Top Block Racing - side sliders and tip over protection

[ZG]

Great product IMO, it's a French company but they communicate in english very well via email, fast shipping too... 
 
http://www.top-block.com/index.php
 
Here's some pics of mine. 
 

 
They make 2 options, laser engraved or removable stickers, I went with the stickers and peeled them off...


 

 

 

 

 

 
 
 

[blue14]

How much?

[ZG]

How much?

I don't remember exactly but I think they were about $650 shipped, not cheap I know but I think they're the best looking option out there, and the quality is superb!


Very easy to read install instructions too, here they are in English.

[mikeboileau]

Only decent looking setup out there.  They look great.

[Pynikal]

these look like they would help a ton in that situation.  what year is your bike, for fitment reasons.

[ZG]

these look like they would help a ton in that situation.  what year is your bike, for fitment reasons.

Mine is an 09, but they also make a set for the 10/11 that are the same concept but look slightly different, there's pics on their web-site.
 

[Pynikal]

Mine is an 09, but they also make a set for the 10/11 that are the same concept but look slightly different, there's pics on their web-site.

thanks AGAIN man.

[gadallah]

Fred H has them on his bike: http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/topblock
He started a thread before the old forum crashed regarding tip over protection, gotten a few responses and mentioned something to the effect of "level playing field" since they do require drilling a hole in the plastic.  As always, the photos he posted are a great resource.  Thanks Fred. Sam

[ZG]

Fred H has them on his bike: http://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/topblock
He started a thread before the old forum crashed regarding tip over protection, gotten a few responses and mentioned something to the effect of "level playing field" since they do require drilling a hole in the plastic.  As always, the photos he posted are a great resource.  Thanks Fred. Sam

       
 
Wow, thanks for posting that link with pics, those are some great shot's of the bike on it's side and clearly shows even the bags aren't touching the ground!! Awesome, thank you G!
 

[ZG]

Farkle bump for MrFurious new 09 black...
 
Get your list going Jim! 

[So Cal Joe]

They look like they would work if you just dropped the bike at a stand still, and that would have to be an easy drop. But if you were moving I don't think they would be much good. But I guess they are better than nothing.

[cablebandit]

Well that answers my question to if they protect the bags.  They do look like one of the best options out there.

[CrashKLRtoConnie]

They look great but cost more than a set of crash and tip over bars.

Are there any shin clearance issues? (with Top Block)

I have long legs and always planned to install police style crash bars and add cheap clamp on highway pegs. (and lights when I win the lotto)

[ZG]

Are there any shin clearance issues? (with Top Block)

No clearance issues for me at all...

[DocPigskin]

Only decent looking setup out there.  They look great.

+1

[maxtog]

They look like they would work if you just dropped the bike at a stand still, and that would have to be an easy drop. But if you were moving I don't think they would be much good.

I think if the bike is placed carefully down, it will prevent contact with the bags.  But if you walked over to the bike and pushed it over, it bet it would have enough energy to bounce enough (or even cantilever over) and hit the bags.  Besides, all this assumes working on a PERFECTLY FLAT and CLEAN paved area with no obstructions, holes, large rocks, curbs, etc.

Compared with no protection at all, I think they would certainly help tremendously even with a harder fall over or with a moving fall.  Plus they really look nice (unlike most protective stuff).  They are certainly expensive, and not as easy to obtain as other stuff, though.

[mikeboileau]

I like that they don't look like handicapped bathroom bars....

[C1xRider]

I like that they don't look like handicapped bathroom bars....

But then you miss out on the wonderful leg rest.

[Kiwi Graham]

I like that they don't look like handicapped bathroom bars....

Yep, they are definitely the ones I will buy (probably be a Christmas pressie). Not so much worried about a proper 'get off' (I'm sure far more would get damaged than these would prevent), more concerned about minimising damage with the foot slip on gravel type tip over or 'U' turn f**k up.

[maxtog]

Yep, they are definitely the ones I will buy. Not so much worried about a proper 'get off' (I'm sure far more would get damaged than these would prevent), more concerned about minimizing damage with the foot slip on gravel type tip over or 'U' turn f**k up.

Exactly.  And that is my biggest concern... especially since I was unable to lower the C14 enough for my short legs.  I am at great risk of slow-drops from not having enough leverage to keep the bike from falling over when I make a mistake with slow/tight turns, or wilth a misplaced foot at a stop.

Again, I still don't think this design will prevent the bags from hitting except in the most unrealistically ideal situations.  But it has to be a LOT more protection than nothing... and putting bathroom bars and cages on my bike is just not an option at all.... the bags just aren't worth it at that point.