I'm about to install eyestraps on my factory side and top cases to allow me to strap on extra crap. Does anyone think it's a bad idea to put the eyestraps in the lid? I'm thinking I will put them on the angled inside portion of the lid of the side cases and then near the outer edge of the lid on top. Should I be worried about the load on the hinge and lock mechanism? Maybe move the eyestraps down on to the case itself? anybody?
tie down eyestraps on factory cases
- Thread starter bloodline
- Start date
I think I'd go with your last suggestion of having the tie down on the actual sides of the cases, this would give extra security to holding down the lids - downside would be you would have to undo to access the cases. I've been no help there then have I ??
BD
BD
no experience with the panniers as I only run with the OEM topbox but i have noted previously that the plastic locking mechanism is the weakest link. I meant more for overloading or closing but in your case if you use the side of the panniers to mount your tie down I'm afraid that you might end up stressing the mechanism by putting downward force on it...then hitting bumps and such.
The topbox has a J hook that is the actual locking arm. If the same is true of the panniers I'd think that would be your potential failure point.
The topbox has a J hook that is the actual locking arm. If the same is true of the panniers I'd think that would be your potential failure point.
I wouldn't be doing anything to increase stress on the latches, including putting tie-down points in the lids. The latches are simply not designed to handle extra stresses like this.
- Mark
- Mark
Camshft
"Nulla tenaci invia est via"
I am about to install the luggage hooks (from Aerostitch) on my factory Yamaha panniers as well. After much consideration, the logical location should be on the side of the panniers. Pics to follow.
Camshaft
Camshaft
Don in Lodi
Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Just thinking on the physics of it. The tie downs on the box will eliminate the side to side and up and down forces on the hinges and latch. Downward force should be acceptable. Not being able to get into your boxes easily will be a pain. Tie downs on the lid... keep the loads real light maybe, no heavy tents, no full riding suits. Gets close to being 'what's-the-point'.
hmmm, just to put this into perspective most if not all aftermarket use all metal hinges and latches. and have positive engagement of the lids. what i mean by that is that it ends up being metal on metal and the latched do not play a part in the engagment of the lid to the pannier. At least all I've seen. Maybe the side opens are different.
The OEMs use an internal system of engagment (please correct me if I'm wrong...using the topbox and my understanding of the OEM panniers). Winching something down on top, if using side attachment points, would also force the lid down on to the PLASTIC" locking and pannier attachment mechanism.
Just saying...and wish you luck.
Please keep us informed as many have the OEM luggage.
The OEMs use an internal system of engagment (please correct me if I'm wrong...using the topbox and my understanding of the OEM panniers). Winching something down on top, if using side attachment points, would also force the lid down on to the PLASTIC" locking and pannier attachment mechanism.
Just saying...and wish you luck.
Please keep us informed as many have the OEM luggage.
There's a large selection on ebaybloodline said:
http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_from=R40&_trksid=p5197.m570.l1313&_nkw=footman+loops&_sacat=See-All-Categories
I bought 10 x 1" stainless for $11. Then still had to buy some SS nuts, bolts and washers at the local hardware, which turned out more expensive than the loops!
These are now on top of my Jesses - which I think I can safely say are more sturdy than the OEM bags that are the subject of this thread. Not sure what I'm going to use them for yet, but probably a tripod (about 5lbs) on one side and tarp or something on the other. Either way not more than 5lbs per side.
At what point should it become an issue of overpacking, or improper-packing? Take everything you want, but only what you need!!! For one example when traveling, I have narrowed it down to not bringing a pair of jeans, whether wearing or packed. I have switched over to micro-fiber zip-off pants and other garments which are light weight. IN the past I have been able to get my sleeping bag, tent and few odds/ends into 1 E21 liter side bag. This is just my own version and way of packing, but some may have never thought of this!!!
But to stay on conversation, I think the eyelets are a neat idea!!!
But to stay on conversation, I think the eyelets are a neat idea!!!
