Only problem is the E231 is a top box mounting plate only and has a paltry load capacity of 3kg. if you wanted a different luggage option you'd have to adapt it quite a bit.
You could always get a cutom mount rack made up using the mountings on the frame, a decent fabrication shop could knock something up fairly easily. I may even explore that avenue myself, I'll check with my dad to see if he can knock me a prototype up (it would bae a shame to let 50 years of Whitesmith experience go to waste )
When you use saddle bags (side bags) are you doing something to protect the paint. If the back of the bag isn't very soft the friction must do some damage to the paint, doesn't it?
So, the guy who makes the saddlebags (Linnga Customax on Facebook) added me out of the blue and started negotiations. He started with $850, and I just countered with $400 (given that is what they're going for here: http://www.kaskus.us/showthread.php?t=6526898 ). We will see...
He sent me a pic of the exact saddlebag I'd be getting too:
532704_406101236086597_100000601727014_1507920_304744973_n.jpg (22.68 KiB) Viewed 3936 times
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
be nice to get dimensions, especially of the lid as it looks like it would be difficult to get a laptop thru it. My IBM thinkpad does fit under the seat except when I am carrying a spare helmet or other stuff too.
I received another reply. The seller will do $400 + shipping. I'm somewhat doubtful this will even happen at this point, due to shipping costs.
UPS estimates ~$1800 USD for the shipping, and USPS estimates $300 for shipping. Considering I'm not willing to spend more than $500 or so (which is really pushing it), I'll probably let it go.
Might be time to build a prototype saddlebag on my own. I've never made something from scratch using fiberglass, it might be a good time to learn.
Currently ride: Nothing right now - mostly mountain biking with my boys until they're old enough to ride Previously rides: 2011 Honda PCX 125, 2005 V-Strom DL650, 1974 Vespa Ciao, 2011 Honda PCX 170 (tons of mods - takegawa 170cc big bore kit, gears, etc), 1996 Honda Nighthawk 250, 1987 Honda Spree, 2000 KTM 125SX, 2003 Honda Silverwing, 2007 Genuine Buddy 125, 1998 Honda PC800, 2008 Buddy 125 (white), 2008 Buddy 125 (red), 2001 Honda Reflex, 1987 Honda Elite, 1988 Honda Spree, 2007 Yamaha Vino, 2007 Honda Metro, 2x 125cc pure-chinesium dirt bikes
I think one way to make them is to sand to shape cheap polystyrene in the shape of the side boxes, cover with fibreglass then use a solvent like acetone to disolve the foam after the fibreglass is hardened. Im sure you can google nice instructions. Instead of fibreglass you could use carbon or kevlar for something stronger/lighter...
im about to fly to Singapore and hope to have time to visit Wiing Yap to see the paniers and custom seats they advertise for the PCX. Should have my laptop with me as a biz trip so will see if it fits in!
I visited Wing yap in Singapore today. They wanted 1200 spore dollars for those panniers as they are custom jobs each time. Didn't have any in stock to see. I bought a rack for 90 spore dollars which I think is about 70 bucks. Supposed to hold 12 kg weight.
Here is my $70 rack. Took me 20 min to install after boring out holes in rear fairing with my dremel tool. Seems solid and is supposed to hold 12kg. Also if I decide to put on a topbox I can now install any generic type.