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General Category => General Discussion => Topic started by: Ncdan on August 25, 2020, 08:59:05 PM

Title: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 25, 2020, 08:59:05 PM
Ok guys as many of you are aware I got a new to me 02 Stone. The PO had stripped it to the bare bones and I got a factory windshield and a full set of deluxe Givi MonoKey bags and trunk with the deal.
(https://i.ibb.co/WPbqRz9/19386-C5-E-6-C07-447-B-B3-AE-C4819878-EC5-B.jpg) (https://ibb.co/WPbqRz9)

(https://i.ibb.co/8KXp7tQ/258-D6-F3-A-F4-F0-4919-8-E09-2308-EF0-B1588.jpg) (https://ibb.co/8KXp7tQ)

(https://i.ibb.co/P6jfTBg/149-EE801-A4-A4-444-C-AA64-044-F6724-D49-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/P6jfTBg)
 A stripped bike to me is like having teats on a bull, just does not fill the bill. So yesterday I put back on all the good stuff the PO had removed. I must admit it’s going to take a little getting use to. What  say y’all??
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Huzo on August 25, 2020, 09:04:25 PM
When I first posted shots of my Norge fully dressed, some of the comments suggested that the top case looked too big and the arse end of the bike looked “fat..”
I’m bound to admit that in the shed, that was true, but 1000 k North of the Arctic Circle,  Eastern Romania and South of France, it looked perfect.
The message..?
Load her up then ...GO....! :bow: :thumb:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Rich A on August 25, 2020, 09:14:14 PM
The bags and topcase are so easily removable that I'd keep them handy but maybe get a set of E21s or E22s for around town and short rides--they're cheap and functional. Two sets of turn signals in the rear? Looks a little odd.

Rich A
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 25, 2020, 09:14:46 PM
When I first posted shots of my Norge fully dressed, some of the comments suggested that the top case looked too big and the arse end of the bike looked “fat..”
I’m bound to admit that in the shed, that was true, but 1000 k North of the Arctic Circle,  Eastern Romania and South of France, it looked perfect.
The message..?
Load her up then ...GO....! :bow: :thumb:
Hey buddy, I figured you’d be up since it morning down under:)
Yea I really don’t care much about the looks issue. Even around home it’s nice to have places to put things. All the cases can be removed at the turn of a key. However I think the cases looks better than the mounting brackets.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 25, 2020, 09:21:34 PM
The bags and topcase are so easily removable that I'd keep them handy but maybe get a set of E21s or E22s for around town and short rides--they're cheap and functional. Two sets of turn signals in the rear? Looks a little odd.

Rich A
I agree on the turn signals so I figure I take one or the other set off. The trunk also has full functioning lights, stop and turn signal.
Can you give me the information on the other cases you were referring to for local use?
Thanks Rich!
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Rich A on August 25, 2020, 09:33:55 PM
I agree on the turn signals so I figure I take one or the other set off. The trunk also has full functioning lights, stop and turn signal.
Can you give me the information on the other cases you were referring to for local use?
Thanks Rich!

The E21/22s are both top loaders, the 22s are more angular and newer. Not the most stylish things, but I like that they top load and you can get 'em cheap--check craigslist or Ebay.

Rich
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Yukonica on August 25, 2020, 09:54:04 PM
 
For a minute I thought this was work-from-home thread...

