For my use I prefer the functionality of a hard case for a tail bag/top box vs a soft bag for the added security, ease of use & IP65 water/dust rating that allows me to carry my tools, emergency & misc gear all the time + will accommodate a drone or other goodies. Tactix makes 3 sizes of this style of case which seems to be a sturdy, quality design that comes with 3 different layers of foam & is slightly larger than the Enduristan Large 15 liter Bag Topper I was using for a tail bag. Imho, it seems right sized & proportional to the T7, being the same width as the rear & front faring panels & not too tall.
Pelican, SKB, Nanuk, Seahorse, Meijia & HF Apache are popular North America brands offering cases in numerous sizes & shapes & had narrowed my selection down to the slightly smaller Seahorse SE530 or slightly larger SE630 that offers locking latches, in addition to the usual lid lock holes, until a local tool supply (Summit Tools) had the Tactix case on sale for $45 Canadian, less than 1/2 the price of the Seahorse, which already is very well priced vs most of the competition.
I like that the Tactix 2 stage latch remains clasped to the lid, preventing it from flopping open if it comes loose at the bottom & that the lid stays open at 90 degrees. I removed the case handle & opted for MasterLock 646T combination locks adding bicycle inner tubing to the metal housing to quell noise & prevent marring the case.
Specifications & Features
Exterior: L 16.4" x W 12.8" x H 7.0" or L 38 cm x W 26.7 cm x H 15.9cm
Interior: L 15.0" x W 10.5" x H 6.25" (case 4.5" + lid 1.75") or L 41.6 cm x W 32.5 cm x H 17.8 cm (case 14.0 cm + lid 4.4 cm)
Volume: 16.0 litres
Super strong construction
Waterproof & dustproof (IP65 rated)
Automatic Pressure Relief Valve to equalize pressure for easy openings
I mounted the case to my Yowling Luggage Rack (Chinese copy of the Altrider Luggage rack) using 1/4" ABS board under the case to more evenly distribute loading because of the tapered shape of the luggage rack that dictate the mounting bolt locations to the middle & forward area of the case & the amount of side & rear overhang.
Mounting Method
I incorporated an aluminum plate on the inside bottom of the case covered by a sheet of rubber matting, with large diameter snug fitting rubber bolt washers between the aluminum plate & the interior bottom of the case, 1/4" black ABS board on the exterior bottom of the case to fill in the void, with some 1/8" arena board sandwiched between it & external ribbing of the case & a layer of rubber matting between the ABS board & the rack in the hopes of improved durability & water sealing of all components. 6 x 35 mm button head bots, fender washers & nylock nuts tied it all together.
Tactix Large Case Mounted on T7
Other considerations for case size & positioning on the rack was having enough clearance to remove the passenger seat which slides back & up when unlocked & removed, not having too much overhang beyond the rack at the back for reduced pendulum effect & not being too wide to minimize clearance issues when my Giant Loop MotoTrek soft bags are mounted & wanted it situated inboard of the rear luggage racks to minimize damage potential in tip overs.
The full passenger seat area is available for use by a rider in technical riding or a pillion or a dry bag + the case lid overhang has enough space underneath to allow bungee cords/nets to strap items on top or for the Enduristan Bag Topper clamps to mount to. I may add some form of organizer or netting to the interior lid for added functionality...the Enduristan has several convenient & useful storage options in it's lid.
I liked the 15 litre size & other features of the waterproof Enduristan Bag Topper, but security was an issue requiring a lock on the zipper & an Abus 205 Combiloop cable lock to secure the bag to the rack + the front straps required loosening to facilitate rear seat removal....all of which eroded the convenience factor. On a recent 10 day 3,800 km trip I noticed a little dust had migrated into the bag at the back right corner...the raised fabric lip of the bag that the lid fits over had collapsed inward slightly in the corner.
Disclaimer: I am just a long time motorcycle enthusiast with moderate wrenching experience/skills (not a professional/Yamaha mechanic) & have compiled this info from others more experienced & knowledgeable as a reference based on my personal experience with my T7 that hopefully can help others. Fork Alignment & Right Fork Caliper/Rotor Position MUST Be Checked After Front Wheel Removal! T he T7 right front axle assembly is a floating design that, depending on several factors, may not correctly position the caliper & rotor for equal gap & can result in the rotor resting against the upper edge of the caliper...not a desirable situation if gone unnoticed. This information is NOT in the Yamaha Service Manual & can be an overlooked issue when changing the T7 front tire .. .the right fork's static/resting position is toward the outside on my T7, which incorrectly positions the inside edge of the caliper to make contact with the rotor ( has been posted by others
Stedi ST3K 7.5" Slim LED Light Bar The road to 'enlightenment' for auxiliary LED lighting for my Tenere 700 narrowed to a few choices based on the following criteria: under headlight mount to the lower triple clamp so that they track with the forks vs crash bar mount & must fit within the space constraints of under headlight mounting & maximum fork travel...I use DirtRacks Crash Bars which are not a high mount design & do not provide a protected mounting location high quality output with wide short to mid distance field of view combined with narrower mid to long distance beam to extend beyond the oem lighting increased conspicuity with either integrated Daytime Running Light (DRL) function or a separate DRL from the auxiliary lights quality design & materials, reputable manufacturer compatibility with Skene Dimmer/Controller with electronic circuit protection permitting always on use with the oem low beam at programable reduced output & full power
2021 Yamaha Tenere 700 3 year Review The T7 has really impressed me with it's overall competence, quality, refinement, fun factor & endearing synergy & cache. It has a big dirt bike feel while also being very road friendly with a jack of all trades, master of none capability that I really enjoy & appreciate. Aside from its height & high center of gravity the T7 is confidence inspiring off-road & easy to ride with it's ample, linear, torque rich power & very good traction compliments of frame, swingarm & output shaft geometry optimized to push the rear tire down on acceleration. Every design has compromises & Yamaha chose to infuse traction prowess by placing the motor high in the frame to the detriment of lower center of gravity & seat height. What is striking is the diverse & broad appeal the T7 garners ranging from actual dual sport use to gravel/dirt road adventures to commuting to touring to Iron Butt length travels...it is the p
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