And here we are, with the Shifter Lever V2! The V1 was working well, but…
We made as it was (steel, different parts, partially 3D printed) following several suggestions and our proper inspiration, but it turned out to be expensive and too time-consuming. In addition, the second prototype shows some defects: of all places in the 3d printed steel base! although it works well we could not stand that defect, and the producer could not guarantee, at the same price, that the future parts would be flawless…
So we went for CNC machining!
Models modified, purchased, and here we are, this is the first prototype of the V2!
Less parts even if the shape is the same (still possible to make it in three parts, as the V1, we will look for the best option!), no paint needed, completely in aluminium 6061, still adjustable and less protruding like the V1, still with the tip at an angle so it will fold easily, and probably it will be possible to get them anodized…
Now time for the brake lever, that one also will be changed and made in aluminium, soon a prototype will arrive!
Now the winter is coming, so there wont be so much testing (even if we are confident that it works) and we have other projects ongoing (first of all the Tower), but as always if there was enough real interest we could organize a buying group.
Our side racks have been making a name for themselves for over a year: essential, practical and light the “normal” ones, our beloved first product, sturdy and eclectic the “Heavy Duty” ones; and now the family expands with the “Solo” ones.
Designed and built for solo use, although of course they do not prevent carrying a passenger while remaining mounted, they move the luggage almost 14 cm toward the center of gravity making the load easier to handle in all situations and allowing more immediate access to the handles, probably no longer used by a passenger but still indispensable for lifting the bike after falls and slips.
If you may miss the flexibility offered by the Heavy Duty in moving the luggage longitudinally or their huge load capability, don’t worry, you won’t loose their strength: the three attachment points and 4 mm thickness, together with a less pronounced outward protusion, make the Solo durable and unobtrusive in all those situations where as a pair you are not likely to run into.
And as always for GWX products they are also pleasing to the eye by blending nicely into the lines of the tail covers.
A couple of details remain to be clarified, but the prototypes are already being tested on the road … and off it … and have already earned a special place in our hearts!
And here we are with another jewel from Giamaicaworx!
Plate Holder, perfectly interchangeable with the OEM, adjustable in three angles 1) OEM street legal angle 2) few-more-degrees-let’s-hope-the-cops-won’t-notice-it angle 3) off-roading angle and the whole plate holder can be removed in less than 10 seconds without tools, leaving only the base with lights on the bike (for those who are afraid to loose the plate when off riding).
It will be tested on and off road (sweedish TET) during next 10 days, then we’ll see if we will start a group buy (we can foresee, for a group of 10, a cost of about 80-90€).
The levers have been used now for more or less 1500 km, mostly on the road, but have seen also some (light) off and they work well also when standing.
The shifter lever has an adjustable (and of course foldable) tip, it can be moved ±10mm back and forward.
The brake lever has an adjustable part, the one where the tip (OEM or another compatible) is attached to, that can be moved ±10mm back and forward as well. And the whole lever can be adjusted in height (at the tip) of about ±15mm.
The grey parts in the pictures are in stainless steel, 3D printed, it looks like they don’t rust, so no need to paint them (they have also seen some salty water).
The levers (in black) are in carbon steel, they have been painted (powder coated) but we have a spare one, and does not show rust, even if it has been over two months in my (not isolated) garage, subject to humidity. Anyway we think it is a good idea to paint it.
We have received some requests for different colors, but we can only paint in black, for a simple reason: it is the only color I have/use with my hobby powder coating equipment. By the way, the quality of the paint is good, but do not expect professional paint quality. If you want to paint them in another color you will have to do that yourself.
No welding: all the parts can be replaced singularly.
The lever tips are adjustable, about ±10mm back and forward, from a position “more or less” equal to the OEM one; the shifter lever tip is also angled few degrees, so that it should “close” more easily in a drop; the brake lever can be adjusted also in height, about ±15mm, again from a position “more or less” equal to the OEM one.
There is a last ting to mention. The levers use a bushing different from the one in the OEM levers, same ID and length, but different OD. So we needed new O-rings. When we got them we noticed that, together with the tolerances we get on the parts, they play a huge role in the play the levers got on the pivot bolt and the friction when the levers are moving. They can actually, if too big, lock the lever, or make it hard to move. So we played a bit with o-ring dimensions, and we came to the conclusions that you can actually play with the o-rings and get the best combo play/friction according to your taste.
We used two thinner o-rings (which will be part of the kit), which made the levers very light to move but gave more play (movement) around the pivot bolt, and we have also used a thinner o-ring, at the interface with the washer, and a OEM one at the interface with the head of the pivot bolt, this giving less play but more friction.
In both cases the levers work totally fine.
See the two videos we posted on youtube, showing the play in these to cases (for the shifter lever, same happens on the brake lever):
As promised/anticipated, new versions of our beautiful and practical Rear Rack and Side Rack are coming, the prototypes are on the way, but they won’t be fully tested until spring 2024.
The Rear Rack HD is actually our known “old” rack, but a couple of reinforcements, made in 5mm aluminium and bolted to the Rear Rack, will make it capable more weight, and integrates also the handles. The reinforcements are also designed so that the rack plane is about 25mm higher, allowing to store a small bag with tools or a tire repair kit underneath. And still the Rear Rack can be used without reinforcements, giving plenty of possibilities and configurations.
Same for the Side Rack, it is our well known design, but now made in 5mm aluminium, and with a slightly increased surface, so that larger saddlebags can be used without problems. Weight capacity is increased as well, due to the increased thickness and to the third attachment point, the M8 screws used by the OEM luggage systems.
It was a long waiting … and isn’t over yet, sadly, but the progresses are evident:
Our gorgeous Mobile/Tablet/GPS Holder is on his way!
Being winter, tests will run slower than normal, so we thought it’ll be ready for the production to the end of February, when we’ll give out our orders … hopefully together with yours …
The expectations was simple but indisputable:
steady & light: minimal last for the tower paired to maximal endurance to vibes and other mechanical stress; even because it uses our Front Rack as additional fixing point; functional & simple: the 30 degrees adjustment, in 3 easy to set steps, is completely independent from the bar, fixing also the small rotation issue that was bothering some users; the adjustments will be possible without need for tools (yes, the pictures show a preliminary prototype, used to check form and functions, where screws are used for the adjustments); versatile & elegant: the base can be mounted and used even without the adjustment plate, in the same slant as the original cockpit (both have AMPS hole patterns), while the design allows to use a big range of devices from mobile phone to 8″ tablet, always without interference with the original dashboard or windshield; … shortly: an original GiamaicaWorx design
The first charge of group order is delivered and we all are mounting and testing our new gadget … the season is not over, not yet!
I hope you will comment them and share your experiences on the blog.
Giamaica and I had tested them too on a quick ‘n’ dirty tour in Danmark and the result is a little but consistent design change:
The front rack extension has become an extended front rack in the AL version:
easier, lighter, stiffer than the still good two-pieces-version which did her duties without hesitation, it must be said, but still: the best is the enemy of the good!
We’re almost done with the postages and next week the last packages will be sent: We’re really sorry it took so much time.
Our time must be shared between many activities and persons, but we try to do the best we can so that we are proud to present our latest “creations” too:
The handles are done and mounted;
The quick release system for the windscreen is also produced as prototype;
Both of them are already in use, because they’re not just ornaments, and August 18th till 20th they will be tested, through and hard, while a quick’n’dirty tour in Denmark.
Sketch and descriptions are to find as usual in the home page.
