Running a GK top case without side bags.

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  • RedBaron
    • Feb 2026
    #1

    Running a GK top case without side bags.

    Hello, been a while since I've been on here.

    My GS is a GK in pseudo "G" trim. I've got a short camping trip coming up and while I don't need a whole lot of luggage, having a full set of GK luggage around makes me consider using a little.

    I've refitted the rear rack without fitting the side bag mounts. Has anyone tried operating in this manner with the factory top case? I just wasn't sure if the mounts and hardware could handle the weight without the additional brackets reaching the peg bracket.

    I think my newer sport tourer has spoiled me with its easily removable luggage and I've just been hoping for something that I could remove quickly once I arrive. I do know that my new rear signals interfere with the rack bracket, but that's rectified easily enough. Thanks for any info.
    Tags: None
    • Guest
      #2
      I couldn't see why not. I've got a full gk bag set on my 850. I had to make a couple mounts for mine, i think the top rack piece alone would be fine with the top box. This is mine, i love the bags, only run the top box when my wife wants the backrest on.

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        • RedBaron
          #3
          That looks really nice man. I think I'll give it a shot, a little extra storage never hurt a trip. I can't wait to get her out of town. I'd mostly retired this bike into local riding for the last decade. She's since proven herself very reliable (my over aggressive riding slacked) and I feel it deserves the chance to travel once again. I'm still dragging a clutch cable, stator gasket, starter clutch bolts, and spare 5 pin relays along though lol!

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            • Rob S.
              Forum Guru
              Past Site Supporter
              • Dec 2013
              • 9387
              • New York City
              #4
              Looks aside, I think if it was side bags or top trunk, I'd go with the side bags because of center of gravity.

              I'm not a tourer, but this I can advise from experience: load it up full and take it around the block first. The difference in handling and feel can be huge, especially if it's just the top trunk.
              1982 GS1100E V&H "SS" exhaust, APE pods, 1150 oil cooler, 140 speedo, 99.3 rear wheel HP, black engine, '83 red

              2016 XL883L sigpic Two-tone blue and white. Almost 42 hp! Status: destroyed, now owned by the insurance company. The hole in my memory starts an hour before the accident and ends 24 hours after.

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                • geol
                  #5
                  I think the top box without those side bags would be a chick magnet!

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