Author Topic: My V85 top case sucks....!  (Read 1345 times)

Online Huzo

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My V85 top case sucks....!
« on: January 18, 2022, 02:15:36 AM »
No... really..!
Today I was touring around in Victoria’s high country, not very high by some standards but at or around 3,000’ amsl with the temperature around 16 deg C.
I put some valuables back into the top case then closed and latched it..(as one does).
For the record it’s one of these.



Anyway.
I departed and headed off to Khancoban for lunch and arrived about 45 mins later after descending to 1000’ and 26 deg C.
Now, how is all that of any importance ?
Well, it isn’t unless you want to open the top case again..!
I unlatched it in time honoured tradition and went to lift the lid..It was absolutely jammed shut and even with my fingertips wedged in the join, I could not open it ! My mind went back to an old refrigerator we once had, if you closed it then tried to open it again less than 2 minutes later, you would not succeed.
Sure enough, the seal on the top case does it’s job so well, the increased air pressure at the lower altitude was enough to render any attempts to open it a worthless exercise.
I borrowed a small screwdriver and prised the latch and the top came open accompanied by a “whoosh” sound, similar in type and volume as when you open the gas cap...(probably louder actually).
Obviously if I’d waited some amount of time, it would have equalised, but it had 45 minutes to do so and had not managed to.
Dunno about y’all, but I was amazed.
Anyway these are pretty lame, but I took them anyway.
https://youtu.be/EFzDT7TUcMs








« Last Edit: January 18, 2022, 02:19:41 AM by Huzo »

Offline reidy

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #1 on: January 18, 2022, 02:21:02 AM »
Well it should be a reasonable bet it will be water tight.

Online Huzo

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #2 on: January 18, 2022, 02:27:57 AM »
Well it should be a reasonable bet it will be water tight.
Reckon so old mate.

Offline jacksonracingcomau

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2022, 04:05:22 AM »
No... really..!

Anyway these are pretty lame, but I took them anyway.
https://youtu.be/EFzDT7TUcMs







Preload ?
I’m sure seat height is nice and low but with just your kitchen sink behind you it’s  looking a little sagged.
As said, may suit you, but others might want some travel left in reserve for bumps. Fine tune involved but try 30% of travel with rider onboard.
Cable (zip in yankenglish) tie around shock shaft.
My nice is to use full travel when I hit big ones, just less , most of the time,


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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #3 on: January 18, 2022, 04:05:22 AM »

Online Huzo

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #4 on: January 18, 2022, 04:40:59 AM »
Preload ?
I’m sure seat height is nice and low but with just your kitchen sink behind you it’s  looking a little sagged.
As said, may suit you, but others might want some travel left in reserve for bumps. Fine tune involved but try 30% of travel with rider onboard.
Cable (zip in yankenglish) tie around shock shaft.
My nice is to use full travel when I hit big ones, just less , most of the time,
Well here’s the thing about that.
I have slid the forks up 30 mm (from memory) and wound the pre load off to lower the rear by the same amount.
The rear does not bottom out on anything I’ve encountered in 24,000 km.
Because alteration of pre load does not effect spring rate, I am comfortable in the notion that my rear shock is as firm as it would have been had I not wound it off. It’s just functioning further down in it’s available range of motion.
I am not going to change it, the amount that my bike sags from before I sit on to when I’m aboard, is not affected by preload.
As long as it’s not “topping out” or “bottoming out”, there’s no need to alter it.

Oh and yes, it does suit me and on that bike nothing else matters.
« Last Edit: January 18, 2022, 05:12:45 AM by Huzo »

Offline jacksonracingcomau

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #5 on: January 18, 2022, 05:16:21 AM »
Well here’s the thing about that.
I have slid the forks up 30 mm (from memory) and wound the pre load off to lower the rear by the same amount.
The rear does not bottom out on anything I’ve encountered in 24,000 km.
Because alteration of pre load does not effect spring rate, I am comfortable in the notion that my rear shock is as firm as it would have been had I not wound it off. It’s just functioning further down in it’s available range of motion.
I am not going to change it, the amount that my bike sags from before I sit on to when I’m aboard, is not affected by preload.
As long as it’s not “topping out” or “bottoming out”, there’s no need to alter it.

