Dash Shelves - Ron Smith vs. Buck Sport Touring

[Big Al]

Hi All,
I'm interested in getting a Dash Shelf for my ST1300.
I see a lot of people on this web site using the Ron Smith's product.
Does anyone know the pros/cons between his prodouct and the one from Buck Sport Touring (http://hometown.aol.com/lrbuck/shelf.html)?

Thanks

[crazykz]

Hi All,
I'm interested in getting a Dash Shelf for my ST1300.
I see a lot of people on this web site using the Ron Smith's product.
Does anyone know the pros/cons between his prodouct and the one from Buck Sport Touring (http://hometown.aol.com/lrbuck/shelf.html)?

Thanks

You have to cut the plastic on the upper fairing in order to accomodate the Buck Sport one unless something ha changed.

If you want the Ron Smith one you better hurry as the last of them are being sold and the profits going to his widow.

Curt

[Big Al]

If you want the Ron Smith one you better hurry as the last of them are being sold and the profits going to his widow.

Curt
Hi Crazyk
Where can I purchase the Ron Smith's product?

[Big Al]

Thanks Charlie,
I called the # provided on that thread and found out that they are all out of stock on the ST1300's. I was given a new # belonging to the fabricator as it sounds like he is going to continue making them. - For anyone who is interested you can call [Roy Fletcher 425-742-5995] to order one.

Has anyone out there installed the BuckSportTouring model?
I'm interested to hear your comments.

Alan

[wjbertrand]

Hi All,
I'm interested in getting a Dash Shelf for my ST1300.
I see a lot of people on this web site using the Ron Smith's product.
Does anyone know the pros/cons between his prodouct and the one from Buck Sport Touring (http://hometown.aol.com/lrbuck/shelf.html)?

Thanks

Don't know for sure but I heard the buck sport touring one intereferes with the windscreen when it's fully retracted. I bought the Ron Smith one instead.

[STCPO]

I originally purchased the Buck shelf and found that the quality of it was excellent. However, I did not like the fact you had to notch the upper fairing and you also lost about 1 - 1.5 inches of windscreen play. I returned the Buck shelf and went with Ron's design.

If Ron's fabricator is going to continue to make them, it's worth it to wait for him in my opinion.

Pete

[Big Al]

Thanks for the input.
I spoke to Larry Buck on the phone just moments ago.
He explained that, a while back, he had one batch, of an early design, that did in fact restrict some of the windscreen play at the lowered position. The design flaw had been fixed by shortening the length towards the front of the the bike. He has assured me that it has been tested with the winshield in all 3 of its manual mounted positions in combination with the automatic adjustment.

As for cutting out 2 slits in the cowling to install the support struts. There are templates provided to make it easy.

Its a tough decision between the two. I think the turned down front panel, on the BuckSport dash, might be a cool place to add some buttons and switches.

[crazykz]

Do be aware that if you mount anything to your clutch or front brake resevoir you might find interference with that turned down lip.

I really liked the Buck one but I have a policy of not cutting any of my bike to keep the resale value up. I love the Ron Smith one and hope that they will continue to make them.

I'll include a picture of that light I have. I don't have a write up on it but it's not hard to do.
http://www.hard-core-ware.com/images/dash1.jpg

Curt

[crazykz]

Its a tough decision between the two. I think the turned down front panel, on the BuckSport dash, might be a cool place to add some buttons and switches.

The shelf for the 1100 had powerlet plugs and switches there. I really with they had done that on the 1300 but I don't think there is room for them because the upper lip of the dash would get in the way. Not sure but I think that is the case.

Curt

[Big Al]

Wow Curt!
You've got a lot of kool stuff there. You could probably use 2 dash shelves.
That map light is a super idea.

Looking at the pics on the website, I'm shure theres some room behind there near the middle but, you do make a really good point. I would have to see more pictures of the Buck model before planning to add switches or buttons.
The turned down front panel being that close to the dash lip should mean minimal (if any) interference with anything mounted to the clutch or brake resevoir. Don't you think?