Personal preference; unless you are touring or using it for grocery runs the bike is sweet without the extra plastic.
I have HB Juniors on my V7. Don't like the look but can't give up the practicality.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Guzzistajohn on August 25, 2020, 09:56:21 PM
If you were the type that cares what others think, then you would be a Harley dude  :thumb:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: drdwb on August 25, 2020, 09:57:21 PM
My experience / observations are on my EV with top trunk on, I’m much more likely to experience high speed wobble ( 75-80 mph) I may get flamed for this but I only run the trunk when touring long distance and it’s loaded, or with a passenger, but when I’m just doing normal solo  rides and don’t need trunk it’s off, it is a nice place to store helmet when on short runs but I hate the unexpected wobble when on a 2 lane road and I hit it to pass a car. I’ve checked tire pressure, triple tree bearing Wheel bearings and experimented with shock settings, and angle of windshield fairing, everything points to riding with an empty trunk as the source. And with a side wind it does increase the lean effect necessary to keep the gusts from blowing me around. Just my experience. By the way it’s even worse on my Norge with the trunk on, but with all the plastic on it I haven’t found anything to decrease the white knuckle effect of a 20 mph side wind. My wife on the other hand can be riding her baby Breva with a barn door plexifairing on it and cruise along merrily singing to herself frustrated why I can’t keep up to her.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: 80CX100 on August 25, 2020, 10:47:09 PM
     I never noticed the double turn signals until it was pointed out, but then I noticed it looks like two tail lights as well, you'll definitely be well lit up from the rear!

     Depending on use, I find the top cases don't do anything for the lines of the bike,,, if you tour all the time or ride with a passenger who likes the security, I'd leave the top case; but if it's easily removed/replaced, I'd take it off until you need it.

     I have a similar dilemma with my CalVin, I love the protection of the windshield and the convenience of the saddle bags, but imo the top case ruined the lines of the bike and did catch a lot of wind, I took it off this spring and just left the rack, I think it looks much nicer, fwiw.

    Kelly 
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Huzo on August 26, 2020, 04:15:40 AM
Hey buddy, I figured you’d be up since it morning down under:)
Yea I really don’t care much about the looks issue. Even around home it’s nice to have places to put things. All the cases can be removed at the turn of a key. However I think the cases looks better than the mounting brackets.
They just look right, on a bike like that..
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: pebra on August 26, 2020, 05:11:30 AM
I think it looks good, Dan.

When I had the California EV I only had trunks (HB Junior 40 liters) on when going on tour.

You have an astonishing good colour combination, wear the luggage all the time if that's what you prefer.   :grin:

Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: s1120 on August 26, 2020, 05:47:14 AM
You  know.. I hate bags.  I was looking for a sporty Guzzi. Well doesnt my Stone turn up about 2 miles from my house. It comes with bags... Ill remove them on only use for trips...  Ya right..  after about 2 rides I learned how handy they are!!  They are on all the time now. I am not a fan of the looks of top cases though. I would probably pull that till it was needed.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: lucian on August 26, 2020, 06:18:47 AM
Looks great Dan. Glad your having so much fun with your new goose. You'll be able to lug at least 40lbs of lobsters home from Me. with all that storage,   :thumb:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Guzzi Gal on August 26, 2020, 06:51:54 AM
You know you've got a looker when you can strip 'er down or load 'er up and she's sexy either way. :bike-037:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Cam3512 on August 26, 2020, 07:31:36 AM
On my bikes the topcase stays on the shelf unless I'm on a long trip.  Side cases stay put on the bike.  That's what I would do with the Stone.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: kingoffleece on August 26, 2020, 08:58:45 AM
Hey, you asked.  No top case unless needed.

I'd ditch the GIVI, install these, and paint to match.
https://www.nationalcycle.com/cruiseliner-hd.html

I have them color matched on my Jackal and they are far and away what everybody likes best about the bike.  Those bags are MADE for the 1100EV lines and look PERFECT.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 26, 2020, 09:16:39 AM
Thanks for all the responses. As far as the top box application, we are about half and half and I’m in between. They are very handy when left on at all times, especially if you use a bike on an every day basis. When removed there is a nice size luggage rack which can be utilized in different ways. If I could it my way I’d like to be able to remove the entire system including the mounting brackets at one time and have a completely necked bike, which looks good, but very limited in use.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: LowRyter on August 26, 2020, 09:19:25 AM
I'd rattle can those silver bags.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 26, 2020, 09:31:14 AM
Hey, you asked.  No top case unless needed.

