Luggage Rack Storage Options

[spliff]

Curious to know where everyone keeps their U locks, tools, puncture kits etc.
I was surprised to find zero storage space under my 21 DL650 seat and turned my attention to the luggage rack. I know a top box would be a sensible option but never really been a fan of them and prefer my Kriega US20 for longer trips. Having exhausted Google, I thought I would ask a more knowledgeable collective.  The only thing I have come up with so far is a Kriega US5 but the straps are too long for the luggage rack and I was hoping for a more permanent fixture.  Any suggestions  ?

[Upt North]

I see hard luggage in your future Spliff.
Upt'North.

[Rusty Nuts]

"more permanent fixture" definitely sounds like a top box to me. Much like a 52L Kappa Trekker type. Like the one I've got for sale......


https://www.v-strom.co.uk/smf/index.php?topic=40588.msg416330#msg416330

[spliff]

Yeh I know but I am going to resist as long as possible. For the moment I just need a place to put the essentials on day trips, rather than wear a back pack, 5-10 litres would be fine. Smallest top box seems to be 26l and all the tail bags can't be secured.

[Rusty Nuts]

Tank bag?

[Rixington43]

All my essentials like wallet, phone, disc lock etc for a short day out go in a Givi Tanklock tank bag, that way it's a super quick on and off for things like coffee and petrol fill ups.
Got to say, I was against top boxes as well since I didn't want to look like a pizza delivery boy. Got the Vee which basically has a walk in wardrobe on the back and wouldn't ever go back. It turned a toy in to a mode of transport and meant I used the bike way more instead of the car. I'll never walk around carrying my lid or wondering who's knocked it off my mirror ever again 😉

[Upt North]

Resistance is futile......
 

[crump]

Didn't have a top box for years and years, thought they looked poxy. Having had one for about the last 12 years, wouldn't be without one, so easy to stow all your crap......think they still look poxy though

[Oop North John]

Having one of the smaller Ventura bags is an alternative if you hate top boxes / excess amounts of straps. Just about zero security though, and not cheap. But then it can be used for bigger bags if heading away for a while.

https://ventura-bike.co.uk/collections/Suzuki/products/Suzuki-dl-650x-V-Strom-17-18

[deecat]

I have removed the EVAP box under the seat on my 2021 650 and now I can fit a puncture kit with compressor ,a small socket set and the tool kit with better spanners in its place.

I ran the same setup for 4 years on the 1000 with no issues.

[Upt North]

Now you've got my interest Deecat.
We need knowhow, do's and don't's and anything else you can think of.
A piccie would be nice.
I think I saw there were joins on the pipes behind the battery box. It'd certainly be a useful space. Did you just join them up or is it really hard.......I'm guessing the latter.
Upt'North.

[spliff]

I wondered what the annoying waste of useful space was Deecat. Guessing its safe to remove and would only upset those oh so clever people in Brussels ?
Still thinking about adapting a tail bag though, haven't seen Ventura stuff before, nice but looks like you still need to buy more brackets. I was kind of hoping to make some practical use of the 'waffle'.
Thanks for all the comments so far.

[Upt North]

Deecat,
I've just read that one would require venting to the ground and one would need to be plugged.
Confirmation and details would be great.
Ta me duck.
Upt'North.

[Upt North]

Spliff,  for raising the issue. I would like that space too.
Upt'North.

[Barbel Mick]

I think I've seen a post on here about someone using something similar to this.
https://www.vidaxl.co.uk/e/vidaxl-protective-equipment-case-27x24.6x12.4-cm-black/8718475978527.html?
I'm sure there would be a reasonable way to fit quick release fittings if necessary?

[Oop North John]

I had one of these on another bike and IIRC did well in a Ride test: https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/274769

[Bobmc]

The Givi tank bag is a great accessory and would fulfil your needs

[deecat]

You do need to plug the hose from the engine the one with the blue dot ,I used a 8mm bolt.

I then extended  the other hose to make it longer and fed down the bike just like overflow tubes used to be.

[Upt North]

  Deecat.
Have you noticed any differences or problems since doing it.
My reason would be purely extra under seat storage. Well.......any under seat storage really.
Upt'North.

[deecat]

It has made no difference to how the bike has run over the last 1000 miles .
I have also cut our the two lugs that held the unit in place by just cutting them on one side with a Stanley knife and then bend them over until they just snap.
I have been out this morning and decided to stop and alter my left adjustable foot peg, using the little socket set under the seat so I know that when I am out and about I can get by with the items under the seat.

When looking for a new bike one of the first things that I do is check the under seat storage.
I have been spoilt over the last few years running a number of NC750x with the huge trunk compartment but that is quite unique.