So far, I'm thinking the only con with the Buck model is the cutting of 2 slits. in the cowling for installation. I've seen the detailed write up on Ron's model. It looks real easy and nice. It would be nice to see one for the Buck model.

Still undecided.
Alan

[crazykz]

Here's my install write up in case you need another:
http://www.hard-core-ware.com/howtos/index.php?page=shelf

Curt

[crazykz]

Actually I was just looking at a picture I took from the side of my shelf. Depending on how Buck did it there may actually be room behind there for switches.

http://www.hard-core-ware.com/howtos/shelf/images/fullsize/IMG_0433_fs.jpg

Curt

[crazykz]

I just ordered a new mount for the Garmin from Dick Seng.

Curt

[Big Al]

Thanks Curt,
So far there's been a lot of really good pictures of Ron's shelf. With your last post I see another pro with Ron's model. The overhang will probably help in the prevention of "Dash Branding" from exposure to the sun. Its really helpfull to see all those pictures to get a feel for how its going to look on my bike.

It would be nice to see more pictures of Larry's shelf too so, I just sent off an email to Larry Buck asking for a detailed write up. I'll post any information he gives me as soon as I get his reply.

Thanks
Alan

[Kempo-STer]

I agree with RC...Shees Curt...
You seem to have WAAAAY too much time on your hands..
BTW (I'm jealous)

[crazykz]

Guys if I could make a living doing this stuff I would but we all know what a bunch of cheap asses we are (including myself) so there's no way I would ever make any money at this. I am glad that I can help other people though because I've been down the unknown road of farkling and want to help take some of the mystery out of it.

If I sold a product I would document the hell out of it and have all kinds of pictures for people but if you offer things for multiple bikes you'll never have enough resources to document it for every bike.

Anyway, I know I seem to have a lot of time on my hands but I steal time when I can get it during the day.

Curt

[crazykz]

Ok so I need more money to get more bikes so I can offer products for more bikes that I need more money for to buy.

Yeah that seems like it would work. Let me go write that down as a business plan. ;)

Curt

[Big Al]

OK.... Here's Larry Buck's reply for the info on his shelf:

In a message dated 8/2/05 8:59:02 AM Eastern Daylight Time, Alan.Cyr.ctr@hanscom.af.mil writes:

I was wondering if you may have a detailed write up, and some pics, on the installation of your dash shelf?

Alan,

Thank you for your call yesterday and for the post to the List.

This shelf was originally developed for Elliott Green's (ST Therapy) ST-1300, before other versions became available. I installed just about everything one could want in an LD mount for Elliott, including my shelf, extra fuel, heated grips, CB radio, accessory fuse block, switch box, GPS, Valentine RD, heated seat, cruise control, etc. etc.

During the development of the shelf, we went through quite a few prototypes that used various existing fastener locations on the sides of the instrument panel near the speakers, as well as the 2 under the cowling. They all added nothing to the rigidity of the dash/cowling assembly (it could still be pushed up and down) and we felt that a more substantial mounting for the shelf was required, that was independent of this structure.

The BST shelf utilizes the vertical channels for the electric windshield because they are very rigid and strong. This design requires slots in the cowling, and templates are furnished so this operation goes smoothly. The design provides an extremely strong installation, adds additional stiffness, and provides a shelf that is flat across the top surface to allow the utmost flexibility to mount accessories. I've attached a picture of the template which, I hope, will show a prospective buyer that the slot issue should not deter their consideration of my shelf.

You mentioned there were questions about a restriction in the windshield travel with my shelf. So there is no confusion, BST shelves allow the full range of windshield travel.

The installation of the shelf requires the removal of the windshield/brackets, top cowling and the four (4) screws near the speakers to gain access to the windshield channels. The struts are then mounted to the channels with the furnished, stainless fasteners. Using the furnished template, the cutout for the struts is drawn on the cowling piece. It is best to start within the lines of the template, then enlarge it to the final size as the trial fits progress. The template takes any guesswork out of this operation. The shelf is then mounted to the struts with the brackets and stainless fasteners that are included. All of the parts of the shelf assembly are powdercoated, satin black.