I'd ditch the GIVI, install these, and paint to match.
https://www.nationalcycle.com/cruiseliner-hd.html

I have them color matched on my Jackal and they are far and away what everybody likes best about the bike.  Those bags are MADE for the 1100EV lines and look PERFECT.
Thanks for the response King, however I can’t see disregarding a thousand bucks of new Touring equipment to add more of similar that does the exact same job. Heck I only gave 2K for the bike🤔
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: ohiorider on August 26, 2020, 09:32:02 AM
I don't think Givi still makes the lightweight E21 Monokey bags.  I liked them because they have a flat black finish.  They do make the E22, a lightweight Monokey bag that is finished or partially finished in gloss black.  I had a set of barely used E21s from 10 years and another Bonneville ago that I resurrected for use on the new-to-me 2016 T120 Bonneville.

Bob


(https://i.ibb.co/K9YyTHw/2016-Triumph-T120.jpg) (https://ibb.co/K9YyTHw)
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Lannis on August 26, 2020, 09:48:58 AM
You know you've got a looker when you can strip 'er down or load 'er up and she's sexy either way. :bike-037:

Wisdom of the ages which many never realize ... and it can only be gained by experience!!   :bow:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on August 26, 2020, 10:02:29 AM
I would paint the lot with rattle-can 'bumper coating' dark grey (or maybe the light grey will match your sidecovers) from Advance Auto, and leave the top box at home (unless I was on a trip or carrying pilion who needed a backrest).
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: kingoffleece on August 26, 2020, 11:00:49 AM
I'd use the GIVI on a more modern bike.  Hey, an excuse for ANOTHER motorcycle!  What could be better than that!?
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Bulldog9 on August 26, 2020, 11:02:08 AM
Never liked the look of Givi bags, but what do I know, I have no taste.  I do agree with KOF, those bags would look perfect on the bike.  I'd also lose the double rear turn signals.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: kingoffleece on August 26, 2020, 11:05:07 AM
Just to tempt you................ ..
(https://i.ibb.co/42RGPb7/Jackal.jpg) (https://ibb.co/42RGPb7)
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom H on August 26, 2020, 11:29:29 AM
Do what you like best. I like having bags. You never know what you might need to carry home.

On top cases. I find on my EVT that I normally use the top case. Maybe because the sides are side opening and when you load the left one everything falls out as you put it in :shocked: On my bikes with Wixom side cases, I do use them more than the top, unless it won't fit in the sides.

Tom
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 26, 2020, 11:37:44 AM
Are you guys serious about changing the color with spray bombs?
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Mike Tashjian on August 26, 2020, 12:20:22 PM
I put the national bags on and at the time mounts were unavailable.  National suggested I buy the bags and a generic mount which I modified to fit the Stone. I painted the White BMW bags with a rattle can paint made for plastic. One can is a prep which makes the plastic accept the paint better.

(https://i.ibb.co/7QPbh7s/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg)(https://i.ibb.co/zGFCgK3/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg) (https://ibb.co/7QPbh7s)(https://i.ibb.co/99WT5Qc/OLYMPUS-DIGITAL-CAMERA.jpg)
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: s1120 on August 26, 2020, 01:17:08 PM
Hey, you asked.  No top case unless needed.

I'd ditch the GIVI, install these, and paint to match.
https://www.nationalcycle.com/cruiseliner-hd.html

I have them color matched on my Jackal and they are far and away what everybody likes best about the bike.  Those bags are MADE for the 1100EV lines and look PERFECT.

Those are the ones I have on my stone. Not too big, not to small and SPOT on match the bike lines!!  I hear the mounts are NLA though.. 
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom on August 26, 2020, 01:59:36 PM
If you were the type that cares what others think, then you would be a Harley dude  :thumb:

IIRC....He was.    :grin: :grin:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: blu guzz on August 26, 2020, 02:34:51 PM
i keep the topbox on mine because you never know when you will spot a "corn man" selling by the side of the road.  different bike i know, but the box swallowed a dozen ears, a six pack and a bag of ice on the way home sunday.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom on August 26, 2020, 03:11:15 PM
No room in the side bags?  A folding nylon duffle would do that and you can keep it in one of the side bags.  The tendency when on a trip with a pax, trunk gets over-loaded and your center of gravity changes affecting your handling.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: pebra on August 26, 2020, 05:09:42 PM
Are you guys serious about changing the color with spray bombs?

