself down every time I need something. And moving from bike to car to bike is easy without forgetting anything.
And I don't need to worry about leaving something on the bike that is not locked up when I walk away. And it cost me $15 or so, compared to Co-Pilot's collection of purses costing in excess of $2,500.
And I'm too fat for a 'fanny pack'..... | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Don, I am quite a few days behind you, but I've been looking for a man-purse, I guess as you refer to as a murse. And I agree the patting one self down and in out of the house a zillion times because I forgot one more thing gets old. With that said, my dash organizer fits an entirely different need. The trunk, though ample, is to far to reach back when I need my wallet. I don't ride with my wallet in my back pocket as it becomes very uncomfortable in short order. It is also too big to fit in the side box with my Touch, and my equalizer. Soooo, I wanted something that would fit the massive real estate on the dash. I looked, hunted, and search high and low and could not find anything close worthy for the Bentley. Thus the idea was born but didn't begin to materialize the beginning of this year. So now I can comfortably ride my machine and when I stop, without getting off I can grab my wallet, cell phone or change without diggin in pockets on my jacket, vest, pants, chaps, etc. This thing for me is the convenience of all conveniences and it looks like it is made for the bike, well, because it is. I only shared this idea on the forum because I was being nice, and at this point I'm glad I'm not getting hammered with anyone wanting one, except a very, very few, well, maybe one other guy that is willing to slam some bills down for it. However, I'm going to try and see if I can bring it down to a more affordable level. I'm considering the $400.00 as R&D dollars, at least to get mine done. The biggest pain of is making this fit the across arch and the arching slop toward the front. I had to order another dash so the guy could get this right as it has to be fitted specifically for the Vision and will not work on any other bike. Really a lot went into it and it is not as easy as one thinks. I see me having this item for a very, very long time, and still looking good. Right now, mine is an absolute one of kind with an accessory worth displaying on the Vision that is not chrome....
Edited by varyder 2009-10-05 4:24 PM
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Tourer
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Goldsboro, NC | varyder - 2009-10-05 5:19 PM
Right now, mine is an absolute one of kind with an accessory worth displaying on the Vision that is not chrome....
You mean BESIDES your dome?
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Cruiser
Posts: 143
Sparta, WI | I like it and I would like to have one. Why not? Perfect spot for some extra storage. For a touring bike, having basically no storage within reaching distance sucks. I'd put all kinds of shit in there. Cigarettes, chew, gum, nose burn lotion,glasses case, pen, little notebook, change for the toll roads, camera, and pictures of my dog, plus stuff at the bottom that thought I had lost. | |
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Tourer
Posts: 363
Goldsboro, NC | Minnow - 2009-10-06 3:44 PM
I like it and I would like to have one. Why not? Perfect spot for some extra storage. For a touring bike, having basically no storage within reaching distance sucks. I'd put all kinds of shit in there. Cigarettes, chew, gum, nose burn lotion,glasses case, pen, little notebook, change for the toll roads, camera, and pictures of my dog, plus stuff at the bottom that thought I had lost.
I hear you on the storage-for-incidentals side.
I'd avoid mentioning the smokes, though. The one and only time I brought up smoking, all the pontificating holy joes out there piled on, telling me to quit "for my kids". ugh.
I didn't know there were so many obamawannabes out there, tending to everybody's knitting but their own.