I hope this information is of help to you and others. I urge anyone interested in this shelf to not hesitate to contact me with any questions they may have. If a reader will go to my website and click the link to the "Customer Testimonials", there is a section on the ST-1300 shelf with some comments from owners.

Best regards,

Larry Buck
SE-AD, COG 3491, IBA, SFRC-VP

BUCK SPORT TOURING PRODUCTS --- Ride far.......
http://www.bucksporttouring.com (paste into your browser window)
Call toll free: 888/835-0805

[lrbuck]

I thought I should copy the List with the information that I sent to Alan. I've made a few changes for clarification.

My shelf was originally developed for Elliott Green's (ST Therapy) ST-1300, before other versions became available. I installed just about everything one could want in an LD mount for Elliott, including my shelf, extra fuel, heated grips, CB radio, accessory fuse block, switch box, GPS, Valentine RD, heated seat, cruise control, etc. etc.

During the development of the shelf, we went through quite a few prototypes that used various existing fastener locations on the front fascia of the instrument panel, as well as the 2 locations under the cowling. We felt they did not add enough rigidity to the dash/cowling assembly (it could still be pushed up and down) and relied on the plastic components. We decided that a more substantial mounting for the shelf was required, that was independent of this structure.

The BST shelf utilizes the vertical channels for the electric windshield because they are very rigid and strong. This design requires slots in the cowling, and templates are furnished so this operation goes smoothly. The design provides an extremely strong installation, adds additional stiffness, and provides a shelf that is flat across the top surface. I don't know how to post pictures here as I am a new member, but I would be glad to email the pictures of the template and finished slot which will show a prospective buyer that the slot issue should not deter their consideration of my shelf.

Alan mentioned there were questions about a restriction in the windshield travel with my shelf. So there is no confusion, BST shelves allow the full range of windshield travel.

The installation of the shelf requires the removal of the windshield/brackets, top cowling and the screws on the front fascia of the instrument panel, to gain access to the windshield channels. The struts are then mounted to the channels with the furnished, button-head, stainless machine screws, washers, and ny-lok nuts. Using the furnished template, the cutouts for the struts are drawn on the cowling piece. It is best to start within the lines of the template, then enlarge it to the final size as the trial fits progress. The template takes any guesswork out of this operation. The shelf is then mounted to the struts with the brackets and stainless fasteners that are included. All of the parts of the shelf assembly are powdercoated, satin black.

I hope this information is of help to those who may be considering a dash shelf for their ST-1300. I urge anyone interested in this shelf to not hesitate to contact me with any questions they may have. If a reader will go to my website, there is a page on my shelves. Also there is a link to the "Customer Testimonials" area, which has some comments from owners on the ST-1300 shelf.

Larry Buck
SE-AD, COG 3491, IBA 8581, SFRC-VP

BUCK SPORT TOURING PRODUCTS --- Ride far.......
http://www.bucksporttouring.com (paste into your browser)

[Big Al]

Thanks for the update Larry.
It would be nice to see more pictures of your shelf from different angles installed.

For the sake of curiosity. I'll probably install your BST shelf and document it with a detailed write up including pictures of my own. I will post the info on this web site for everyone to see. - If someone else has one, ready to install, already and would like to beat me to it (Go for it) :) .

Alan

[crazykz]

Go go go:
http://www.st-owners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=5186

Curt

[805gregg]

I'm sorry but I have to reply, crazykz looks lik you took the sport out of sport touring, why do you need all that junk? I think you would be better off with a Wing or a Winnabago, must be those looong winters, thank god I can ride in the winter. My motto is kiss.

[Erik]

Where's the pocket protector??

[sherob]

I'm sorry but I have to reply, crazykz looks lik you took the sport out of sport touring, why do you need all that junk? I think you would be better off with a Wing or a Winnabago, must be those looong winters, thank god I can ride in the winter. My motto is kiss.

Curt is a High Mileage man... I'm sure most of his gadgets stay home for his local commutes... his long trips get the gadgets. As your trips get longer you can appreciate the little things to make it easy and comfortable. :D