I should hope not!  :shocked:

Seriously, your outfit looks great. Only thing wrong is the colour on the little side cover (blueish?) which should be orange like the tank.
I'd ride it bith bags as on the photos, including the top case. The colour contrasts are just great.

Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Bpreynolds2 on August 26, 2020, 06:18:04 PM
It was always a struggle for me and my 1100 Calis, to dress or not.  To my eyes the bike looks by far stunningly best the more simple it remains.  I still feel like the most you can put on an 1100 and still have it look good is a couple of 30l juniors.  At most.  And then to me the only shields that proved effective were the ugliest by far  :grin:.  But this is just my opinion. 
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 26, 2020, 07:20:46 PM
It was always a struggle for me and my 1100 Calis, to dress or not.  To my eyes the bike looks by far stunningly best the more simple it remains.  I still feel like the most you can put on an 1100 and still have it look good is a couple of 30l juniors.  At most.  And then to me the only shields that proved effective were the ugliest by far  :grin:.  But this is just my opinion.
Too small of bags are like too small shoes, they my look good but you’ll be uncomfortable with them the more you walk and need them.  Bigger is better when it comes to luggage, even pertaining to motorcycles 👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Bpreynolds2 on August 26, 2020, 09:07:14 PM
Too small of bags are like too small shoes, they my look good but you’ll be uncomfortable with them the more you walk and need them.  Bigger is better when it comes to luggage, even pertaining to motorcycles 👍

Dan, I disagree but in the end do what works for you.  I used to dress all my bikes with the stuff.  Hepco, Givi, all of it.  Later I found that all that luggage and all those frames to hold it, they made a serious difference on the motorcycle in terms of handling and even enjoyment; it wasn’t just about looks.  The Calis I had felt a lot more “fun” without all the baggage on it.  For the last many years what I’ve gone to is mainly lightweight, tie down dry bags that are even more waterproof while still saving a ghastly amount of weight.  When I took my 950SM across the country I had a canvas tank bag, a duffel roll bag and two semi-rigid panniers.  Even said, there have been a few bikes I owned that looked “better” with that luggage.  The GT1000 I once owned had a ludicrous high fender that the HB luggage hid quite well and looked good doing it.  But I digress.  Shoot.  I’m just jealous you got one of those fancy orange ones that I could never score!  :boozing:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 08:30:48 AM
Dan, I disagree but in the end do what works for you.  I used to dress all my bikes with the stuff.  Hepco, Givi, all of it.  Later I found that all that luggage and all those frames to hold it, they made a serious difference on the motorcycle in terms of handling and even enjoyment; it wasn’t just about looks.  The Calis I had felt a lot more “fun” without all the baggage on it.  For the last many years what I’ve gone to is mainly lightweight, tie down dry bags that are even more waterproof while still saving a ghastly amount of weight.  When I took my 950SM across the country I had a canvas tank bag, a duffel roll bag and two semi-rigid panniers.  Even said, there have been a few bikes I owned that looked “better” with that luggage.  The GT1000 I once owned had a ludicrous high fender that the HB luggage hid quite well and looked good doing it.  But I digress.  Shoot.  I’m just jealous you got one of those fancy orange ones that I could never score!  :boozing:
Thanks for your response B and I think you made the most important point in the conversation which is this. Some riders like dressers and some don’t. If one does not they probably don’t like any type of cases. I’ve always had a full dress bike so that’s what I like and a stripped bike is Alien to me.
I must say I don’t quite agree with the degree you are saying that bags drastically changes or hampers a bikes Preformance. I have pushed my baggers on roads like the Dragons Tail that challenged sport bike riders that couldn’t seem to put space between my bike and theirs. Unless you are riding in knee dragging speeds and top end speeds, which are ridiculous in the first place, bags should not be an issue not withstanding other bike issues causing the problem in the first place.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: larrys on August 27, 2020, 08:37:58 AM
I like my Cal nekkid. My riding consists of short hops and day rides on nice days so bags and a shield aren't required. If I do want to haul some stuff, I still have the 1980's Bagman soft bags and tank bag from my long gone SP.
Larry
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 08:53:02 AM
I like my Cal nekkid. My riding consists of short hops and day rides on nice days so bags and a shield aren't required. If I do want to haul some stuff, I still have the 1980's Bagman soft bags and tank bag from my long gone SP.
Larry
👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 10:36:08 AM

