Would anyone like a BRP Mono Cowl with storage and size like Corbin Smuggler?

[Cole369]

Can Am Spyder Mono Cowl w/ storage and size like Corbin Smuggler...good idea??

This would be a dream come true for many of us GS and RS riders using a Can Am Spyder Mono Cowl as a removable storage attachment to our Spyders. I think it would be an excellent addition to the lack of additional storage beyond the front storage, a backpack, putting the R-35 bags on or buying the Corbin Smuggler Set up with a price that could compare to a couple of car payments. Is there anything one out there with the fiber glassing and modeling skills thinking of making a prototype? Just like to get a feel if any one else who thinks it would be cool to have a removable Mono Cowl that could store your cell phone, notebook computer, your little odds and ends in a lockable storage access, easily attachable and detachable, contours with standard GS and RS seat contours and the grab bars.

I know it sounds dreamy, but I got the next 3 months to recoup from ankle reconstruction surgery to experiment with some automotive clay molds. I’m no artist but I think I can shape some clay. Like to hear your thoughts be it yeas or nays.

Cheers,

Cole

 

[Yol Bolsun]

I put a Givi E460 (monokey) on SWMBOs GS but something with nicer/more Spyderlike lines would be nice.

 

[coz]

sounds cool to me

sounds pretty cool if it would work with the sport rack:thumbup:

 

[Cole369]

I put a Givi E460 (monokey) on SWMBOs GS but something with nicer/more Spyderlike lines would be nice.

Can you send me a pic of what you did. I tried the Axio Tail bag (pic below) which actually was not bad, but it just did not conform/contour with the seat the way my Mono Cowl did. The matte black color however was dead on. I almost pulled the trigger on the Corbin which would have stung me like a wild hornet for $1400 (front & back saddles and Corbin Smuggler). I did order the Givi V35 side bags because they conform to the body lines a little closer than the BRP set-up. I have seen some other rear seat possibilities but none with factory lines like the Mono Cowl and storage like the Corbin Smuggler...that would be a dream come true. I really like the smuggler, but I just don't won't to give up my seat to get it. I wish I had a fiberglass molding background, I would Saran Wrap my rear tail section and mold one over my Mono Cowl all the way to the grab bars. As soon as I get a little better with these crutches I might just give it a try.

 

[eagle]

mono cowl storage

was not going to post this soon about my current project, but here goes. first of all no pics yet as storage unit "reworked tour-pack" off of an old motorcycle, is still in paint shop till this week end. this unit will hold almost as much as the frunk. it is all fiberglass with small luggage rack on top. have corbin seats, so took off back seat ,made a small flat platform for tour-pack to bolt onto. this whole system is held on by four bolts, which can quickly be removed, then replace seat for passenger. will post pics as soon as unit mounted to spydee. this may sound confusing, but when pics are seen i think this system will work very well, at least for me.

 

[Cole369]

was not going to post this soon about my current project, but here goes. first of all no pics yet as storage unit "reworked tour-pack" off of an old motorcycle, is still in paint shop till this week end. this unit will hold almost as much as the frunk. it is all fiberglass with small luggage rack on top. have corbin seats, so took off back seat ,made a small flat platform for tour-pack to bolt onto. this whole system is held on by four bolts, which can quickly be removed, then replace seat for passenger. will post pics as soon as unit mounted to spydee. this may sound confusing, but when pics are seen i think this system will work very well, at least for me.

I can understand not posting pics...in todays world ideas are dollars, you don't want to give away a marketing idea. Your heading down the right track though. One thing I have imagined in my design is to utilize the stock BRP seat like the mono cowl with a storage system and maintain the conforming lines of the Spyder as the Corbin Smuggler so well does. It would not be a lot of storage but good enough for the small things such as a phone, glasses, gloves, small notebook etc... The Corbin system forces you to buy their seat set-up and remove the rear saddle to incorporate the Smuggler. An absolute cool concept and I applaude them on their development to bring it to the GS\RS community, however it is pricey, and as I noted previously you have to buy their seats. Who knows Corbin may be working on one right now, but I've had not heard a whisper. Strangley...I like the BRP seat on my RS-S, probably not for long trips, but for the 52 mile commute I do its perfect. I'm drawing my mono cowl concept and will scan it later to post. If someone ends up making one from my design, and making big money from it, be nice enough to send me a free one.