Oh and yes, it does suit me and on that bike nothing else matters.

Spring rate ? Try less
Sag and full travel are achievable
The wmin is huge

Online Huzo

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #6 on: January 18, 2022, 05:21:41 AM »
Spring rate ? Try less
Sag and full travel are achievable
The wmin is huge
Mate.
Either you’re on the piss or you’re typing with your thumbs...(possibly both).
Proof read your post before hitting “send”.
I’m happy to consider your opinion before throwing it out, but can you at least make it readable ?
« Last Edit: January 18, 2022, 05:22:28 AM by Huzo »

Offline Razor5A

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #7 on: January 18, 2022, 05:33:56 AM »
Huzo.
Interesting observations on the top case. Nice to know it’s well sealed.
Very nice customization at the front of your bike. Is it challenging removing the original front fender? I like the addition of the fog lights to fill in the space.
Were you out camping? I’ve never camp with a motorcycle before. I noticed often bikes will have the 3 luggage cases and additional luggage strapped to the bike. I suppose the season and location in which one is traveling makes a big difference.

Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #8 on: January 18, 2022, 05:41:22 AM »
Why not strap a backpack on instead? Won't freeze shut, and if you decide to go hiking, or anywhere
you can take it with you.



Offline kingoffleece

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #9 on: January 18, 2022, 07:22:48 AM »
All of our crush proof cases for SCUBA gear have pressure relief valves.  Same thing happens.  Get off a plane and you can't open the case until the valve gets opened.  I bet you could fab one that would be perfect!
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Offline twowheeladdict

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #10 on: January 18, 2022, 07:26:32 AM »
All of our crush proof cases for SCUBA gear have pressure relief valves.  Same thing happens.  Get off a plane and you can't open the case until the valve gets opened.  I bet you could fab one that would be perfect!

All the cases we use at work have pressure relief valves also.

The caribou luggage system I had on the KLR650 had pressure relief valves as well. 
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Offline Sye

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #11 on: January 18, 2022, 10:13:01 AM »
Well here’s the thing about that.
I have slid the forks up 30 mm (from memory) and wound the pre load off to lower the rear by the same amount.
The rear does not bottom out on anything I’ve encountered in 24,000 km.
Because alteration of pre load does not effect spring rate, I am comfortable in the notion that my rear shock is as firm as it would have been had I not wound it off. It’s just functioning further down in it’s available range of motion.
I am not going to change it, the amount that my bike sags from before I sit on to when I’m aboard, is not affected by preload.
As long as it’s not “topping out” or “bottoming out”, there’s no need to alter it.

Oh and yes, it does suit me and on that bike nothing else matters.

I agree with your sentiments but have to ask if the steering is slower when fully loaded?

Online Huzo

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #12 on: January 18, 2022, 11:11:52 AM »
Huzo.
Interesting observations on the top case. Nice to know it’s well sealed.
Very nice customization at the front of your bike. Is it challenging removing the original front fender? I like the addition of the fog lights to fill in the space.
Were you out camping? I’ve never camp with a motorcycle before. I noticed often bikes will have the 3 luggage cases and additional luggage strapped to the bike. I suppose the season and location in which one is traveling makes a big difference.
The front fender comes off without any difficulty and no problems await you there.
The lower fender is an Aprilia Caponord and fits straight on. There is a thread on here about them.
 I did some trimming on mine for aesthetics. The auxiliary lights do fill in the space as you say, but are also a fabulous addition at night.
They are superb.

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #13 on: January 18, 2022, 11:15:06 AM »
Why not strap a backpack on instead? Won't freeze shut, and if you decide to go hiking, or anywhere
you can take it with you.



No chance mate..
I hate the concept and if you crash, the mass on your body could have devastating effects.
Never have, never will.

