Luggage/Exhaust Interference

[greer]

I'd like to use my SKB cases on the V7 II.  Here they are on the MT-07, mounted on H&B racks:




I need to sell the MT by the way, if you might know anybody interested please point them in my direction.

I've just installed the Hepco Becker racks on the V7, and it looks these cases will sit right above the pipes.  Straighten out the bend at the end of the header and add an extension to the hanger bracket?  These are 27 Liter cases and I'd really like to use them if I can.

Sarah

[Dirk_S]

I could be missing one or two, but it seems like the options are:

• Protect the panniers with a heat shield.
• Change your exhaust.
• Mount the panniers higher.
• Mount the panniers out farther with spacers.

Curious to see what solution is used.

[greer]

Right Dirk, thanks.  I should have been more clear, my first choice would be to drop the factory exhaust as mentioned above, any thoughts on that?  Thanks again.

Sarah

[Ncdan]

It sounds like some fabricating will be necessary but it should be doable. Sometime just a couple inches or as someone pointed out a deflection shield could do the trick. Good luck.

[Dirk_S]

Straighten out the bend at the end of the header and add an extension to the hanger bracket?

Have you considered shorter/smaller silencers, or do you prefer stock? Just wondering what would end up being cheaper solution that still would make for a pleasant one.

[greer]

I'm not opposed to changing the silencers, this bike sat in an open breezeway in N. Florida so there's noticeable corrosion on the factory exhaust.  But I can't say I enjoy repacking mufflers, and from a quick glance the other offerings seem to sit in about the same spot.  I'm all for suggestions and ideas.  Thanks again.

Sarah 

[Zoom Zoom]

I don't know anything about the SKB bags.

Did you have to put some kind of adapter on them to fit the H-B mounts?

If yes, then why couldn't simply mount the adapters at a slight angle or whatever to get the desired clearance? I realize there would be holes that would need to be sealed, but that would be doable.

Of course, as I said, since I don't know about those bags...

John Henry

[greer]

You are right Zoom Zoom, there's an aluminum plate screwed to the back of the bags that let them hang on to the racks.  But with the plate mounted as low as possible the bags pretty much sit right on top of the pipes.  Too close for heat tape to provide enough benefit, I'm afraid.

I think the headers are chrome; we were wondering what might happen to the finish if we tried to take out some of the bend.

Sarah

[greer]

Just a follow up, now that I feel this is tried and true.  I'd posted in the V7 thread over on Advrider too, and Dan (redhawk47) provided the details on mounting his Pelican Storms.  We followed his lead and were able to use the plates to mount my SKB cases using the clearances he suggested.  I've put about 500 miles on the set up so far with no problems whatsoever.  The bottom of the case feels warm at the exhaust exit, but never what you'd call hot.  We took a couple day's ride over in far Eastern KY last week with some buddies, here's a picture from Kingdom Come State Park:





Thanks again for the suggestions, ideas and encouragement, always.  I am enjoying the heck out of this bike.

Sarah

[Zoom Zoom]

Excellent! Glad you got it worked out. Yeah, there is a lot to like about the SB's.

John Henry

[malik]

If you are worried about the heat, you can always cut up a silicone baking tray (takes some 500C) and attach sections to the bottom of the bags. Self adhesive Velcro works & provides an air pocket, too. I like the hot pink ones, but any colour will do.

[greer]

Excellent idea, thank you!

Sarah

[Guzzistajohn]

I put a new set of GIVI's on my LeMans prolly 30 years ago and rode from KC to Abilene, Ks. to find my skivvies melted to the inside of the bag. I had to work commando for a couple of days 

[greer]

   Ha Ha Ha   Thanks for the laugh, and a reminder to always stash my bloomers near the top.

Sarah