 

[Cole369]

So your telling me everyone is in love with this bag (This thing is really cool, I can't get enough cool points with it) or simply keep riding around with this stock with plastic option (which can blow off at a moments notice) or better yet spend $1400 dollars on this option instead (and not eat for two months). Having an alternative to whats out there is not a bad thing guy's. Simply asking in this thread would anyone perfer an alternative that looked like it was part of the bike like the BRP Mono Cowl, but had the the body lines that grabbed the handrails and rear seat area like the Corbin Smuggler. This cuppled with a little storage would be a pretty cool setup. Even more so offering a unit that fits over the GS\RS seats and alternatve where we can keep their stock seat. The Corbin alternative makes you give that seat up and pay roughly $269-$289 a piece for them. The Smuggler alone cost $799...I fallen and I can't get up. Something modestley priced within a working mans budget, and not 4 car payments. I know I still work for a living, but damn really $1400. Our RT & RT-S brothers don't have this problem, so they have no reason to chime in....I wish they would. They more than any of us know the joy of havin a quick convenient modular storage on their bikes means (phone, gloves, glasses).

So what would you make it look like, what would you call it, what do you think it should store, how much do you think it should cost?

Who know's there might just be one around the corner....interested????

Cole

 

[DragonLorD]

It is a tough call Bro, I can see where you coming from but Market rules.
If you are not going to make loss let's say after selling 10 - 20 units I would say go for it. I can see you selling them. You obviously put a lot of thinking into it already so I only chime in with my 2c
- looks sporty
- on and off in a seconds
- waterproof
- can imagine as aggressive design as Busa's tails which gives a superior back support then
- price
- takes full face helmet - I can see it not possible if you need to keep cost down
- keyless lock (number code as on givis)
- if it takes full face helmet, it obviously won't fit into trunk so make it attachable to frunk lid. I can imagine to Cary second helmet in it but you need to have an option where to put it if you need to take pillion and frunk is full
- if it will be smaller than mentioned above, make it the way it fits into frunk but I would still keep it attachable with straps let's say to the frunk for very same reasons as above.
- call it "BACKSTER"

I am sure that you are aware of the fact that good portion of RS ryders replace stock seats.
What price levels you talking about?

 

[Cole369]

It is a tough call Bro, I can see where you coming from but Market rules.
If you are not going to make loss let's say after selling 10 - 20 units I would say go for it. I can see you selling them. You obviously put a lot of thinking into it already so I only chime in with my 2c
- looks sporty
- on and off in a seconds
- waterproof
- can imagine as aggressive design as Busa's tails which gives a superior back support then
- price
- takes full face helmet - I can see it not possible if you need to keep cost down
- keyless lock (number code as on givis)
- if it takes full face helmet, it obviously won't fit into trunk so make it attachable to frunk lid. I can imagine to Cary second helmet in it but you need to have an option where to put it if you need to take pillion and frunk is full
- if it will be smaller than mentioned above, make it the way it fits into frunk but I would still keep it attachable with straps let's say to the frunk for very same reasons as above.
- call it "BACKSTER"

I am sure that you are aware of the fact that good portion of RS ryders replace stock seats.
What price levels you talking about?

You nailed some specifics. I am looking at presenting something more agressive like the Busa tail, but keeping in line with the curves of the Spyder. Another key point you got is yes, it can be stored in the trunk. Yes waterproof because it will be made of fiberglass with a rubber sealed lid and a light. All components will be stainless steel. Another big feature is you have the ability to raise the seat with it attached for fueling. This not yet gauranteed, but tuly working on it. The mounting system is very simplistic...like putting on a pair of pants

As for the seat issue I thought about that one through too. One thing is the Spyder grabrail has been universal since the Spyders inception, unchanged, and it is the key to this system. Yes a lot of Spyder owners change out seats. That will be one or the ordering questions and that will be one of the hurdles we will work through. Right now we are looking at imprint boards with instructions to capture the seat curvature, mail it back to me to match your seat to the "BACKSTER".

For security, thant can be tricky, but marine grade stainless steel recessed D-Ringed circle locks used on marine cabinets is perfect. D Ringed circle locks have plenty key set combinations out there so you would not have to worry about getting robbed...at least I hope.

