Thanks for the info Bunker. Such a worthwhile farkle should automatically elevate you from your FNG status to something more befitting such a forward thinker.
Thanks Axeman. Although I obviously don't post much, I've read nearly all the posts in the FJR general & technical sections over the last 18 months or so, even before I signed on. I'm a bit surprised this mod got so much attention, but I'm glad I could contribute something useful. The FJR is pretty good right out of the crate compared to most bikes, but I'm not a complete rookie when it comes to mods... here's my
Warrior
Groo, I'd say if you remove the rear seat and lay a straightedge across the edges of the bodywork from side to side, anything that will fit under that should fit under the tailbag.
Sorry this particular bag didn't work out for PRE '06 bikes. I know there's enough differences with the seat and bodywork that I didn't even want to hazard a guess in that regard. But perhaps a smaller bag (especially a strap-mount tankbag) might work in place of the seat for the earlier FJR's. BTW, when the tailbag is massaged into place and bolted down using the vinyl "floor", the bottom of the bag will follow the contours of the bodywork fairly well so the gap between the bag and bodywork is much less than those shown in fjrchik's pictures.
If you want to regularly use a tailbag on top of the rear seat, consider this idea that I have used on other bikes: Position the bag on the seat where you want it, then remove the seat from the bike and, with the bag in the same position on the seat, run all 4 nylon straps (or bungees) from the bag around and under the seat. (The front straps might possibly work well if positioned in front... that is, between the two seats rather than to the sides.) Mark the location and length of the straps when taught. Remove the seatcover and foam, and rivet or bolt the nylon straps to the underside of the seat so they are in the same positions you marked. (On the sides, you will have to fasten the straps to the seat right near the edges so the straps don't interfere with the bodywork when the seat is put back on the bike.) Replace the foam and cover. Now the bag can be quickly and neatly hooked on to the seat without running the straps over any bodywork. If you need to access under the seat, the bag easily comes right off with the seat. And when not using the bag, simply lift the seat and tuck the nylon straps under the seat and out of view. (Alternatively, you can similarly attach nylon straps with loops on the ends that can be used as bungee hook anchor points if you have the type of tailbag with it's own adjustable/retractable bungees.)