(https://i.ibb.co/hL9PWT7/DA0-F4866-D179-40-FE-8-C32-7-CD9-EB324-F9-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hL9PWT7)

(https://i.ibb.co/1qPJmr3/9606523-D-D951-4281-B7-DB-AECF3-F13-B399.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qPJmr3)

More acceptable to some, same to some and worse to some?
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Mayor_of_BBQ on August 27, 2020, 10:57:00 AM
Are you guys serious about changing the color with spray bombs?

(https://shop.advanceautoparts.com/wcsstore/CVWEB/staticproductimage//3278/large/11313389_sem_sem39193_pri_larg.jpg)

I used this product from Advance Auto to paint the 'sponsons' and fake chrome winglet things on my Breva, also the plastic center piece on this 1200 sport bikin fairing... it has held up amazingly well and looks stock... I have had several people remark "I've never seen one that color!" so it looks pretty well stock. It has slight texture, nothing like wrinkle paint or bedliner, but not made to lay smooth and glossy.

(https://i.imgur.com/FsP52SX.jpeg)
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom on August 27, 2020, 01:07:17 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/hL9PWT7/DA0-F4866-D179-40-FE-8-C32-7-CD9-EB324-F9-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hL9PWT7)

(https://i.ibb.co/1qPJmr3/9606523-D-D951-4281-B7-DB-AECF3-F13-B399.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qPJmr3)

More acceptable to some, same to some and worse to some?

Personally, I'd put the trunk on the bike for a tour.  The trunk hangs out there like a canard.  It's the visual thing but your bike and screw the critics.  :boozing:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: pebra on August 27, 2020, 02:52:51 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/hL9PWT7/DA0-F4866-D179-40-FE-8-C32-7-CD9-EB324-F9-E.jpg) (https://ibb.co/hL9PWT7)

(https://i.ibb.co/1qPJmr3/9606523-D-D951-4281-B7-DB-AECF3-F13-B399.jpg) (https://ibb.co/1qPJmr3)

More acceptable to some, same to some and worse to some?

Put the trunk back on.
Makes the bike more complete, given that colour combo.
Can you paint that little side cover orange?
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 03:16:11 PM
Put the trunk back on.
Makes the bike more complete, given that colour combo.
Can you paint that little side cover orange?
Well I reckon I could but I don’t think it would be a good idea to change the color scheme on a rare colored bike.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Yo Man on August 27, 2020, 05:45:45 PM
That bike is gorgeous and looks to been in pristine condition. You only paid $2000?- that's amazing.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 06:06:56 PM
That bike is gorgeous and looks to been in pristine condition. You only paid $2000?- that's amazing.
Yea it was a lucky find, it only had 9700 miles and a garage kept one owner. He threw the full set of like new Givi luggage for 250.00 extra.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Cam3512 on August 27, 2020, 06:29:44 PM
Dan buddy, gotta be honest here.  But you asked.  Those Givis look horrendous on that bike.  Sell all the bags and mounts, and buy something else.  Do you take long overnight trips?  If not, throw a temporary tail bag on for some temp storage.

KOF has some good advice with his hard bags.  Imagine them in that creamsicle color.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 27, 2020, 07:32:56 PM
Dan buddy, gotta be honest here.  But you asked.  Those Givis look horrendous on that bike.  Sell all the bags and mounts, and buy something else.  Do you take long overnight trips?  If not, throw a temporary tail bag on for some temp storage.

