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Hard-sided luggage, side and top cases, universal fit, 69L, durable - $250 (Herndon)
Nathan Lane near Builders Road
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* Fits most bikes: The SwooPi rack attaches to your passenger seat (pillion or back part of most motorcycle seats) with cam-buckle straps that you cinch down to your subframe (similar to a tail bag). It's not complicated---easy on, easy off. NOTE: The SWooPi rack sits on the pillion, and that means you cannot take a passenger. However, if you suddenly find you need to take a passenger, you can always drop off the luggage, ferry the passenger, and then return for the luggage later.
* The weight is where it should be: Some luggage is mounted too far back, way past the rear axle, and not surprisingly, this can negatively impact handling and safety when carrying heavy loads. The SWooPi rack sits where the passenger normally sits so the weight is closer to the center of gravity to keep handling neutral.
* The rack and cases are very strong: If one of the 2000-lb Budweiser Clydesdales steps on the SWooPi rack, it won't break. You can take the rack and cases off and use them as a chair if you like---it's pretty comfortable. If your bike falls over in your garage, it will land on a side case. When you pick your bike up again, you will not see any damage on the bike or the case (ask me how I know).
* Quality, waterproof cases: The two side cases and top case are all Harbor Freight Apache 4800 polypropylene cases (similar to Pelican 1550 case). They have 4 latches and may be locked with a padlock (not included). They are heavy-duty, can take a lot of punishment, and weigh about 10 lbs each. These cases come in different colors---I chose black. Should you ever need it, they're easy to replace, costing about $60 each.
* Plenty of volume to fit your stuff: Each case is about 7" high, 15" wide, and 20" long, and I think they hold about 23 liters inside (so, for three, 69 liters total). You can lash more stuff on top of the top case if you like. See the Harbor Freight website for detailed specification on these cases.
* Plenty of weight capacity: Conservatively, you can easily and safely carry 100 lbs---that's a lot more than manufacturers recommend for factory cases.
* The cases are easy on, easy off so you can mix-and-match, if desired: The cases are mounted to the rack with thick, steel mounts. It's easy to take the cases on and off, and that means you can ride with just the side cases (panniers), just the top case, or take all three of the cases---very flexible.
* The SWooPi rack is made from dimension lumber screwed and glued, sanded, and then coated with a nice brown wood stain followed with about 7 coats of spar urethane to make it waterproof. Spar urethane is also used on wooden boats, so it's designed to get wet and not degrade even in the sun. I don't know how to weld, but if I did, I think I'd still prefer wood for the rack because it's easy to make and provides the flat surfaces needed for sitting on the seat and mounting flat cases. The rack is about the same weight as a metal rack yet I think it's at least as strong. Cinching it down with cam-buckle straps provides a stable platform needed to add luggage. Or, if you're a hardcore mile-muncher like I'd planned to be, you can even add an extra fuel tank, if you like, instead of the top case. I have a 6-gallon tank that just tees into the fuel line if you have a carbureted bike---I'd be happy to show you that. The extra tank on my CB750 extends unrefueled endurance to 400+ miles. The extra fuel tank is not included in the price listed and probably not of interest to the casual rider.
* With all three cases, this luggage weighs about 40 lbs which is a lot, but that's what strength costs.
If you're a commuter or have a moto trip planned or just a regular rider who wants to ride your bike to the store and buy stuff, luggage like this is a game-changer. No more cargo net, no more worrying with bungee cords, no more uncomfortable backpack, just big cases that retain their shape so you can pack without hassles. If you have sensitive electronics or just don't want your bread and chips smashed on the ride back home, you can buy with confidence---you will not be disappointed. And, bonus, you'll never again be caught without your rain gear again because now you have somewhere to store it.
If interested, reply via email with your phone number and I'll call or reply with a time so you visit my house and check it out. If you ride your bike over, we can test fit the rack to make sure you'll be happy (or, I can provide measurements).
If you'd like to build your own, email me for free plans. The parts to build your own cost about the same as my asking price, but building your own, you can customize for your motorcycle and maybe improve on my design. Cheers! In 1982-84, Elspeth Beard became the first British woman to ride around the world, traveling 35,000 miles over two and a half years on her 1974 BMW R60/6. She made her own luggage too.
NOTE: This for-sale item includes the SWooPi rack, side and top cases (3 cases), case-to-rack mounts, and cam-buckle straps only---not the motorcycle or the extra fuel tank.