MYV-STROMPAGE
This is a bit dated, but some folks still find it useful...so I will keep it up for now.
I recently ordered the new 2005 Suzuki saddlebags for my V-Strom. As you may or may not know, the silver luggage rack that comes standard on the V-Strom was originally designed to work with existing GIVI and KAPPA topcases. KAPPA (owned by the daughter of the guy that started GIVI) was the maker of the topcases and sidecases for the Suzuki V-Strom up until 2004. Those cases have since been discontinued. When I purchased my DL1000 in May of 2005, Suzuki did not offer any saddlebags. So, I began searching the internet looking for sidecases. I found a place that still had some of the discontinued KAPPA cases, but they didn't have the color I wanted (black). I got on the KAPPA website and found some really cool ones that didn't have the Suzuki name on it, but would work just as well. Then I discovered that they will not sell to the public and that you have to go through a dealer. The only dealer they have listed for customers in the United States is some place in the Bahama's. I gave them a call and they were surprised to find out that they were listed as an authorized dealer. So I hit a dead end with the KAPPA cases. Next was GIVI. They've got some really nice bags. So many in fact, that I could not make up my mind. So I decided to hold off for a little while (hoping that Suzuki would be coming out with some soon).
Throughout the summer I checked the Suzuki website looking for any mention of new accessories for the V-Strom. I had just about decided on a set of GIVI cases when one day I noticed that Suzuki had just released their new top and side saddlebags. I placed my order right away at Oneida Suzuki, only to find that they were on backorder. So, for the next 30 days I waited patiently. Finally, on August 29th, I received an email saying that my order had been shipped. When the box finally arrived, I was so impressed with the new sidecases. I absolutely love the new design! The only picture I had seen of the saddlebags up until now was the teeny tiny picture on Suzuki's accessories page. I could hardly wait to install them on my bike. The instructions show the parts supplied and offer up some safety advice.....and that's about it. There is a little diagram of the motorcycle with dotted lines showing where the side mounts attach to. The details are so poor that I'm not sure why they even bother including it with the parts. I suddenly found out on my own that the rear (silver) luggage rack that comes with the V-Strom will not work with the new 2005 luggage side mounts. The instructions never mention this, nor do they mention that the diagram you are looking at contains a topcase mount that magically appears on your V-Strom motorcycle. I just assumed that the diagram was showing me a drawing of the existing rear luggage rack that came with my DL1000. I was wrong. I searched the internet looking for anyone that may have already installed one of these new models. No such luck. The cases are so new that I think I may be the only person in the USA with these exact cases at this time. I went back on the Suzuki website and blew up the teeny tiny picture. A-ha! I noticed that the rear silver luggage rack (that comes standard on every V-Strom) is missing. So, I got out my credit card and ordered the topcase and mounting bracket. Luckily, it was in stock. I payed the extra shipping charges and had it sent to me next day. I was totally surprised when my topcase arrived. I just figured it would probably look like any other topcase that I had seen. The two red reflector lenses on the rear of the topcase have the same pointed look as the V-Strom headlights. They look super cool! The picture on the Suzuki website does not show this view. You can tell that this topcase was specifically made for the V-Strom DL1000 and DL650. It doesn't look nothing like a typical generic topcase.
Anyway, moving right along to the installation. I removed the seat and began loosening the bolts on the rear rack. The rack was off in no time. The new luggage rack complete with mounting holes for the side mount brackets was a snap. There are three bolts that hold each side mount to the rear rack. The total installation time for installing the rear rack and the two mounting brackets was less than 15 minutes (not counting the little rubber cushions that protect the cases from the mounting bracket, I did those in the house while watching tv). Make sure you use a 6mm allen (hexed) driver when mounting the brackets. I first started out with a standard set (non-metric) and almost striped out the head of one of the screws. So, make sure your allen set is metric (non-metric looks very similar, but doesn't fit properly). Also, I recommend using a couple of drops of thread lock to prevent any screws from vibrating loose. After installing the brackets, it was just a matter of setting the cases on the mounts and locking them in place. Pretty painless. If I can do it...anyone can. I really love my new topcase and saddlebags, they have given my V-Strom a whole new look and I can't wait to pack them down and hit the road.
I would like to thank Suzuki for remembering us V-Strom owners in the United States. The V-Strom is not as hot of a seller as it is in Europe and other parts of the world (mainly in part because most Americans are too worried about looking cool on their cruisers and choppers...but that's a whole other story). I think the sport adventure bike thing will continue to grow here in the USA. I know the V-Strom may look a little strange to some people, but I believe riding is all about having fun and enjoying yourself (not about looking cool). I will leave you now with a link to an overseas Suzuki catalog that has tons of accessories for the DL1000 and DL650. However, the website is in German...but you can still see the pictures of what all they have to choose from (compared to the accessories available for US customers). I hope this information has been helpful. I only wish someone had posted this bit of information for me when I was purchasing my saddlebag set.
Feel free to contact me anytime with questions or comments via email at: tymm@blizter.com
You may also use the feedback form on this website by clicking the button at the top of the page.
Happy Riding!
tymm (09.14.05)
P.S. - Remember...if you do order the topcase and/or the sidecases, they don't come with the mounting brackets. Those you have to buy seperate. Keep in mind, if you plan on purchasing just the sidecases you will need to order the topcase mount as well (or your side mounts will not bolt to your V-Strom). You can figure on spending around $1000.00 if you purchase both the top and side 2005 Suzuki cases along with the required brackets.
