Correct C-Bow for V7-II ?

[MGPilot]

Got a question for the brain factory.

From Moto Machines, I ordered a set of Black C-Bow mounts & side bags.

The mounting kit that arrived is:  630.541 00 01 schwarz
The instructions say that this kit is for a V7 classic/special

The instructions note that kit:  630.545 00 01 is for the V7-II stone/special

I contacted Moto Machines who says that the only difference between the kits is the instructions.  Same kit.

Seems like a lot of effort to create a separate part number if the kits are the same.

Is it correct that they're the same kit?....or maybe just that the older kit will fit, but has mounts for a side hand grip that later ones don't have?  (Actually, two different kits but the old one will technically work, just not designed for it.)

Thanks.

[Loftness]

I don't know the product so I can't speak to that, but the mounting points on the V7 didn't change between the I and the II.  The only thing different, on the Stone at least, is the absence of grab rails, which you mentioned. 

[Waltr]

We order from Moto Machine an they are the H-B dist. for the US.  Great people and service, in my dealings with them they can be trusted and do not make stuff up.
Walt

[sib]

Agree, the different instructions could be a consequence of the absence of grab rails on the V7-II.  No need to instruct you to remove them.

"630.541 00 01 schwarz"  To quote Yogurt (in Mel Brooks's Spaceballs) "May the schwartz be with you."

[ITSec]

Well, there's one thing wrong - you got the 'schwarz' kit, and all Italian bikes need the 'nero' one! 

[sib]

Well, there's one thing wrong - you got the 'schwarz' kit, and all Italian bikes need the 'nero' one! 

Good thing he didn't want a black one.

[MGPilot]

Thanks.  Will try installing everything this afternoon.  Didn't want to start into the kit only to realize that I should have held out for a different part number.

[ITSec]

Good thing he didn't want a black one.

That's only available for Triumphs and Harleys...

[MGPilot]

Installed the C-Bow. The kit only vaguely resembled the instructions.

The leading and trailing brackets were marked Left & Right.  Either it's the wrong kit, or Hans was celebrating Octoberfest a little early.  When installed as marked, the leading bracket was twisted in ways that it simply would not bolt properly to the top center mount that the bag attaches to.





The only way I could get it to align properly was to:
1. Switch the leading brackets, side to side (right one on the left, etc.), and
2. To mount the leading bracket on the inside of the frame.





All the pictures I've seen, show the leading bracket on the outside of the frame. But there was no way the brackets in my kit would align properly with the rest of the C-Bow pieces if they on the outside with the lip overlapping the frame.

The resulting question is, is there enough room if the bracket is on the inside?

Mounted this way, there's a little over an inch between the coil on the shock and the leading frame support.





My guess is that it's enough.

Overall the install looks ok. The basic dimensions & angles look ok.




A couple of notes:

1. Strayker has changed the color of the plastic trim on top of the bags from a more neutral brushed chrome or silver color to a bluish/gray color.  This is a lot more evident in artificial light.  Might affect how you feel it works with the color of your bike.

2. The center, curved attachment for the bags is held to the leading and trailing supports with 4, 13mm (1/2") bolts.



That means that within a few minutes someone can walk away with your side bags with just a 1/2" crescent wrench. They will be nicely locked to the C-Bow....which will disappear with the bags.

A good hardware or McMaster probably has replacements with heads that will make them more challenging to remove.  Won't bother me as the bolts were too long and I had to add extra washers just to keep them from bottoming out.

Will add a photo when I can get the bike out in the sun.

(Easier said than done for some months in Seattle.)

[Cal3Me]

if you don't change out those 4 bolts to something more secure maybe use some red loctite on them

[Cam3512]

I had to use my front mounts exactly like you did.  Wouldn't work any other way.  Have had them on for well over a year, no problem.   Actually made it easier to mount my aftermarket Agostini pipes.

[O]

I also had to switch the "R" and "L" labeled brackets around.  Couple thousand miles since with no issue.  Apparently ze Germans are not so good at ze labeling.

[MGPilot]

Thanks.  The leading supports may match the illustrations in the instructions. But the instructions don't match and are misleading for the V7-II.

The kit & instructions act more like one of the dreaded "universal fit" kits rather than one created for a specific application.

Anyway, I hope my notes & photos will help the next person trying to do this.

It's an easy install if you don't spend a lot of time seeing how, or even if, the parts might actually work.

[MGPilot]

Slightly overcast day.  But....another V7 w/Straykers.
Would look better on a regular silver or black bike.

[jackson]

MGPilot: Those look great on your V7.  My V7 Classic already had the Guzzi leather bags installed when I bought it (used) or I would have bought the C-Bow/Strayker setup that you have. 
Nice addition to your bike.

[Cam3512]

I have the same bags on mine.  Look great!

Only disadvantage is if the rear of the seat is loaded with camping gear, you ain't getting those bags open.  They sit very high.

[MGPilot]

I have the same bags on mine.  Look great!

Only disadvantage is if the rear of the seat is loaded with camping gear, you ain't getting those bags open.  They sit very high.

Thanks. 

I'm more likely to have a key card to the hotel rather than camping gear.  So, won't worry about that one yet.

Will probably add a National Cycle windshield for cold weather (that's easily removable for nice weather) and call it done for a while.

If I really get worked up sometime, I might match the top trim on the Straykers to the bike color. But not laying awake nights about that. Would need to figure out replacement fasteners that are now, lightweight rivets through the plastic trim. I think any typical rivet would crack the trim.

[Cam3512]

Don't sweat the rivets.  The bags are surprisingly durable.