I assume the whole idea of putting tie-down points in the lid is so you can secure stuff TO THE LID, not to the rest of the boxes, otherwise, you wouldn't need attachment points on the lid. As such then, any up/down movement of the load is going to stress what is holding the lid down and for the OEM boxes, that is a plastic latch mechanism that is widely thought to be weak for holding the lids closed to begin with, let alone extra weight you might have strapped to the lid.
Bad idea IMHO. Doesn't mean that it might not work and if you're careful, might hold up, of course. But I'd never do it. The OEM luggage is pretty light duty stuff; it works well if you stay within its performance envelope, but that doesn't include routine overloading and strapping gear to the outside like you can do with many of the more rugged luggage systems with heavy steel full-perimeter mounts, heavy metal boxes, and hardware store metal latches.
- Mark
Bad idea IMHO. Doesn't mean that it might not work and if you're careful, might hold up, of course. But I'd never do it. The OEM luggage is pretty light duty stuff; it works well if you stay within its performance envelope, but that doesn't include routine overloading and strapping gear to the outside like you can do with many of the more rugged luggage systems with heavy steel full-perimeter mounts, heavy metal boxes, and hardware store metal latches.
- Mark
What if you have soft luggage to which eyelets cannot be bolted? On my previous bike (V-Strom) with CL850 bags, I tied sleeping bags, rolled pads, tents, and things shaped like that directly to the bike - like the grab handles and similar mounting points, but resting on top of the bags.
The weight of the items partially rested on the bags but the items barely if at all were attached to the bags. Maybe a strap for stabilization, but mostly just tight to the bike subframe, passenger handles, etc.
So if you're concerned about poking holes in your panniers or stressing plastic hinges, see if you can strap your top-load items directly to the bike. At worst, it's a non-invasive solution.
An expensive alternative is to add a Giant Loop style bag on top of everything. Same concept really, just stuff in bag.
Cheers,
Boondocker
The weight of the items partially rested on the bags but the items barely if at all were attached to the bags. Maybe a strap for stabilization, but mostly just tight to the bike subframe, passenger handles, etc.
So if you're concerned about poking holes in your panniers or stressing plastic hinges, see if you can strap your top-load items directly to the bike. At worst, it's a non-invasive solution.
An expensive alternative is to add a Giant Loop style bag on top of everything. Same concept really, just stuff in bag.
Cheers,
Boondocker
So, after actually looking at my side cases, it is clear that the tie down points closest to the bike (inside) will have to be on the lids. The outside can, and will, be mounted to the lower part of the case. One benefit to using the lid is the passenger grab rails will remain open an useful to my wife. pics to follow.
tomatocity
Active Member
2011 Site Supporter
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
pluric recently traveled with duffles strapped to his OEM sidecases. Maybe he has some experience to share.
Wondering if the tiedowns could be installed on the bottom of the sidecases. The straps could be attached using an X pattern.
Wondering if the tiedowns could be installed on the bottom of the sidecases. The straps could be attached using an X pattern.
Don in Lodi
Well-Known Member
Founding Member
2012 Site Supporter
2013 Site Supporter
2014 Site Supporter
Now that will give you a twisting torque on the lid hinges and latches. The tiedowns will be lifting on the inside, pulling down on the outside.bloodline said:
Yup. I thought of tie loops and changed my mind. The factory handles are a strong option.tomatocity said:
Originally I had put a piece of camp mat foam under the bag. It blew out after a few days.
I had a gallon and a half gas cans in each bag. Sleeping bag and other crap. Just finished
3,900 miles in Baja and they held great! There was some really bad washboard stuff.
Ride Report here. Work in progress.
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=767398
TRUBRIT
New Member
2up Camping trip coming up. One sleeping bag on top of each pannier. Secured to the handles fore and aft and also the grab rails.
PS pushing down on the lid does not put any pressure on the catch itself so putting weight on top has no effect. Believe me I had the catches in pieces at one point trying to figure out the instructions on how to install them so I know them inside out.
PS pushing down on the lid does not put any pressure on the catch itself so putting weight on top has no effect. Believe me I had the catches in pieces at one point trying to figure out the instructions on how to install them so I know them inside out.