Lastly price...god $1080 is the minimum you will spend on a Corbin without a back saddle, $1400 with a rear saddle.

I'm looking in the ballpark of $599-$699, depending on model, painted, backrest type, extended backrest those who like to save a buck $499 primered. This is affordable!! You keep your seat...even if it is aftermarket seat we can mold imprint to match it up for a solid fit. I'm really doing eveything I can to keep cost down. Other options will include brakelight kit.

Your right I have thought it through, but getting what GS and RS owners want is tough. This is the best place to get that information and I hope more drop a line on this aftermarket project. Com'on lets talk about this!!

Cole

 

[DragonLorD]

Backster

So I understand that it will be in size which fits into frunk, what if I need to take pillion( other biker after on road breakdown eg) and frunk is full?
- weight?
- waterproof, it can be tricky with fibreglass , it is porous and it cracks, some of Corbins pieces been reported leaking, it's all down to quality of materials and used techniques. If you use high oz fibreglass and high end gel coat that would be good for start. I believe you've considered those.
- lift the seat with BACKSTER installed is a must
- Locking system must be neat, clean , reliable, invisible
- Price tag $499,- on primer is decent and I think acceptable
- I wouldn't bother with any lights, focus on design, Package Sales!
- if you'll be as flexible as I think with these ( all seats fitment) - it smells like potential success to me.

If I am still single and like the design by the time you roll it out, I'll be asking you to do me special mod with holes for speakers and possibly subwoofer.

What is your time frame for this one!
You should have some units available a month before Spyderfest US and be there yourself too, next step is Spyderfest Europe where I am planning to go to.

 

[Cole369]

So I understand that it will be in size which fits into frunk, what if I need to take pillion( other biker after on road breakdown eg) and frunk is full?
- weight?
- waterproof, it can be tricky with fibreglass , it is porous and it cracks, some of Corbins pieces been reported leaking, it's all down to quality of materials and used techniques. If you use high oz fibreglass and high end gel coat that would be good for start. I believe you've considered those.
- lift the seat with BACKSTER installed is a must
- Locking system must be neat, clean , reliable, invisible
- Price tag $499,- on primer is decent and I think acceptable
- I wouldn't bother with any lights, focus on design, Package Sales!
- if you'll be as flexible as I think with these ( all seats fitment) - it smells like potential success to me.

If I am still single and like the design by the time you roll it out, I'll be asking you to do me special mod with holes for speakers and possibly subwoofer.

What is your time frame for this one!
You should have some units available a month before Spyderfest US and be there yourself too, next step is Spyderfest Europe where I am planning to go to.

We will be done with the proto this month. High OZ and top line gel are a must. My Fiberglass/Gel man is a genius and we ran his design trough some truly harsh test to insure reliability from cracking, spider webbing, and peel. However, glass cracks over time if you do not take care of it and its going to happen even more so on a vehichle like a Spyder which can vibrate like an off balance washingmachine on the spin cycle. Another option I have kicked around with my partner is a cover for it. I think this will be a go, just have to keep cost low.

For a breakdown issue like you posed and taking on another passenger,our mounting system may be incorporated into backpack strap...dont want to give too much away.

Yes fiberglass is not flexible, so you can imagine this will be a 6 layer plus unit. As for weight we hope to keep it under 14lbs. You got it on the locks everything recessed and blended. The light part is easy because it is a LED System being used on the Spyder now so no engineering on our part...just upgrade resale.

We are planning on displaying at BikeWeek, but not sure about Spyderfest. If done with enough models posibly will go, but transporting, billieting etc at this point has not been reserved.

Now for a unit for speakers...funny you ask, my glass specialist came from that field and would love to do one off mods, so when the time comes hit me back and hopefully we can do something special for you.

