My attempt to make the GT an actual GT

[bcar00]

I’m sure there’s something here for everyone to hate. Here are my efforts to make the GT a real GT:

First, I despise every aftermarket windscreen for this bike. WHY would we use the number plate mounting for a real screen? They all look stupid and none are really functional. My normal, handlebar mounted screen works great. I can cruise comfortably at 80 with an open face helmet and sunglasses. Screen comes to mouth level.

Second, I think bar end mirrors are for posers. When I see them on any other bike, I know the owner doesn't actually use their bike for anything other than short trips to bike night. Real mirrors give a MUCH better view, they don't get in the way of my hands, and they're actually 4 in narrower overall, making lane splitting a lot easier. Win, win, win.

I still want to make a single point mount for both the screen and the mirrors, but for now they're mounted separate and do look a little cluttered.

I've already posted about my panniers (40L), but I also mounted two top boxes. One 32L (32L Motorcycle Tail box Helmet Top Case Motorbike Luggage Storage Trunk Carrier | eBay) and the other 48L (48L Motorcycle Tour Tail Box Trunk Luggage Top Lock Storage Carrier Case Grey | eBay). I removed the top plate from the seat bracket, so the stock backrest removes easily, and both top boxes attach in 5 minutes with 4 allen bolts. Bike looks completely normal without the boxes and with the stock backrest in place. The 32L box is great for day tripping with the GF. Provides a much improved backrest and extra space for all her "stuff". The 48L box has room for a full face and a 3/4 helmet, and maybe looks more appropriate on a big bike like the Rocket, but I'm hesitant to load that one up too much and risk an overload.

I love the luggage I got on Amazon (Amazon.com), It's pictured in it's 40L form, but it expands to 60L. I just made my first weekend trip with it in place and it's awesome! holds a ton of stuff, makes a great backrest and attaches and detaches easily. Panniers still open in the 40L form, but when expanded to 60L, the luggage needs to be moved to open the panniers. This bag also fits on the rack for two up trips, but I haven't tried it for more than a round the block trial, so no opinion yet as to how that will work.

Heading in for hip surgery next week, but once I'm cleared for riding, I plan to head north for a week long trip up the coast. I'll be able to comfortably pack as much as I want to pack.

 

[Protonhound]

What mirrors did you go with? I might look at those since the bar end ones are, as you said, not ideal for lane spitting.

 

[Dr.D]

I like your additions but for real touring i have to pick a different bike.

 

[2023R3GT]

The real benchmark is the Goldwing

 

[bcar00]

I like your additions but for real touring i have to pick a different bike.

No doubt, but I already have 4 bikes and am used to traveling on even smaller bikes. I do like the new Indians.
Also, like this weekend, where I headed for the mountains, ALL my road tripping is to get to places that are fun to ride. No, the Rocket is not as fun in the twisties as my Ducati, but it's a hell of a lot more fun than my last Harley. It's all a compromise.

 

[bcar00]

What mirrors did you go with? I might look at those since the bar end ones are, as you said, not ideal for lane spitting.

I used these mirrors https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0DM7XY8YN
with these mounts Led Light Bar Clamps 1.25 Inch -Pack 4,Tube Clamp Mount Kit 1-1/4 B | eBay
but I heavily modified the mounts to fit tighter and for the mirror to screw in closer to the center.
The problem is the 1.25in bars that have a bend in them right were you'd want to put a mount.
There are some harley mounts that I found afterwards Kuryakyn Universal Satin Black Accessory Mount Clamp for 1 1/4 in. Bars 2792 | eBay
Using those with some standard harley mirrors might work well