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Edited by trailbarge 2009-10-07 11:11 AM
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| varyder - 2009-10-04 6:54 AM
Well, I'm just curious as too why there is not much interest in a dash organizer for the Vision? From almost day one I got the Vision I started thinking how nice it would be to use that space on the dash to keep stuff. For me it is now a reality, and the only thing that I found difficult was the price, but that is okay for me at this juncture as it was well worth it. But everytime I make a post only a very few people, a handful even like the idea, and that is where I'm curious. Do the majority of you find that you have more than adequate space on the Vision and this would be an unnecessary eye sore? Again, only my curosity is up on this one and find that it is very difficult to even find a dash organizer for a standard type bike dash. I've only seen maybe two in all my riding day's that had some sort of dash thing, one a harley, the other was a wing. Even my wife commented "you paid $400.00 for that?" She thinks it's great except for the price. So with that, what does some of you think, without turning this into a poll, is a solution to get at those things that you use the most and keep in your trunk or side pocket? I wanted the dash thing because it is much easier to get too for quickly needed items. I now can just unzip, grab my wallet or cell phone without getting off the bike while needing to pay toll or sit on the side of the road and make a call. My pockets are not buldging causing discomfort while riding, yet everything is a my finger tips. I have a place for my goggles and when I riding, I put my glasses in the same pocket. I no longer have the frustration of getting off the bike, digging through my trunk or bag looking for things like my wallet or goggle case. I'm not trying to sell this thing as just getting my alone was a pain; cost and time. But in the world of conviences this is one that makes sense to me the most. I would take this above a radio if you gave me an option... Just curious on your thoughts...
I have wanted one since day one. But more than $39.00 and I can live without it....I am pretty sure there are only a rare few that would even pay $100 for that convenience...
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | hey golfer my friend. I'm working on getting the cost down. Givin' all the considerations I have thought about, it is an easy $250.00 product. The problem is the labor required to get it fit and work on the vision dash curviture. I working on getting that cost down for the follow on ones and have at least one other for-sure buyer. Mine was R&D, and the number two MAY be that as well since they are committed to it. I'm trying to get it where someone else does the work and I just send it out. Also, this is no business venture it is sharing, and even hope that someone would have stepped up to the plate to make the first one. With that said, I do find that this item is not a sought after one. The two that I have ever recalled seeing were unsightly and stuck up on the dash of a HD and the other a Goldwing. This one is specifically made for me. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
West Knoxville TN | I think its a darn fine idea. I am constantly wedging things like my phone between the windshield and dash. Summer gloves should not be placed there as they are light and do blow out. | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| woops, double post
Edited by golfer 2009-10-07 2:43 PM
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Cruiser
Posts: 141
| varyder - 2009-10-07 12:17 PM
hey golfer my friend. I'm working on getting the cost down. Givin' all the considerations I have thought about, it is an easy $250.00 product. The problem is the labor required to get it fit and work on the vision dash curviture. I working on getting that cost down for the follow on ones and have at least one other for-sure buyer. Mine was R&D, and the number two MAY be that as well since they are committed to it. I'm trying to get it where someone else does the work and I just send it out. Also, this is no business venture it is sharing, and even hope that someone would have stepped up to the plate to make the first one. With that said, I do find that this item is not a sought after one. The two that I have ever recalled seeing were unsightly and stuck up on the dash of a HD and the other a Goldwing. This one is specifically made for me.
I hear ya....When I think of a bag for that area I think of something simple like on a snowmobile...Polaris already has them for the sleds, and the one they have for the new IQ model snowmobile would just about fit there already. They are $25 new or something like that. They are pretty much the same as what you have made, but they are nylon and attach with 2 sided velcro. I personally don't think the Vision is a leather desiring bike. Too futuristic. The luggage I have is nylon, and I wouldn't want leather. Knowing that a bag for a sled made of nylon would just about do the trick on the Vision, that is why I came up with a $39 price tag for me to get on board. A black nylon bag attached with two sided velcro with a simple zipper across the face is all I would be looking for.
Here is pretty much excactly what you made, but in nylon and cheaper materials for $24.99 through Polaris:
http://www.purepolaris.com/Detail.aspx?ItemID=2876032(PolarisPGACat...
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Wow! I might have settled for that but would have see it in action. why didn't say something before I shelled out 4 clams? but, wait, is it just a pouch I would have dig through? how does it look empty?
As far as the leather, I will disagree on the futuristic aspect as leather is timeless. Even the finest cars have leather and not nylon seats and accessories. JMHO. Not trying to me classy, just want something that will stand the test of time and not degrade the overall look of the Vision. I'm even ready to get my leather seat going before winter if I can get a stand in while I have mine cut and covered.