KOF has some good advice with his hard bags.  Imagine them in that creamsicle color.
Thanks for the honesty in your opinion.
Yes I take extended trips on my bikes. I also use a MC as a utility machine as I make runs to hardware stores, Walmart and to pick up groceries. This is the reason I have always road and owned touring bikes. Therefore the large Gouty looking bags serve the purpose extremely well for my needs. The fact I only have 2225.00 in an almost new bike, well I can live with the ugly as I have no shame with this guzzi👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: kingoffleece on August 27, 2020, 09:28:44 PM
THAT is such a great color combo.  I absolutely love it.  I'm with Cam.  I'd dress up that gal and show her off every chance I got.  I'd use the truck for the store, or the Norge.. Just sayin.............. ...but she's SO very lovely it seems  right to make her a show model.  All my British friends, I can hear them now.  "She's a saucy tart, that one is!"

At any rate, what a find you made.  Good on ya, mate!
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: 80CX100 on August 27, 2020, 11:34:28 PM
      I'm not much for rattle can paint jobs ever since I ruined my H2 back in the day when the first 3 cans of Candy Apple Blue sprayed perfectly, and the 4th can sprayed out like dusty cobwebs ruining the whole thing  :thewife:

      I don't think I'd ever risk trying to match that creamsicle orange, but if the silver parts of the bags were blacked out with some of the black sprays that have been posted and used successfully, I think from 20 ft your bike would look twice as nice and it would really make that orange tank pop.

      fwiw

      Kelly
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 28, 2020, 12:56:31 AM
      I'm not much for rattle can paint jobs ever since I ruined my H2 back in the day when the first 3 cans of Candy Apple Blue sprayed perfectly, and the 4th can sprayed out like dusty cobwebs ruining the whole thing  :thewife:

      I don't think I'd ever risk trying to match that creamsicle orange, but if the silver parts of the bags were blacked out with some of the black sprays that have been posted and used successfully, I think from 20 ft your bike would look twice as nice and it would really make that orange tank pop.

      fwiw

      Kelly
Lol, painting a set of 800.00 travel luggage with a can of spray paint, of any color, doesn’t sound like a sensible Or reasonable thing for anyone to do. However thanks for the tip but I guess I’ll just live with the bags as they are👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Bpreynolds2 on August 28, 2020, 08:14:16 AM
Lol, painting a set of 800.00 travel luggage with a can of spray paint, of any color, doesn’t sound like a sensible Or reasonable thing for anyone to do. However thanks for the tip but I guess I’ll just live with the bags as they are👍

It’s actually not difficult nor unusual at all, Dan, although there is a learning curve to it I’ve found.  Heck, HB even encourage you to do the same with their flash bags; you paint/match the color swath with your own bike.  With the right sandpaper set and the right method you can get a very professional looking finish. My first set I did with a former Stone I had were okay but I wasn’t using the right method.  Later, properly using different grades of sandpaper, some wet, I was able to achieve near perfect results. But as I stated in an earlier post, I’d never bother with it now and instead, sell them all and get the dry roll bags.   :thumb: :grin:
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 28, 2020, 10:12:40 AM
It’s actually not difficult nor unusual at all, Dan, although there is a learning curve to it I’ve found.  Heck, HB even encourage you to do the same with their flash bags; you paint/match the color swath with your own bike.  With the right sandpaper set and the right method you can get a very professional looking finish. My first set I did with a former Stone I had were okay but I wasn’t using the right method.  Later, properly using different grades of sandpaper, some wet, I was able to achieve near perfect results. But as I stated in an earlier post, I’d never bother with it now and instead, sell them all and get the dry roll bags.   :thumb: :grin:
Yea I have painted parts in the past as I’ve been involved in working in a body shop in my youth. With the knowledge of knowing sandpaper grits and water sanding,  flawed paint can be corrected. That being said if these bags were already flawed and ruff I wouldn’t think twice about painting them with a spray rattle can. However mine are like new condition and I feel that attempting to take a chance of totally ruining them would be foolish and the thought of stripping them back off, finding a buyer, going through the problems reselling them, then finding replacements and going through the remounting them is just a little too much at this time. Thanks for your response 👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: ejs on August 28, 2020, 01:14:05 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/YQ9K24Q/a6-54-21-H1-Easy-Custom-Acces-Hartschalenkoffer-Set1002920774019.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YQ9K24Q)

