RSTD, Extra Storage Space

[GeorgeS]

I decided I need a bit more storage space, on the new 08 ( well almost new ) RSTD.

 

So last week, I spent about $100 bucks for supplies, and went to work, while the Seattle Rain, was pouring down all week.

 

Well, looking at the bike I realized there was " Unused Space " located under the luggage rack mounted to the sissy bar. ( Stock yamaha accessory )

 

I do not claim to be the best sheet metal fabricator around the block, but it came out pretty good, ( if I do say so myself ) And, it works.

I started with some foam flower pot material, to create a mold, to fit the avialable space on the bike.

Then cut sheet metal, and built the trunk useing 3/8 angle aluminum , and a lot of " pop rivits " . Then finished it off with Auto body, bondo, and a lot of Dupli-Color paint.

Anyway, if you need something like this, I'm sure there are fabricators out there that can do a much better job of it, ( maby with all fiberglass, or, carbon fiber, material ) but, hey, this works for me.

 

Anyway some photo's included here, any and all critisisum is welcomed !!! :whistling:

Edited April 27, 2013 by GeorgeS

[Brake Pad]

Great Idea, Now you got everyone thinking......

[deepforkriver]

I currently work for a fair size steel fabrication shop and from your pictures I can say I have seen worse come out of our shop than that. I know how difficult it can be to bend and fit steel OR aluminum and I would say you did a very admirable job. Very Nice!

Excellent place to store insurance, billfold or any other necessary's.

You get the two thumbs up award for today!!!

:thumbsup2:

 

Now get that sucker on the road!

Be Safe,

James

[Leland]

Good idea! Looks very nice. I've always thought that that space would be ideal to mount an auxiliary fuel cell.

[FuzzyRSTD]

Now add some lights to it. Nice job there. Good idea.....

:thumbsup2:

[djh3]

Cool idea man. Patent pending I'm sure. lol

[GeorgeS]

Actually, there is still a little more space under the thing, !! If I was to do it again, I think I could actually increase the storage space.

 

Next time I pull it off, I should take exact measurements, and draw up a " blue print "

 

Useing the space for Extra fuel storage, another good idea. Hmmmm ??? now you got me thinking.

But welding up an Aluminum, fuel tank, is way beyond my skill level. But I'm sure there is sombody out there who could do that. !!

 

I'm thinking, building it with 1/4, high quality ply wood, and then Applying Fiber Glass material, inside, and outside, might be a better method of construction.

 

I might add a couple extra " brake lights " on the rear end of it ??? well maby.

[RSTDdog]

Thats a great concept. The foam form like you built for this can be used to make the mold then hand laid fiberglass would be all you need.

[BigLenny]

That's pretty dang cool looking! Awesome job!

 

On a long trip, I always use that area to hang a soft bag full of our extra shoes. Pretty good space under there.

 

Just another reason why I'm confused about trading my RSTD for a Venture. That area under the rack, plus my huge Saddleman t-bag, plus a roll bag on top holds way more stuff than a trunk with a bag on it.