Alloy boxes on a Varadero

[Boris]

I have a VA5 varadero with standard Honda panniers and rails and I was wondering if anyone had any success in getting top loading alloy boxes made to fit the standard rails for when I need a little more space.

I don't want to change the rails as the Honda ones are really unobtrusive when no boxes are fitted which is about 95% of the time and I want to be able to use either alloy or plastic boxes as needs be.

Anyone any ideas?

[davsato]

thats a good idea, and shouldnt be very hard the attachments are no problem, just the tucked in at the bottom.

i agree with you, the varadero racks are very neat. beaten by the new aprilia and KTM ones though, you wouldnt know they had luggage fittings

[Snaphappy]

Originally Posted by davsato

thats a good idea, and shouldnt be very hard the attachments are no problem, just the tucked in at the bottom.

i agree with you, the varadero racks are very neat. beaten by the new aprilia and KTM ones though, you wouldnt know they had luggage fittings

Just searched around for the KTM / Aprillia racks and cant see anything, got a link Dave.

Boris, ref ally boxes on honda racks, you may be easier getting standard racks and boxes sell the OEM stuff and have a look at the SW motech quick lock system
me I prefer the side protection of the Hepco hoops

[jasonbc]

Originally Posted by Boris

I have a VA5 varadero with standard Honda panniers and rails and I was wondering if anyone had any success in getting top loading alloy boxes made to fit the standard rails for when I need a little more space.

I don't want to change the rails as the Honda ones are really unobtrusive when no boxes are fitted which is about 95% of the time and I want to be able to use either alloy or plastic boxes as needs be.

Anyone any ideas?

I have aluminium boxes on my Varadero, but i had to but the Hepco & Becker racks with them don't know if they would mount onto standard honda racks as they key lock to the frames from the outside



if you want later i can photograph the frames and the box mounts to see if they would be any use to you

[Boris]

Originally Posted by Snaphappy

Boris, ref ally boxes on honda racks, you may be easier getting standard racks and boxes sell the OEM stuff and have a look at the SW motech quick lock system
me I prefer the side protection of the Hepco hoops

I know, but I just can't stand the look of these hooped racks when no boxes are fitted. Even when the boxes are fitted there is huge amount of wasted space below the exhaust which shaped alloy boxes would use.

Shaped top loading boxes on the standard rack would be the best of both worlds.

[Boris]

Originally Posted by jasonbc

I have aluminium boxes on my Varadero, but i had to but the Hepco & Becker racks with them don't know if they would mount onto standard honda racks as they key lock to the frames from the outside



if you want later i can photograph the frames and the box mounts to see if they would be any use to you

Thanks Jason.

Just incase I have it wrong a photo of the racks without the boxes fitted would be good

I've pretty much made up my mind not to go down the non standard racks for the reasons in the above post.

A sub rack that say bolts to the Honda rack which then allows standard fit alloy boxes may be a possibility but as I said for 90% of the time the Honda boxes are fine and I don't want to loose them

[Hotgloves]

I have fitted ali boxes to my V8 vara by using the touratec metal hoops which are available at about £20 each. I already had the panniers with the original mounting kit fitted. I then made some brackets, which I welded onto the hoops. Then bolted the hoops onto the original Honda racks. I must admit the hoops are not the best looking part of the bike but they do give good protection.

[VaradeRob]

oooh...that's a good idea...pics please?

[Hotgloves]

I will take some pics tonight if I get time, and post up tommorow.

[Snaphappy]

So you want some of these then
they are made to measure and will fit

not cheaply though


F#rkin beauties