(https://i.ibb.co/Qn52CtS/20190709-174001.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qn52CtS)

Small 20litre cases for daily use. Mounted on the HB racks.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 28, 2020, 02:18:32 PM

(https://i.ibb.co/YQ9K24Q/a6-54-21-H1-Easy-Custom-Acces-Hartschalenkoffer-Set1002920774019.jpg) (https://ibb.co/YQ9K24Q)

(https://i.ibb.co/Qn52CtS/20190709-174001.jpg) (https://ibb.co/Qn52CtS)

Small 20litre cases for daily use. Mounted on the HB racks.
Are those painted with spray cans? If so they do look nice. 👍
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom H on August 28, 2020, 10:51:36 PM
If you remove the logo from the back of the lid, they can be found on fleabay for not too much money. Looked at those for my HD.

Tom
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: ejs on August 29, 2020, 04:51:30 AM
Came black from the shop. One drawback,,,, tales 3-4 minutes to dismount because no original mounts.
Cost me ca. 120 us dollar.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: flower_king001 on August 30, 2020, 04:03:13 AM
IMHO the bike looks fine

I personally don't ride a Guzzi for the looks

As for luggage I find it very practical and would not worry about the looks. My main concern would be if i had enough room for my needs.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on August 30, 2020, 09:13:04 AM
IMHO the bike looks fine

I personally don't ride a Guzzi for the looks

As for luggage I find it very practical and would not worry about the looks. My main concern would be if i had enough room for my needs.
I totally agree FK. If one wants snd needs luggage to fit their needs in a bike to use smaller one just for the looks aspect is foolish. My sons HD soft tail deluxe came with factory side bags and they look great. However his rain gear barely fits in one and the other only holds a couple items like a pair of
Sneakers and other small items. He always must add a large duffel bag to complete his needs for a few days trip. Yep like I’ve always said, with luggage, as most everything else, if you’re going to kill a bear, kill a griz 😂😂😂🤔
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Muzz on August 31, 2020, 04:19:50 AM
IIRC....He was.    :grin: :grin:

And then he caught the disease... :grin:

I must say Dan, it looks to be a nice tidy machine.  Looks good.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: BrotherJim on September 01, 2020, 12:44:06 PM
Are you guys serious about changing the color with spray bombs?

I did that to my '02 CalStone and it's awesome!  Mine was exactly like yours but the paint was in bad shape.  As far as your Givis, they are period correct + Italian and I think the color is close enough.  I have the Givi Wingrack II from my sold Bandit 1200.  It is a nice and sturdy rack, but I never cared for the looks of it without the bags.  All the more reason to leave them on if you've got the space.  I enjoy the stripped-down style of my CalStone, but I'm able to run my old Givis thanks to Rich A sending me a set of side racks from a Bassa he was parting out.  Looks good with bags on or off. 
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on September 01, 2020, 03:02:21 PM
Thanks for the reply’s Muzz and Jim. I know the bags look a little big on the Stone but I’m really not concerned that much with looks but functionality. I think I will only use the monster trunk when needed for multiple nite rides and just use a little bag on the rack.
I’m really getting use to the Stone and started to develop a bond. I’m getting ready to do a 1000 mile trip to the OBX of NC and that should complete the bond.
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Tom on September 01, 2020, 05:15:10 PM
What Moto Guzzi did you have before?
Title: Re: To dress or not to dress
Post by: Ncdan on September 01, 2020, 06:14:27 PM
What Moto Guzzi did you have before?
1st- 2004 cal EV
2st- 07 cal vintage
3rd- 2015 1400 tourer
4th, 2002 stone