Topic: Krauser side bags for cb500 four

[haill]

Has anyone here had these old style Krauser bags mounted to there CB ? Wondering on the fitment and the basic look. You see them on old BMW's but haven't found any pictures of them mounted on Cb's.
I have a 71 500/four see attached photos for cases in question and bike.
regards Keith

[KeithTurk]

I've got them on my Jam'min Famliy truckster.... and frankly they are Way better then the New Bags on my 09 Ulysses

I like the way they come off and go back on... so on and so forth... the latching system rocks...

here's a picture....

[haill]

thanks for the photos. was thinking of going with just the side bags. they sit further back then had it in my mind, which is good so a passenger can still sit. They also line up nicely with the rest of the bike visually.  Do you have a photo of the mounts/racks on the bike without the cases? Do you know if yours are "stars" 35 litre or "starlets" 25 litre which are slightly smaller.
Here's a photo of the ones I'm thinking of getting. Nice photos, do you live down southern USA?
regards Keith.

[KeithTurk]

I'll get you some photo's of the mounts.... and yes I live in Southern Alabama... but I'm coming to Nova Scotia in the next two weeks....we're racing our Camaro in Maine on the last weekend of the month and then riding the Buell up there.... ( trip sounds really good right now.... it's HOT outside )

[KeithTurk]

I love this bike... Way less then 500 bucks total... Riding it makes me smile... 

First things first.... my bags cost 30 bucks and came with Spiders and well developed bugs of other species... The Fairing was Free and a bit over priced at that... the Pipes are Harley Take off's with a custom made 2 into one converter ( in other words I fabed it up out of Junk I had )

The intent was functional storage while on trips...  this motorcycle isn't about looking good... and it's about being CHEAP....  Proving that money can't buy you happiness... and no amount of black leather or ass'less chaps make you a Motorcyclist...

Yes it rides two up with Zero issues... though I'd move the bags down a bit next time... ( they raise the cg when full )

If you look close the bags are just above the grab rail.... might be better to be even with it or slightly lower... ( pipe clearence is the only real issue )

Keith

[Operator]

I will jump in and say thanks for the post, I just recently aquired a set of these for free! Now I have some of the info I need to get them mounted.

Did you find you had to widen the case frame. Mine seems to be too narrow for my K3.

May be a silly question, but where are you rear indicators now?? I am Ok not having them but I was curious.

On a side note, Haill are you going to the Wharf Rat Rally? 1-6 Sep Digby N.S. (and I know where to camp for free within stumbling distance of downtown)

[KeithTurk]

I think there is around 1/2" clearence between the grab bar and the bag mount on my 550.... you mileage may vary...

The Lic Plate mount was an awesome place to pick up the back and I let it define the fore and aft position of the bags.

My Turn signals ended up in my top box... but I'd hard mount them inside and above the Lic plate if there wasn't going to be a top box.

( Man taking these pictures this morning I realized I hadn't put the dang tag on it this year.... been riding it all year without it... Hmmm  Gotta love Alabama )

[andy750]

Good photos of the rack - thanks! Can you still open the seat ok with the mounts drilled into the frame like that?

thanks
Andy

[KeithTurk]

Now that you mention it, No the seat won't raise normally  ( I have the seat pins out of it )  So, I use the key and simply take the seat off for service... with the bags there isn't isn't much under there I need... most my tools are kept in the well of the Fairing....

[Really?]

Nice photos, do you live down southern USA?
regards Keith.

Kewl, me likee baggers.

I had a good laugh at this.  I would have really thought this picture answered that question!   

[Operator]

Thanks for the info, I am hoping to get mine mounted before the next big trip. I did some measuring, I may have to cut and widen the mounting frame about 1" as it will not quite clear the grab rail. My biggest issue may be my pipe. I have a V & H and it sweeps upward (see pic) I can't tell yet if it will be an issue

[haill]

Thank you very much Keith for getting those photos together helps allot in understanding the set up. They seem like a elegant solution to carrying your stuff on travels. Fits the bike and are period correct. On my bike there is a 4into1 header which is angled up looks like there is room to make it all work,  if one lowers the bags down a touch from your photo looks like 6 inches worth of play.
As to your trip where are you heading? I'm on the Southshore of Nova Scotia, below Lunenburg. If you need a roof let me know.

[KeithTurk]

Thanks.... I think we're good.... My wife and I are racing at Loring AirBase , 31st and the 1st...  My partner is flying in from LA and my other partner is running the Event...  This should truly be epic... 

Then we're going to put the trailer up and ride up there... actually kind of excited to do that part as well...

Keith ( Nova Scotia from Maine is like riding over to Georgia from my house... )

[haill]

Yes I see on the map where your coming in from. There is some great swimming in the Northumberland strait. Warm water. lest for a northern Climate.  And the Cabot trail up in Cape Breton is incredible for driving and scenic beauty. All of the Atlantic provinces are beautiful. There is wide open space and beautiful vistas to be had.
Been down your way  travelling rode my Suzuki GS750es down the Alantic coast  across the southern sections then lived/worked in Cali for a time then back up the Pacific side and across Canada back home. Years ago mind you.
Safe travels and the offer stands if your route takes you down this way.
regards Keith