Custom Harbor Freight Luggage, and a Must-Do Utility Rack Mod

[TrailBoss]

I added Harbor Freight waterproof cases to my Trail. The little one on the front is mounted to the Motoskill front rack. This was an easy installation since I just drilled through the rack and bolted the box on. Two bolts holds it very securely.

The back case is larger, the "2800" size they offer, and I bolted it to the G-Craft rack. I built a custom aluminum plate for the back of the box, then bolted the whole assembly to the G-Craft rack. After simulated drop testing, (laying the bike over onto the case), I decided there is no way that the way the G-Craft rack mounts using the two tool case mounting bolts and some loooooong extension bolts that it would ever survive a crash, or any sort of load. So I fabricated a brace that supports the G-Craft rack via the main rack (see pictures). Anybody who is using a rack that mounts to the toolbox bolts, I would HIGHLY recommend doing something similar. Now I'm happy and it should hold up, time will tell.

 

[oldskool]

Those Apache cases are great. What are you going to carry in the side mount one? Seems like it might be challenging to load or sort through.

 

[TrailBoss]

Those Apache cases are great. What are you going to carry in the side mount one? Seems like it might be challenging to load or sort through.

Something light?

Honestly no plans for anything specific. I originally had a gas can mounted there but I didn't like how it mounted, so i decided to fill the space with the Apache case. A gas can is going to be mounted on the center rack (to-do).

Clam shell cases are annoying, but for $39 (not on sale, cheaper if so) it was a decent use of that space, IMO.

 

[oldskool]

Looks great there and the price on them really cannot be beat. I thought maybe you had plans for rain gear and or tools packed in bags I want to mount a rack up front and put a small Apache as you have done but just cannot get myself to pay the high shipping costs on what I have found available for the front rack.

 

[dmonkey]

Lots of retainer options to make clamshell cases usable, folks have been using them on motorcycles for a long time now with similar designs from hand carried suitcase luggage.

Here's one idea from ADV Forum


Even easier to attach are elastic buckles like on Hepco Becker panniers. Givi have used something similar but with an X pattern. Could also just add a mesh or molle net with hooks or buckles to easily release it.

 

[Shoot870p]

Caribou cases uses small cables on inside to limit the opening space. Works well.

 

[TrailBoss]

Looks great there and the price on them really cannot be beat. I thought maybe you had plans for rain gear and or tools packed in bags I want to mount a rack up front and put a small Apache as you have done but just cannot get myself to pay the high shipping costs on what I have found available for the front rack.

Tools, compressor, spare tubes, etc, are slated for the front box. Well, everything except my 11" tire irons that won't fit. That way they're always there if I need them.

The side box as you've observed would be an excellent spot for quick-need items, like rain gear. I haven't tent camped off this bike yet (only cabin camped) but between my 58L Givi top case and the 50 or so liter dry duffle I can put in front of it, and being able to strap additional dry bags to the top of the Givi, I usually end up with extra space for just weekend trips. This additional case is a bonus.

 

[Cpd419]

I put the small Apache on my center rack. I took the handle off in case it wanted to rattle.

 

[theazexpedition]

I added Harbor Freight waterproof cases to my Trail. The little one on the front is mounted to the Motoskill front rack. This was an easy installation since I just drilled through the rack and bolted the box on. Two bolts holds it very securely.

The back case is larger, the "2800" size they offer, and I bolted it to the G-Craft rack. I built a custom aluminum plate for the back of the box, then bolted the whole assembly to the G-Craft rack. After simulated drop testing, (laying the bike over onto the case), I decided there is no way that the way the G-Craft rack mounts using the two tool case mounting bolts and some loooooong extension bolts that it would ever survive a crash, or any sort of load. So I fabricated a brace that supports the G-Craft rack via the main rack (see pictures). Anybody who is using a rack that mounts to the toolbox bolts, I would HIGHLY recommend doing something similar. Now I'm happy and it should hold up, time will tell.

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Hey! How did you attach the 1800 to the front rack? Pictures by chance?

 

[Farmer Mike]

I added Harbor Freight waterproof cases to my Trail. The little one on the front is mounted to the Motoskill front rack. This was an easy installation since I just drilled through the rack and bolted the box on. Two bolts holds it very securely.

The back case is larger, the "2800" size they offer, and I bolted it to the G-Craft rack. I built a custom aluminum plate for the back of the box, then bolted the whole assembly to the G-Craft rack. After simulated drop testing, (laying the bike over onto the case), I decided there is no way that the way the G-Craft rack mounts using the two tool case mounting bolts and some loooooong extension bolts that it would ever survive a crash, or any sort of load. So I fabricated a brace that supports the G-Craft rack via the main rack (see pictures). Anybody who is using a rack that mounts to the toolbox bolts, I would HIGHLY recommend doing something similar. Now I'm happy and it should hold up, time will tell.

