SuzukiSavage.com - DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases

alisonsup

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DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases
04/29/17 at 17:37:16

I'm fixing to renovate my bike layout. Ive been planning a cross country trip and I wanted to bring my miniature schnauzer with me. Ive scrapped the sissy bar and luggage rack I had and I wanted to build some hard panniers and a top case to carry all my gear. I was wondering if anyone on here has built their own panniers and top cases? If so, what material and dimension did you use? Also has anyone figured out the best way to carry a pet on their Savage? I considered building a small pet carrier and pulling it on a small trailer but I just found out that you have to register those trailers in Texas and I didn't want to spend the $45. I also considered those little dog backpacks but my dogs weighs a solid 18lbs and I don't need the stress on my back. Any ideas? I've been mulling over the idea of building a sidecar for my pooch and gear but im not sold yet. If there is an easier route I would much rather do that first before building a sidecar.

I have a lot of wood and steel pieces laying around my house so I was thinking about building my project out of that.

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badwolf

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Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases
Reply #1 - 04/29/17 at 18:08:15

I squared off the top and 2 side pieces with 1/2'' pvc from behind a sign shop. Once you do that mounting whatever becomes a lot easier.
I went with a solo seat, but you could just go a little higher and go over the stock seat.
Mount the side pieces over the chrome rails with a spacer on the left side to clear the belt guard, and move the turn signals to wherever suits you.

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justin_o_guy2 Serious Thumper Offline What happened? Posts: 55279 East Texas, 1/2 dallas/la.	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #2 - 04/29/17 at 18:13:36 I tied a milk crate on, cut a 1/8" piece of plywood for a lid, folded and scrunched a light personal blanket in, the dog didn't wig out. You could use a harness and short leash and let the dog stand up and look around. She weighs just more than seven pounds.
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Ruttly Serious Thumper Offline Thumpers Rule Posts: 5097 Manteca , CA Gender:	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #3 - 04/29/17 at 21:51:57 Chihuahua?
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justin_o_guy2 Serious Thumper Offline What happened? Posts: 55279 East Texas, 1/2 dallas/la.	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #4 - 04/30/17 at 04:46:32 Part, and some terrier. Pretty leggy, jumps like a flea. She was beside the road, took her home, had her spayed, she's part of the family.
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batman

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Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases
Reply #5 - 04/30/17 at 05:55:25

While your dog may be mans best friend (I have one myself) I don't think dogs and motorcycles are a good mix. If your plan to go cross country on the savage you'll be hard pressed to find enough room for the gear you need to carry much less a dog and all it's needs .A trailer or sidecar are both expensive,and hard to rig, and the bike has limited power to move either,and I would think about the safety of both you and the dog.It may be the better part of valor to board the dog or leave it with a trusted friend or family member and may even be cheaper in the long run.If you had an accident the dog could suffer greater harm than you,(do you have a set of leathers and a helmet for the dog?)or if you were hurt on the trip who would take care of the dog?Will the motel you need to stay in accept dogs? Will the dog run off ? will it be attacked buy by another dog at a pee stop? to much drama! On a trip like your planning you need to be keeping all your attention on the road to stay safe ,and not be distracted by a dog.

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DieselBob Full Member Offline Thumper - One Who Thumps Posts: 189 Goshen, IN Gender:	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #6 - 04/30/17 at 06:44:28 Quote: "I have a lot of wood and steel pieces laying around my house so I was thinking about building my project out of that.'
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badwolf Serious Thumper Offline Ridin' my Lil' Bagger - 153k miles so far Posts: 801 Palm Beach County, FL Gender:	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #7 - 04/30/17 at 06:55:24 Are those AK crates?
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hotrod Senior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 326 NC Gender:	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #8 - 04/30/17 at 08:44:28 That's not being kind. Leave the dog home.
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alisonsup Junior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 71	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #9 - 05/03/17 at 10:21:02 Sorry for the late reply but thanks for all the replies regarding the dog and panniers. A day or so ago I realized it'll probably be best to leave my dog at home. Then today my dog ran away soooo there's that.
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alisonsup Junior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 71	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #10 - 05/03/17 at 10:25:51 @badwolf thanks I'll try that.
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DieselBob Full Member Offline Thumper - One Who Thumps Posts: 189 Goshen, IN Gender:	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #11 - 05/03/17 at 11:18:22 But, if she comes back there's also this option.
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Dave

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Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases
Reply #12 - 05/03/17 at 11:30:32

alisonsup wrote on 05/03/17 at 10:21:02:

A day or so ago I realized it'll probably be best to leave my dog at home. Then today my dog ran away soooo there's that.

I think it really depends on your dog....some dogs would be petrified by riding on a bike - while others love it. Some even learn to wave at other motorcycles!

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5YzX3X9iD7U

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alisonsup Junior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 71	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #13 - 05/03/17 at 17:55:01 @dieselbob that is actually what I had in mind for the sidecar build. I just wanted a basic frame and platform that I could strap her cage down to. Have you had any problems with that set up? ... Also someone found the dog and was able to get my info off the collar and return her. So I'm back at square one.
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alisonsup Junior Member Offline SuzukiSavage.com Rocks! Posts: 71	Re: DIY Panniers, pets, and top cases Reply #14 - 05/03/17 at 17:57:52 @dave she should be fine . She's rode on mopeds/scooters with my father out on the road but never got scared or had any problems. She actually enjoys it.
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