Vetter boxes for Z1000ST

[Saxonplace]

Just purchased this set of boxes, will be the next project for the Z1000ST when the fairing is finally completed. I already have a good trunk fitted so will just be using the side boxes.
May need some mounting info help from you guys when I get to that stage as they currently came with just some GL1000 frames.

 

[Kynan C.]

Good find in the UK I am guessing. Clean them up, find yourself an emblem for the bag and off you go.

 

[Saxonplace]

Well decided to look at box mounting today and found that it may not be too difficult, hung a couple of temporary brackets from the Rickman carrier and hung one on to take a look. Need to extend the stay that goes to the footrest and find some indicator stalks yet. Will probably scrap old trunk that cam with the boxes for spares and use the one I have fitted previously.

Main problem I have is as seen on last picture I am missing the "unlock" key bracket, does anyone have a closeup of what this is please and how it works?

 

[Larry Fine]

Why do the bags look like they're too far rearward?

 

[Kynan C.]

I would need to see a side profile to tell.

 

[Terraplane Tom]

GL frames can sometimes be modified by just some simple bending. I had a set of the and got them to fit on my Hondamatic 450.

 

[Saxonplace]

GL frames can sometimes be modified by just some simple bending. I had a set of the and got them to fit on my Hondamatic 450.

I have mounted the boxes on the GL frames that came with them and bolted these to the bottom of my Rickman rack, the long bar that I assume attaches to the passenger footrest bolt is about 1" short so unless a GL back end is significantly shorter that the Z I would think the boxes are not far from being in the same position rearwards.
Main problem I have is not having any information or pictures of the "Lock / Unlock" unit that attaches to the back of the frame to secure the bags so I am not sure how to construct something myself.

 

[Terraplane Tom]

Why do the bags look like they're too far rearward?

Because the bags need to be forward and higher as in this picture.

 

[Saxonplace]

This is a side view best I could get leaning over the Pan European.
The reason the trunk is mounted where it is allows the seat to swing open.
The front of the boxes is forward of the rear suspension mounts which I believe is where they normally sit on a KZ.
Remember its a Rickman frame with Vetter box frames bolted to it so will not be a perfect match.

 

[Saxonplace]

Found this info on the saddlebag lock cam that expands the springs, does anyone have a good picture of the actual assembly please? Am I right in thinking the locks just attach to the square bracket and then the cam goes on vertical for the lock position and turns to expand the springs when the key is turned?

 

[Saxonplace]

Because the bags need to be forward and higher as in this picture.View attachment 1164

I have had a further look at the mounts and can raise them another couple of inches and still clear the seat opening, this will also allow for a bit of more of an air gap between exhausts and bottom of boxes if suspension gets fully compressed, thanks for the advice.

 

[Terraplane Tom]

Found this info on the saddlebag lock cam that expands the springs, does anyone have a good picture of the actual assembly please? Am I right in thinking the locks just attach to the square bracket and then the cam goes on vertical for the lock position and turns to expand the springs when the key is turned?

View attachment 1166

Yes you are correct, that is how the saddlebag locks work. And your trunk is in the right place.

 

[Saxonplace]

Due to the limited machine shop facilities that I have (read as hacksaw and a file) the construction of the cams is at this time not practical, I needed someway to get the boxes unlatched when trying out the brackets so came up with this "box removal tool", simply push in and twist and it seems to do the job.

 

[Saxonplace]

2nd fitting of the side boxes now with frames fully bolted on, I have removed metal box trim for re-chroming at a later date. Replaced box locks so side boxes, trunk and the 2 locking fairing pockets now open with the same key. I have also put 2 of the same keyed locks as "dummys" in the frame locks so when I get to make the unlock cams all locks will work with the same key.
The fairing in the picture is an old "tryout" Rickman one for getting the mounting frame and lowers sorted, more on that later.
Next job is to remove fully old indicators and wiring in new ones that are mounted off the box frames on some new Kawasaki KZ400 stems I purchased.

 

[Kynan C.]

Great job lookin' sharp!!! Keep em flowing.

 

[Saxonplace]

Boxes now fitted, still a bit of tidying up to do.

 

[Kynan C.]

Saxon, the bike sure looks great! I am sure you are turning heads everywhere on that side of the planet. Put er on the boat, unload, and lets ride!

 

[Larry Fine]

While I'm happy with the Honda backrest/rack, I have often thought about adding saddlebags to my Nighthawk, so I do envy the good looks of the Z above, but, I must add that the color difference between the trunk and the bags would tug at my OCD strings to no end.

 

[Saxonplace]

While I'm happy with the Honda backrest/rack, I have often thought about adding saddlebags to my Nighthawk, so I do envy the good looks of the Z above, but, I must add that the color difference between the trunk and the bags would tug at my OCD strings to no end.

Yee I agree matching colours would be nice but when you are this side of the water Vetter stuff is pretty limited so you have to get it when you can, Trunk was "New" and cost £30, boxes and mounts along with another trunk which I used the badge off were in a pretty poor state but only cost £40 all together so will put up with it for now. Next project is to get the box trim I removed re-chromed and then maybe see if I can get some painting done.

 

[Saxonplace]

Saxon, the bike sure looks great! I am sure you are turning heads everywhere on that side of the planet. Put er on the boat, unload, and lets ride!

Thanks for that, still more to do but getting closer with every Ebay purchase!