Cole

 

[DragonLorD]

ProjectLooksReadyToRock

Wow, it looks to me that your project is more then ready to rock and roll.
You thought it thorough from all angles, I admire your drive and commitment. I am all excited about it already and looking forward to see it.
You are right with attending events, I forgot logistic part of it. Maybe if you have there one or two units on display of some other Vendor's stall or even maybe Cowtown dealership just so other guys can see it. You might not be selling 100s of units a year but I can see Market there for sure but by the price I can see that you are not doing it for profit but from real excitement, fair play to you .
That would be really cool with that speaker unit :yes::yes::yes: , I am remodelling my seat soon so I already don't fit into mass group here.
What about Pet-carrier unit? If you make cool looking ones, 10 for RS and 10 for RT just before Christmas, if you keep your current not-greedy pricing , you definitely sell them. It always starts with one product doesn't it?
Keep us posted Bro, I wish you very best of luck.
Ryde Safe

 

[Cole369]

Wow, it looks to me that your project is more then ready to rock and roll.
You thought it thorough from all angles, I admire your drive and commitment. I am all excited about it already and looking forward to see it.
You are right with attending events, I forgot logistic part of it. Maybe if you have there one or two units on display of some other Vendor's stall or even maybe Cowtown dealership just so other guys can see it. You might not be selling 100s of units a year but I can see Market there for sure but by the price I can see that you are not doing it for profit but from real excitement, fair play to you .
That would be really cool with that speaker unit :yes::yes::yes: , I am remodelling my seat soon so I already don't fit into mass group here.
What about Pet-carrier unit? If you make cool looking ones, 10 for RS and 10 for RT just before Christmas, if you keep your current not-greedy pricing , you definitely sell them. It always starts with one product doesn't it?
Keep us posted Bro, I wish you very best of luck.
Ryde Safe

Well I hope I got it thought through. Myself and my friend who is a great fiberglass modeler came up with the idea looking at my Spyder in the garage. I showed him my next order of toys to add on to the Spyder and he lost his mind when he saw the price for one item I won't mention. So he instantly saw he could design something better. Thats the resaon why I needed some spare Mono Cowls to build mockups and eventually design a cool looking unit to the Spyder GS\RS Market. My down time from ankle surgery really gave me time to pursue this, otherwise I still be doing my 9-5 dropping bombs on bad guy's. To also answer your question, yes we are beyond small business. I'm a retired Master Seargeant and now work as an government consultant at USCENTCOM in Tampa as a Targeteer ( I design target folders to drop bombs on bad guys...coolist job in the universe). My partner runs his on Audio/Video shop building custom speaker boxes for vehicles. He also specializies in body kit installation on high end vehicles, so he is one I trust building this unit . I'm old and crazy, he is young and determined...what a great mix. I love his ethics and work passion. We plan on finishing "Picasso" by the end of the month...I hope. The reason we call it that is we want the perfect moldel to be presented to the Spyder community. By no means do we want to to look like amatuers. And of course we expect critics and nay sayers.

As for the pet carrier I never thought of that, but now that you mentioned it...my wife and I have been in search for something to take our Boxers View attachment 39834 Daddy and Missy out with us when we ride. I know a dealer who produces a small trailers, that would be perfect. Hey I'll defiantly keep this as a potential project...thanks for the idea...you get a major discount off first production model.

I'm skittish about putting to much information out there about how I'm approaching this project, yet I really want the community's input on what they want in a project that I'm pursuing. I did get one volunteer to send us a Mono Cowl, and he will be happy with the results. I did protect ourselves we have a patent!!! However I don't want to give so much away that someone (big company or small) out there starts a competive build. We want to be know for being the first for such a unit and not overpricing our products putting them out of reach for a lot of consumers. Maybe you have to save for a couple of months, but you don't have to give up a mortgage payment.

Look I'm the same guy that came up with "Cowl Keepers" and sell them on ebay for $4.99 with free shipping. I make literally 0% profit (But I get a cool product out on the market and hopefully the word spreads that it works and its a good buy).

Well pray for us that we get this done and it does not flop like an egg. I'm pretty hyped and so proud right now that I will bring a new and exciting aftermarket design to the Spyder market. Thanks for your input and hopefully we will have pictures out soon.

Cheers,

Cole

 

[SpyderGirl]

Since I have the Corbin seat, it working with that seat would be a plus for me, otherwise I'm stuck with what I have now (a GIVI E55 trunk), or with the Corbin Smuggler which cost almost as much as both of my seats combined. :banghead:

Either way, I am looking forward to seeing what you come up with, from one "artist" to another.



P.S. I also have two Boxers.... Boris & Rascal.

 

[Roadkill]

TourPak

+I'm waiting for eagle's pics, as I run a mounted Corbin solo saddle with a hidden bitch pad, and I happen to have a garage-resident TourPak...