I'm as cheap as they come, even cheaper, but there are some things that I justify to get, like a $24,000 motorcycle when a cheaper car is more practical.... | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 204
guelph ontario | I'm with you Varyder-love the concept and I think your efforts look great. I'm on the list whenever you are ready. Had this type of bag on the HD windshield-very useful for small items-gloves, glasses, phone, rolaids( too many rest stops) -the Vic will be enhanced with this bag. Money is steep but the way I look at it is that 50 years from now it wont matter a hoot. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2118
Pitt Meadows, BC Canada | Saw Polaris's dash bag model today at my dealer.... walked it over to a Vision and tried it - not bad !!!! Not perfect - but looked like it belonged. | |
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Fountain Inn, SC United States | Chris, does it have to be made out of leather? How about black cordura? It is much cheaper, waterproof and wears like iron. I think you can even get it at fabric stores.. It could also use snaps to secure it in place. Just a thought to cut costs. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | I'll have to look into alternatives, but mine, yes, definitely leather as I was not making this a business pursuit and that is what I wanted. I'm working on a slight redesign on the one I have since I've got the first one made. My leatherman emphasizes this takes a lot of time to put the guts together. The outside leather piece is a piece of cake now. In fact, that could be a bag to itself but would be rather limp, and using any other leather than the one he used would look ratty on the vision, in my opinion. Once we get the pattern down, material is material and I'd have to look into the cordura. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Here's a clip of the VDO in action. I'm still thinking over the improvements, that's a note to those who have a sincere interest in this gem. I thought others would be interest in the practicallity of it and hope to start looking for the internal alternative for the pocket structure. The labor to do the inside still is the part that makes this item rather expensive, but even with the cost it is very well worth it since I use mine everytime I ride.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ve0MFfIOJWI | |
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Visionary
Posts: 2027
Brighton, TN | Very nice, can't see much of the organzier from the Youtube. But you see a few of your round circle links with shiny chrome. Maybe I missed it but is there a better pic of it somewhere. I remember the drawings don't quite remember seeing the product. Nice little disclaimer and ownership of product at the end of clip. Very Nice. | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Thanks PL, I posted some pictures else where a while back. Notmany folks really care, but the ones that have been interested, I posted the video to show VDO functionality. | |
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New user
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| I've seen quite a few on HD's. That's a great idea!!! My arms aren't long enough for it to be handy tho, I have trouble reaching the heater, light & flasher switches. A little pricey, but might consider it. 2 ?s Can you still lower the windshield? Could we get a head on picture? | |
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Cruiser
Posts: 146
| I care varyder!!! If I am the only one...I STILL THINK IT'S A GREAT IDEA AND FUNCTIONAL PRODUCT FOR THE 40 ACRES OF UN-USED PROPERTY ON OUR DASHES... | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | Jim M - 2010-01-20 5:04 PM
I've seen quite a few on HD's. That's a great idea!!! My arms aren't long enough for it to be handy tho, I have trouble reaching the heater, light & flasher switches. A little pricey, but might consider it. 2 ?s Can you still lower the windshield? Could we get a head on picture?
Jim - I understand, for me though I'm glad it is too far to reach while riding, but it is sweet to have everything right there when I'm stopped. If I have to make a call, get change, or dollars, everything is within easy reach and nothing is bulging in my pockets. I understand about the price but I have found it to be money well spent as I've spent more on other things not as useful. $600+ for a Street configuration that I've used maybe for a total of 3 months. Don't get me wrong, it will be used again and again. The VDO I use every single day and love it.
Attached is the best picture I have at the moment, the windshield does not touch the bag in any position.
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Tourer
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Goldsboro, NC | varyder - 2010-01-21 7:18 AM
We the people...
U. S. Army Paratrooper
Understand that I was air assault, as airborne is less useful when you are in artillery.
However, my impression of paratroopers should be that they are not "We the people" but...
"the WHEEEE! people"! | |
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Visionary
Posts: 8144
New Bohemia, VA | All the Way! | |
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