Pelican 1550 install with pics.

[sourbeer]

I did this install a couple of weeks ago, had to modify it to strengthen it up and just got around to snapping a few pics. http://imageevent.com/saubier/motorcycles/st1300

The box works great, is certainly water tight and seems to handle my intended needs very well. I wanted a low profile box to house my laptop case for commuting which is what i do with my bike most. I didn't care if it came on/off as I knew I would leave it on. I wanted it to be lockable and secure as well as a good box to transport important things in. The side cases didn't fit my laptop bag very well. So, I first took off the plastic cover from the rear rack and used it as a template to mark the holes to be drilled in the bottom of the box. Went to the hardware store and got 4 button head bolts with nylon lock washer nuts and some washers - everything stainless. I installed the case using just those four points and used it for a couple of days like this. I wasn't happy with the amount of flex that the box had so I decided to reinforce the box with a piece of sheet metal on the inside. I cut a piece of aluminum sheet metal and rounded the corners so that it would fit inside the box nicely. To secure the sheet metal to the box i used the 4 little round feet that the bottom of the box had. These feet were in the middle of the ridges that run across the bottom of the box providing some strength to the box. I used some big washers and more stainless hardware to secure the box to the sheetmetal. Turned out very well and provided all of the strength that i hoped for without adding too much additional weight. The box is very secure now. Not sure if it adds to any high speed wobbly problems but have tested it to 110 mph (GPS indicated) without a hint of unstable behavior.

 

[crazytalk]

Looks great. You'll be very happy with that case for years to come.

 

[STPete]

I installed the very same box , pelican 1550 few weeks ago, what agreat heavy duty box. I needed extra space like I had on my RT. I put a plate under the box though and one small one inside with rubber gaskets around the bolts so the water would not get in the box. I did not like givi much, to "space saucer" for me. Honda line box I do like, but $500- $600, com-on, no way. I plan on putting a luggage rack on top of my pelican also. Went on a 500 trip this past saturday, no weave or anything, it was great. BTW, I also have black 06 model year.

 

[LDMike]

This must have been the week to install Pelican cases...

I just finished installing a 1550 as well. My installation was pretty easy as I already had a large plate back there for luggage, so I just bolted the case onto the plate.

To create more storage space, I divided the case into tow compartments. Top half for computer and accessories, bottom half for clothing and misc. stuff.

Don't even notice it when I'm riding.

 

[sourbeer]

Add some pics to give others some options on the install. I also used some rubber washers to prevent water infiltration. After testing last weekend during indy motogp weekend that experienced significant rain...dry as a bone.
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[Byron]

Looks good. I would keep the weight reasonable because of the amount of overhang. Other than that, first rate. The Pelican cases are used a lot by the adventure touring and dual sport crowd.

 

[LDMike]

You want pictures, too?? First pic shows the plate on the back. I bought a Pirate's Lair backrest and it comes with a metal replacement piece for the stock plastic on the tail section. I bolted the case to the plate with 4 good size hex bolts, metal and rubber washers and cap nuts.

Second pic show the top layer with computer in place. Other cutouts are for camera, computer transformer and cords, mouse.

Third pic is of the acrylic divider separating top from bottom. White pieces along the sides began life as a kitchen cutting board and are bolted thru the sides of the case with hex bolts and cap nuts. The orange loops are for taking the divider out to get to the contents on the bottom.

 

[EASt]

I know that beauty is in the eye of the beholder, but I like the Pelican case better than the Hondaline top box.

 

[STPete]

Here are some picks. 3/8" plexiglas on the bottom, 1/8" aluminium plate inside. Rubber washers under all bolts. OEM plastic rack cover was removed before install. Spacers used between oem rack and plexiglass. Case mount is very sturdy and works well.

 

[sourbeer]

nicely done guys. looking at the pics, my bike sure is filthy. Good options for folks wanting to install a pelican, I love mine. I think that they make a great top box and provide a flat surface on top to mount additional stuff if desired. I have a rear rack to go over the passenger seat as well, was thinkning of mounting the pelican on it but haven't done anything just yet.

 

[George]

Now that's a top box I could live with. Good job guys. I agree the "standard" top boxes are too zoomy. Function first _looks_ good to me.