(The same one seen on the right in this image.)

Ride on.
Roadkill

 

[Sny]

You have my attention.

I too would like something like the smuggler truck without the expense.

I use a biker's friend roll bag on the seat now. It's not bad, but something made for the Spyder would be a better use of the space available... plus it's hard to fuel without detaching the bag.

I can understand your desire to protect your intellectual property but I'm waitin' on a picture before I make any plans

Oh, bring one to Spyderfest, you'll have dozens of orders instantly.

 

[Cole369]

You have my attention.

I too would like something like the smuggler truck without the expense.

I use a biker's friend roll bag on the seat now. It's not bad, but something made for the Spyder would be a better use of the space available... plus it's hard to fuel without detaching the bag.

I can understand your desire to protect your intellectual property but I'm waitin' on a picture before I make any plans

Oh, bring one to Spyderfest, you'll have dozens of orders instantly.

I'm really looking forward to showing them (two models actually) at Spyder Fest. I'm hoping to release pics prior to (week or so) before Spyder Fest. Now, the reality...these things are really hard to make, so making Spyder Fest is the challenge. Although I have a great glass guy doing this for me, but if I had to do this large scale to sell them as an aftermarket piece I'd probably have to use a large scale manufacture to maintain a high level of quality assurance and get these done right. I'm glad I stuck my foot in it...but damn it's challenging. So please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Cole

 

[Cole369]

I'm really looking forward to showing them (two models actually) at Spyder Fest. I'm hoping to release pics prior to (week or so) before Spyder Fest. Now, the reality...these things are really hard to make, so making Spyder Fest is the challenge. Although I have a great glass guy doing this for me, but if I had to do this large scale to sell them as an aftermarket piece I'd probably have to use a large scale manufacture to maintain a high level of quality assurance and get these done right. I'm glad I stuck my foot in it...but damn it's challenging. So please keep your fingers crossed for me.

Cole

Update:

This process has been time consuming and unbelievably hard, but I believe worth every minute. I probably will not be able to complete the prototype before Spyder Fest in April, and I apologize to anyone who may have been counting on that. However, I am releasing two rough drafts (below) of the top view of the Alien Aracnid Pod's "Stinger and Fang" for comments and suggestion. Both will be in matte black and for personal use. Good, bad or ugly, these are rough composite drawings. The concept artwork, design and mounting concept are patented. My set-back and literally stoppage is having a fiberglass guy willing to dedicate time to the project. This is what has cost this project time. Anyone out there with concept fiberglass skills, feel free to give me a buzz and let me know what you think.

Take Care,


Cole

 

[Firefly]

Update:

This process has been time consuming and unbelievably hard, but I believe worth every minute. I probably will not be able to complete the prototype before Spyder Fest in April, and I apologize to anyone who may have been counting on that. However, I am releasing two rough drafts (below) of the top view of the Alien Aracnid Pod's "Stinger and Fang" for comments and suggestion. Both will be in matte black and for personal use. Good, bad or ugly, these are rough composite drawings. The concept artwork, design and mounting concept are patented. My set-back and literally stoppage is having a fiberglass guy willing to dedicate time to the project. This is what has cost this project time. Anyone out there with concept fiberglass skills, feel free to give me a buzz and let me know what you think.

Take Care,


Cole

View attachment 41034View attachment 41035

I don't care for the 'double point' look at all.
The single-point one on the left looks good.

Is this going to go ontop of the stock seat in the rear? You might want to consider those who are also using the sport rack system as that pointed rear would probably hit it.

 

[Cole369]

I don't care for the 'double point' look at all.
The single-point one on the left looks good.

Is this going to go ontop of the stock seat in the rear? You might want to consider those who are also using the sport rack system as that pointed rear would probably hit it.

Yes it sits directly on top of the seat, and does not matter if it is stock or aftermarket. Now the sportrack comment...that's a hell of a good idea, which would probably only require the point end removed. I really never throught about the sport rack guy's at all..I have a flexible prototype in my garage i can fiddle with, I'm going to try that fit tomorrow. The single point is my favorite also, but the dual tip gives a more flashy sporty look. I like them both, but I'm biased of course. Hey...thanks for the insight!!!


Cole