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What I want to know is just how loud did that donkey scream when you drilled that hole in that rack... it's hard to even look at! I'm years away from any such activity.

 

[G19Tony]

Well thought out and executed. Drilling through the motoskill rack is a good idea. I’ll be doing that.

 

[NMCoyote]

What I want to know is just how loud did that donkey scream when you drilled that hole in that rack... it's hard to even look at! I'm years away from any such activity.

These are built for use, and whatever it takes to make them more useful, makes sense to me. They won’t stay new forever, and if they do, you didn’t get your money’s worth!

 

[Farmer Mike]

I get that... mine will not be "new" long. I will do whatever is necessary to use it. But I'll not make any hasty changes... having said that I removed those shiny silver heat shields and turned them black. I have drill presses, welders, grinders and such for a reason, and I use them often. I almost cut off that heel shifter yesterday, but decided to give it a short "stay"... but I think it's gonna go. None of my bikes ever had such, I can't imagine I'll ever use it, and it's seems like it's in the way. A new sprocket arrived yesterday as well... but I'll hold off on installing it for a few weeks so I will have a bit of experience to compare it to. I did mount my BigAnt size medium" crate yesterday it holds exactly 3 paper grocery bags... sorry Kroger, looks like I'll be getting my own going forward. I don't own "safe" queens of any variety. I use everything I own, otherwise why own it. For me, form definitely follows function.

 

[oldskool]

I get that... mine will not be "new" long. I will do whatever is necessary to use it. But I'll not make any hasty changes... having said that I removed those shiny silver heat shields and turned them black. I have drill presses, welders, grinders and such for a reason, and I use them often. I almost cut off that heel shifter yesterday, but decided to give it a short "stay"... but I think it's gonna go. None of my bikes ever had such, I can't imagine I'll ever use it, and it's seems like it's in the way. A new sprocket arrived yesterday as well... but I'll hold off on installing it for a few weeks so I will have a bit of experience to compare it to. I did mount my BigAnt size medium" crate yesterday it holds exactly 3 paper grocery bags... sorry Kroger, looks like I'll be getting my own going forward. I don't own "safe" queens of any variety. I use everything I own, otherwise why own it. For me, form definitely follows function.

Give the heel toe shifter a decent chance. Nothing better when it's cold and you are wearing big clunky boots.

 

[AZ7000']

Try tapping the "heel" part with your toe, it's automatic for me as I've been running the CT-90 that way for many many years. All the other bikes just have the front toe shifter...

 

[NMCoyote]

I was going to remove the heel shifter as well, ordered a replacement that folds, but while waiting for it to come in, I got to liking shifting it with my heel, it seems to upshift smoother then using my toe,

 

[FizzBuzz3000]

I've never had a Heel-toe shifter until I got my Trail, and I love it, more than the regular toe shifter! Just wish it had a folding bit on the shifter, would add a sense of off-road reliability to the shifter.

Maybe I should get one for my CRF250L and watch everyone get bug-eyed when they see it

 

[dmonkey]

@FizzBuzz3000 , I saw in a different thread that you have a 2023 model (JA65) which Honda does offer an OEM accessory folding shift lever for in other markets:

Note that this part ONLY fits the JA65. It does NOT fit the earlier JA55.
Folding Shift Pedal
Part #: 08U72-K2E-J10


It is currently not a USA market accessory, though it is available in Canada. Can be purchased through Webike: https://japan.webike.net/products/25621809.html

 

[FizzBuzz3000]

@dmonkey, I'm aware of it! But for now I'll use the stock shifter. Hopefully this will be useful for other people browsing the thread.

 

[Farmer Mike]

I added Harbor Freight waterproof cases to my Trail. The little one on the front is mounted to the Motoskill front rack. This was an easy installation since I just drilled through the rack and bolted the box on. Two bolts holds it very securely.

The back case is larger, the "2800" size they offer, and I bolted it to the G-Craft rack. I built a custom aluminum plate for the back of the box, then bolted the whole assembly to the G-Craft rack. After simulated drop testing, (laying the bike over onto the case), I decided there is no way that the way the G-Craft rack mounts using the two tool case mounting bolts and some loooooong extension bolts that it would ever survive a crash, or any sort of load. So I fabricated a brace that supports the G-Craft rack via the main rack (see pictures). Anybody who is using a rack that mounts to the toolbox bolts, I would HIGHLY recommend doing something similar. Now I'm happy and it should hold up, time will tell.

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Is your front Rack a version 1 or version 2, and are you still happy with that arrangement. Simply have to have a glovebox... it's time to execute.