I like the BMW system cases that came with my R1150RT. I like a case on my bikes. Yeah, they change the CG a little but I'm not pushing those limits. I just want to carry my laptop to work and saddle bags are ridiculously expensive. So, because I can't ride my R1150RT and another bike at the same time I adapted the topcase for my R1150RT to my R100GS. Then, I used the same hardware to mount it on the stock luggage rack of my TR650. I bought an R1100/1150RT luggage mount off eBay for like $40. There are not in short supply. Then I bought some polypropylene cutting boards at Walmart for a few bucks each. Probably could have done it with one but my original design wasn't quite as efficient with the materials. I made spacers from the cutting board then attached them to the bike using J-hooks. I did it first for my R100GS then used the exact same parts for the Husky. The J-bolts needed to be a different length though, so I bought new ones for like $8. Total cost, with the mount, was around $55. The GS needs 6 of the spacers. The TR only needs 4. That and the length of the J-bolts is the only difference. I can remove the entire mount in about 5 minutes and put it on the GS in about 5 minutes. The system cases are very high quality and fairly plentiful since everyone wants aluminum cases for some reason. And now my TR is an order of magnitude more useful. This method would work with just about any top case mount and prevents drilling your parts. Happy to provide more detail if needed/wanted. * Also posted on ADVrider
That is a nice looking top case. I'd swap out the flimsy stock rack for the Nomadic one and shuffle your mounting boards a bit, then you're good to go.
An AltRider rack came with the bike but I put the stock one back on. I sort of like the handles on the stock rack 'cause I likes to carry my sweetie on the back when I get the chance. As opposed to my other bikes, this one makes her lean forward if you know what I mean. She likes the TR better, too, because she sits up higher. I kept the rack made from Bradley armor and will use that when I go somewhere that isn't paved. I had heard the stories about the stock rack and I'd say the pictures confirm the stories. Any add-on handles out there for my honey besides the one between my...
Unless you want the picture above to include your sweetie cursing at you, I would suggest the Hepco and Becker alurack, which is very sturdy and includes a nice pair of handles. It's also likely that your top case rack can be easily mounted directly over the alurack. P.S. I'm aware a bolt is missing. I had to "borrow" it for an emergency.
So where do you find one of these? I looked at a few vendors but didn't see any for the TR650. Are they still making this rack?
It's easier to find it in Europe, but KTM parts has it: http://www.ktm-parts.com/650-7521-01-01-p-HUSQTR650.html In any case the part number is 6507521 01 01
It's not too bad a rack. I've managed to crack mine (I dont use a top box) but it welds up together again just fine. For on-road use it would be perfect. For off-road - you need to replace to top box mounting plate with one that offers tie down points. This is pretty easy to do as there is plenty of mounting area. FWIW... It has a sticker saying it has a max 5kg load rating.
