Honda Big Red Hard roof needs upgrade

[OFRC boy]

I installed my Hard Roof and when hauling I noticed the top lifting in the wind. Honda didn't put enough tie downs on the top so I called, complained and was told they do make an extra tie down part # 08R85-HL1-100 R1 MSRP is $15.79. Problem is the roof is raised in the center so the bolts are to short so I need two kits one each side of center where the top touches the roll bar to make work. Honda needs more of us to complain about the problem so it can be solved w/o paying for more fasteners. I ordered the parts for mine as I don't want mine to start vibrating so I will pay to repair it and hope down the road Honda will reimburse me.

[robdog]

Good idea , ive had that problem for some time and dealer told me to remove roof for transport , right. I just keep it at 55 while towing and seems ok but i an going to get one of those clamps asap .

[OFRC boy]

Originally Posted by robdog

Good idea , ive had that problem for some time and dealer told me to remove roof for transport , right. I just keep it at 55 while towing and seems ok but i an going to get one of those clamps asap .

I had to buy two as the center of the roof is raised and I installed one on each side where the roof hits the roll bar. I guess you could buy one and get longer bolts and use some type of a spacers. I also wrote honda with pictures and my invoice and ask to be reimbursed.

[robdog]

I went to my honda dealer yesterday for a oil filter and they didn't have a parts list for a big red yet. Mother honda hasnt sent one to them yet. I imagine its the same filter as a foreman PN 15412-KEA-003 . You are right there is a bump on the top center where it says honda that is about 3/4 inch taller , i have a 2 piece windshield and a clamp might rub the windshield.

[olivecrossbones]

To OFRC boy:
When you purchased the extra clamp hardware, did it include all of the hardware/nuts/bolts/washers/ rubbers and grommets as is found on the original equipment? Did it provide installation instructions? Do you have any installation tips?
Thanks

[OFRC boy]

Yes all the bolts, nuts, rubber washers and clamps X 2 fasteners. I placed one on each side of center where the top touches the roll bar just outside of the center hump in the top. The only thing I could add would be drill the front hole first close to the roll bar as the top is curled down in that area and you will want the bolt in the flat section not the curve.

[olivecrossbones]

Roof Holddown Bar pictures by olivecrossbones - Photobucket
As has been talked of before, the Honda roof tends to lift in the middle while being trailered due to wind. I did not have a problem but got tired of watching and worrying about when I took the Hippo out on the road in a trailer. I bought a length of aluminum bar stock 50x2x1/2, drilled it, painted it and mounted it using the brackets and holes already on the roof. I added rubber stripping on the roof high spots and rubber cups (those cups that are put on walls etc. to keep door knobs from making marks in the wall) for the low spots under the bar. Works great, roof doesn't flex and I don't have to drive looking into at my rearview mirror anymore waiting for the roof to blow off.

[sfrankland]

You could us it to mount so lights if you run in an area that they wouldn't get ripped off. Or you could flip it around so the bar is inside holding the roof down and use it to mount stuff like a inside light or stero.

[Chunz82]

I drove my 2011 br home on a trailer at 70mph and after reading this I went out to check it... Not sure if it's my front window but it looks fine.

[olivecrossbones]

I too have towed mine on the trailer at 65+mph and have a windshield on the Hippo and never had a problem but the center of the roof would start to flex at about 50mph and would noticeably flex when meeting oncoming large truck traffic. I just got tired of worrying about it. It probably would have held in a tornado, but if something bad can happen, it usually happens to me

[Chunz82]

I'm towing mine 4 hours next weekend... I better get something for it I guess cuz I don't drive 55!!!!!! Lol

[sfrankland]

I usually throw a strap over the roof (front to rear) to keep her from flapping. When I haul my bike across the province (6.5 hours) she doesn't flutter with the strap at all.

[Chunz82]

Originally Posted by sfrankland

I usually throw a strap over the roof (front to rear) to keep her from flapping. When I haul my bike across the province (6.5 hours) she doesn't flutter with the strap at all.

Now that sounds like a good idea...... +1!!!!!!

[OFRC boy]

Originally Posted by OFRC boy

I installed my Hard Roof and when hauling I noticed the top lifting in the wind. Honda didn't put enough tie downs on the top so I called, complained and was told they do make an extra tie down part # 08R85-HL1-100 R1 MSRP is $15.79. Problem is the roof is raised in the center so the bolts are to short so I need two kits one each side of center where the top touches the roll bar to make work. Honda needs more of us to complain about the problem so it can be solved w/o paying for more fasteners. I ordered the parts for mine as I don't want mine to start vibrating so I will pay to repair it and hope down the road Honda will reimburse me.

UPDATE: Almost a year now with no problems and looks factory.

[Chunz82]

After using a strap twice I noticed the back of my roof curling in... I went with olivecrossbones and put some flat bar across the top... It's not going anywhere now.

[Chunz82]

Well after a few days of looking at the flat bar on my roof I decided it did not look very good... I went with ORFC boys idea and put in two more U brackets... I am plan on adding two more in the back also... Big thanks to orfc boy for the help!