My attempt to make the GT an actual GT

Dr.D said:

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

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Protonhound said:

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.

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bcar00 said:

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.

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2023R3GT said:

The real benchmark is the Goldwing

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Azisbest said:

Well know that this poser with stock mirrors has 95,000 miles on his 2020 GT. Now to you that may just be an occasional bike night but biker night must be far from home. And you dont get that kind of miles without a windshield, mine is a Madstad and looks fine to me. Even if it were butt ugly it is utilitarian. When I see someone with the stock windscreen I know that they dont do long rides. Good luck on the surgery.

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bcar00 said:

Wow, that's more mileage than I'll ever get!! Your experience counts for a lot more than mine does.

This bike is different than other bikes that people intentionally put bar end mirrors on. With the Rocket, you have to put effort into replacing them, and I can understand why owners don't (It's a hassle and there's no integrated mounts). I would be very interested to see if you'd go back if someone temporarily made the change to real mirrors for you. I think you'd have an "AH HA" moment after riding the bike with conventional mirrors.

Windscreens work differently on every bike, but certain principles apply. You want it as close as possible to the rider and a very steep angle. I always do a lot of experimentation with height, position and angle, and sometimes what works on one bike, doesn't on another, but usually, the principles hold true. As much of a serious rider as you are, I'd also be interested tsee if you'd switch back after rying a more conventional windscreen.

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