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #14 on: January 18, 2022, 11:20:37 AM »
I agree with your sentiments but have to ask if the steering is slower when fully loaded?
Not that I can tell from the seat.
The geometry is the same because the bike is lowered front AND rear, so the rake and trail are unchanged. The extra mass is initially noticeable, but not after the first few minutes and is so minor it’s insignificant. Certainly less rider effort than the Norge.
Both are very good though.

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #15 on: January 18, 2022, 12:18:04 PM »
All of our crush proof cases for SCUBA gear have pressure relief valves.  Same thing happens.  Get off a plane and you can't open the case until the valve gets opened.  I bet you could fab one that would be perfect!
I always look at those tank badges... :bow: :thumb:
Yes, to the one way valve. I’m going to install a 2 way valve. It’s called a 1/16” drill in underneath..

Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #16 on: January 18, 2022, 01:33:07 PM »
No chance mate..
I hate the concept and if you crash, the mass on your body could have devastating effects.
Never have, never will.
If you crash the stuff in the pack will be the least of your worries

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #17 on: January 18, 2022, 01:49:28 PM »
If you crash the stuff in the pack will be the least of your worries
I was referring to the kilograms of mass that add to the impact trauma on your spine.

Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #18 on: January 18, 2022, 02:08:22 PM »
I was referring to the kilograms of mass that add to the impact trauma on your spine.
What are you carrying, a keg of beer?
Keep your bowling balls in the hard side bags

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #19 on: January 18, 2022, 02:20:52 PM »
What are you carrying, a keg of beer?
Keep your bowling balls in the hard side bags
The reality is that you are in all likelihood correct Yogi.
But after a lifetime of doing it this way, I am reluctant to explore new methods, also watching guys with backpacks takes me back to Uni days where poverty stricken students would be on dangerous death traps, riding in the rain to lectures.
No thanks.
The bike does it beautifully and I like the feeling of the cushioning behind me, also that bag has done 100,000 k in Europe and 100,000 in Australia.

I won’t change.
« Last Edit: January 21, 2022, 06:42:01 AM by Huzo »

Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #20 on: January 18, 2022, 03:27:36 PM »
Well there is another option  :wink:



Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #21 on: January 18, 2022, 03:45:33 PM »
Huzo, take what I say as a sense of humor. I am a lifetime hiker/camper/outdoorsman.
I take what I need in case I breakdown, get stranded, in every vehicle I have.
Wished I lived in a time where horses were the only way to go  :grin:

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #22 on: January 18, 2022, 05:26:53 PM »
Huzo, take what I say as a sense of humor. I am a lifetime hiker/camper/outdoorsman.
I take what I need in case I breakdown, get stranded, in every vehicle I have.
Wished I lived in a time where horses were the only way to go  :grin:
Ahhh..Ok mate.
Now I see it all in a different light.
BTW..
As for that “other option”..
This is what I drive through the week.


My life seems to be either 2 wheels or 34...

Offline yogidozer

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #23 on: January 18, 2022, 05:37:31 PM »
Seems like a good job, I'd take that over a desk job for sure

Offline moto-uno

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #24 on: January 18, 2022, 05:52:53 PM »
  I think I'll stick with retirement  :grin: ! Peter

Offline DesertPilot

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #25 on: January 18, 2022, 06:40:31 PM »
I never realized the darn things were so airtight.  I may have to drill a Teeny Hole (tm) in the bottom of mine if I do a trip to the Sierras...

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #26 on: January 18, 2022, 11:14:31 PM »
I never realized the darn things were so airtight.  I may have to drill a Teeny Hole (tm) in the bottom of mine if I do a trip to the Sierras...
Yeah, Dan reckons that’s a bit crude.
But I think that’ll be happening. 1/16” should suffice.

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #27 on: January 20, 2022, 06:09:17 PM »
A bit technical, but went with the drill thing.

« Last Edit: January 20, 2022, 06:11:18 PM by Huzo »

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Re: My V85 top case sucks....!
« Reply #28 on: January 20, 2022, 09:18:02 PM »
Very pretty bike Huzo. I haven’t seen a V85TT in the wild here yet. Probably won’t.
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