To dress or not to dress

[Ncdan]

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.





 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??

[Huzo]

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....!

[Rich A]

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

[Ncdan]

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....!

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.

[Ncdan]

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!

[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!

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

[Yukonica]

 
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.

[Guzzistajohn]

If you were the type that cares what others think, then you would be a Harley dude 

[drdwb]

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.

[80CX100]

     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 

[Huzo]

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..

[pebra]

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.   

[s1120]

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.

[lucian]

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,   

[Guzzi Gal]

You know you've got a looker when you can strip 'er down or load 'er up and she's sexy either way.

[Cam3512]

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.

[kingoffleece]

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.

[Ncdan]

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.

[LowRyter]

I'd rattle can those silver bags.

[Ncdan]

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🤔

[ohiorider]

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

[Lannis]

You know you've got a looker when you can strip 'er down or load 'er up and she's sexy either way.

Wisdom of the ages which many never realize ... and it can only be gained by experience!!   

[Mayor_of_BBQ]

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).

[kingoffleece]

I'd use the GIVI on a more modern bike.  Hey, an excuse for ANOTHER motorcycle!  What could be better than that!?

[Bulldog9]

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.

[kingoffleece]

Just to tempt you................ ..

[Tom H]

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 On my bikes with Wixom side cases, I do use them more than the top, unless it won't fit in the sides.

Tom

[Ncdan]

Are you guys serious about changing the color with spray bombs?

[Mike Tashjian]

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.

[s1120]

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..