Super-Valk Traditional Method

[Alberta Patriot]

A while back I posted about doing the Super-Valk without cutting slots, but instead drilling out the studs and threading the holes instead.
I must have looked at it fifty different ways...got out the cut-off saw installed a masonary blade and CUT THE SLOTS!
The front ones I cut at the same angle as the slope of the support brackets.
The rear ones were cut at 90 degrees to the bottom of the bracket.
My reasoning...if the fasteners ever came lose(which is highly unlikely) my top case was not going anywhere. I also relocated the radio antenna just under the seat next to where the tail light wire connector is located(for which I used a waterproof connector)
The guy I bought the bike from had already installed the tail light because he never rode with the top case mounted...his wiring was pretty sketchy so I rewired it and added a "Backoff" brake light flasher.
BTW...the Mustang Fender Bib...I tried to order on for the Valk and had much trouble finding one so I ordered one that was for the Vulcan 1600 Classic...It fit just fine after using velcro to fasten it at the front under the seat

[Jess from VA]

Nice work partner.   

I had the luxury of buying mine, already done.

I cannot really explain it, the trunk (and all IS bodywork) is lightweight, and more of a sail than a weight problem, even loaded.  But I like riding my supervalk much more than my trunked interstate.  They are both '99 black interstates, both with identical length shocks, PS fork springs, same tires, and pretty much the same doodadery.

The supervalk at 98K, the trunk baby back at 57K.

And with the solo rack (supplemented with a 5/8 dowel ziptied across to keep a big duffel from rubbing my rack-less saddlebag paint, and give me easy access to bags while traveling), I can carry about the same amount of stuff as with the trunk bike.  (And if I load a big bag on my back seat of my trunk bike, I cannot open my trunk at all while traveling)   

[Alberta Patriot]

I really like the way the bike handles without that trunk. I will probably still use it for long distance touring rides...and many of those are with my wife as a passenger anyway. I am now looking into some way to use the Tourer Front Hinges instead of those goofy hooks that came with the I/S. Blum makes some very sturdy drawer slides that can be layed flat and still retain about 30% of their load rating.(100 pounds fully extended) I just need to find a good latching setup to keep them in place while mobile. The thought is to roll the side bags forward enough to raise the lids, or roll the top case back(about 6 inches) The only time I really use the Saddlebags in I/S mode is when traveling and need to accomodate my wife's baggage (about 70/30 ratio)    It is the one issue I have with the bike...especially considering that now I will be riding Super-Valk most of the time, it would be great to just raise the lid instead of removing it.

[Jess from VA]

Well I personally prefer hanging them over the side on cables, than having to flip them up and let the wind close them on me.  If you are running them without the cables, that is a mistake.  I used to, and mine departed the bike several times, one a total loss.

Because I have the bag rails on both bikes, I have removed the rubber-tipped side-standoffs which always get in the way when loading (and closing) the bags full.  I think if you are careful, those standoffs don't really need to be on there even if you don't have the bag rails (which the lids lay on when open hanging on the cables).  But paint could get scratched if not careful.

[Eric58701]

i really want to do this to my 99 interstate, i at one time too it all off to get started but friends wanted to go for a road trip so i put it back together, i this post reminded me i should get it done