Mounting a Trunk
The XM-5000li (and 3500Li, and other similar bikes) has a sturdy back "rack", but this "rack" has a rounded top surface.
The lack of a flat surface makes it difficult to properly mount a rear "trunk" to the "rack".
Have others found a good solution to achieve a very sturdy mounting?
I put a Givi universal trunk mount on top of the rack, and it works just fine.
The mounting bolts for the trunk pass through the holes in the rack. As long as you don't overtighten the bolts, the trunk rack stays flat, and it doesn't wobble back and forth.
Mike,
The SHAD mounting plate is relatively easily-bent metal, not at all like the rigid-looking "thick" formed plastic plate that you show for the Givi.
But, your picture shows two structures molded into the underside of the "rack", outboard of your connections. I could drill and tap these for bolts. Great picture, Thanks.
In fact, there are two more of those "structures" a few inches further forward that I can also drill and tap.
With these 4 points, and perhaps one additional tie-down point further forward, the trunk (and backrest) should be sufficiently sturdy to take the stresses of a passenger getting on and off.
I can use bolts and extra nuts to make a "flat" plane for mounting the SHAD metal plate, possibly with a 1/4 inch thick aluminum reinforcement plate underneath.
I will post some pictures of the process.
Again, thanks, you gave me the "viewpoint" that I had overlooked.
Later, Gary
Gary, I used the spacer option that was mentioned. I used all 4 bolts to mount mine but a friend did his differently he used only three, using the large center luggage rack bolt as one spot and the two in back like in the picture here. I replaced the curved mounting bracket with a heavy duty washer even though you really can't see them, I thought it would look better. The triangle method helped because the front of the rack is curved more than the back. If you think this will be strong enough it's probably the easiest way. (probably not the best though) Even though I evened up mine with spacers it would rattle on rough terrain so I put thicker pads under the pod (four points where it touches the rack)and now it is quiet all the time.
Ic,
Rubber spacers sound like a good idea.
What trunk did you mount, and, to what, the 3500?
Any pictures?
Gary-- Here is the link to the one big contribution I have made to this forum so far:
http://visforvoltage.org/forum/5352-installing-givi-e470-rear-storage-xm3500
I hope I did that right and I do not know what Grandpa did with the pictures I took but it is all there for you. It is a pleasure to be able to give back to you Gary after all that you have shared. By the way my scooter will be done this weekend (so they say but I will not be able to pick it up until next week as I will be in Denver) I will start a 6kw72volt page once I get it, I also am very interested in adding 4 more cells to get to 28 so the charger thing you shared with Lenny has been helpful....Best Mikie
Mikie,
Somehow the pictures do not show, at least with IE Explorer on an XP
and the Opera browser on the Wii. I would like to see them.
Maybe they are no longer available wherever you had put them?
I will PM you and you can email them to me if you have them,
and I could re-post them for you if you do not know how to do that.
What is the model# of this mount? I have an EVD as well and would like to mount a top box. How much did it cost and all that stuff.
Tony.
What is the model# of this Givi and how much did it cost. I have an EVD and would like to mount.
Tony.
It's the Givi 450 monolock that I have. also a great solution to the curve in the rack is, plastic toilet shims. Get them at any hardwarestore and use a sharpy pen to make them black if you want. The givi cost around $200. Also you need to use thicker pading under the pod to keep it from rattling in my experience.
I posted some pictudes (and a description) of the mounting
of a SHAD "50" trunk on the rear rack of my 5000Li.
Please see them in my "Additions to my XM-5000Li" thread.
- Kudo (3)
I cant say from first hand experience with the xm-5000li, but from looking at it, if you want a nice sturdy flat surfaced to mount a trunk on.... Get a flat metal rack the size you want and secure it on top of the rear rack using 4 or more L brackets bolted into the rack and bike frame. Even pre-made shelves have good quality L brackets for making the shelves sturdier. Even if you have to drill a hole in the body of the bike, you can reinforce it with large washers and locking nuts. Even if they have to be into the plastic body panels 4 or more should make the rack sturdy enough for all but very heavy cargo...
The other option, if you feel the rack is wide enough, is to use metal spacers to make the outside bars of the rack the same height as the inside ones.
Dave ; Florida
XB-600.