Best top rack for Bandit?

[kemp]

I'm looking at some luggage possibilities for my '03 Bandit 1200S. Some of the racks I have seen attach to mounting points that appear to be where the grab handle attaches. Is that enough to hold the rack and topcase loaded up? Or, are there better alternatives?

Some that I have looked at:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/843/103/

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/2001/103/

Any suggestions on these or others?

[johnnyb]

I've got the Givi rack on my '02 600S with an E360 case mounted on it.  No problem at all.  The Givi setup uses the tiedown bungs (one at the base of the grab handle the other about where the seat steps up to the passenger area) on each side as mounts.  You replace the bungs with bolts provided with the rack.

[Red01]

Do NOT use a rack that mounts only to the grab rail attachments (like the one in the second link) if you plan on carrying more than ~11 lbs/5 kg. The structure at the grab rail is not strong enough to support more weight than that. If you ignore this advice, be prepared to beef up and/or repair the grab rail attach area of the subframe as it will crack.

Check out this thread on another board for pictures of what can happen if you mount a top box on a rack that only attaches to the grab rail attach points.

Go with a rack that mounts to the four bungee spool locations (like the Givi in your first link).

[kemp]

That's exactly the information I'm looking for. Any opinions of the Ventura system? Is it any better?

[Red01]

The Ventura system mounts to all 4 bungee spools, so it's not a problem.
I've been using a Ventura setup on my bike since 2001... though I don't carry much on it unless I'm taking a trip long enough to need it's 45L bag.

[jeffw]

I've got the Ventura rack system on my 05 B12S and like it a lot.  It's very strong.  I believe you could pick the bike up by the mounts.  The rack itself is very sturdy and stable.  I was able to add a Holeshot backrest to it for the passenger by making a couple of 1/2" spacers to fill the gap.  It's not the best looking rack system out there IMHO though.  For me, practical wins over looks.

[cb400bill]

For me, practical wins over looks.

That is why we ride Bandits, isn't it?

[kemp]

Exactly.