VFR Discussion Group -> Whats up with the Trunk?

[FONT=Times][SIZE=7][COLOR=red]lakesidemichael@sc.rr.comIve had my 04 for about a year now, and Ive finally decided to add some luggage. I thought that Saddlebags would be plenty, but my girlfriend wants the trunk so she can have some support and security. Ive decided to go with the OEM saddlebags, but the trunk is the question. OEM or GIVI? I just cant find much info on the OEM. I would like the option to add lights or a trunk rack. Please help.[img]

I just picked up the Givi E52 with backrest. I guess the backrest on it is thicker than OEM. Anyway, I love it, second best upgrade that I've done so far. Wifey loves it too. I highly recommend it.

I have the E52 - it does not have the LED lights in it - yet. THe box is great - laptop bag fits nicely - haven't got a back rest though.

be prepared to be called the MIni Goldwing........ :goofy:

i have the GIVI Monorack with a V46 topcase on my 02. i added the high-mount brake light for piece of mind after my 93 and i were rear-ended by a volvo. you can probably find pictures in the luggage section. i like it, though it's not a whole lot of storage. gotta take it all off now to get the rear subframe looked at as per recall. got it in flat black, seems to match the red colors scheme pretty well.

I have the OE topbox and am very pleased with it so much so that I pretty much leave it attached to the bike all the time even though I used to think they looked bad on a bike.

I find it very spacious and it can accomodate 2 helmets no problemo

I also have the Honda inner canvas bag so when going on an overnight bike trip I can just take the bag out without having to detach the topbox and risk damaging the paint. As an example I fitted in 6 shirts, 2 jeans, shoes, thick fleece, washbag and loads of underwear and still had a small amount of room to spare. I think its quoted as 45 litre capacity (whatever that means)

The paint match is perfect and I fitted the spare lock barrel that came with my side cases so I have one key fits all 3 cases.

The OE has a backrest but I don't think there's provision for a rack or light fitting

I think the OE box is made by Givi anyways so build quality should be the same

Well, Im Kinda leaning towards the OEM, just because I know it works well with the Saddlebags and the paint matches. How about the way it comes off? Does it come off pretty easy? Is it more comfortable for a passenger? Does it upset the balance of the bike going through turns? Anything bad?

lakesidemichael, Apr 19 2005, 02:20 PMWell, Im Kinda leaning towards the OEM, just because I know it works well with the Saddlebags and the paint matches.  How about the way it comes off?  Does it come off pretty easy?  Is it more comfortable for a passenger? Does it upset the balance of the bike going through turns?  Anything bad?

As for coming right off, just unlock it and left the lever and it come right off. All three seconds to it. Any added weight on the back will upset the bike a little, but you can't take corners like your racing it with the trunk on it. Great for traveling and worth it. I'm trying to find light for it to hook up when I brake. Givi made it for honda but doesn't offer brake light kits for it. I think one could be adapted if but you have to cut or drill into the trunk.

That sounds great. One more thing, Ive heard a couple of people say that you can use the saddlebag as a cooler and that it doesnt leak. Is this true?

lakesidemichael, Apr 19 2005, 09:42 AMThat sounds great.  One more thing, Ive heard a couple of people say that you can use the saddlebag as a cooler and that it doesnt leak.  Is this true?

Interesting....really officer, the beer isn't for me....it's for those damn Harley Riders over there!

I've never tried to keep mositure IN the OEM saddlebags, but I can tell you as long as nothing on the inside crimps the rubber seal, my bags are 100% bone dry even after riding 50-60mph through a heavy downpour.

lakesidemichael, Apr 19 2005, 02:42 PMThat sounds great.  One more thing, Ive heard a couple of people say that you can use the saddlebag as a cooler and that it doesnt leak.  Is this true?

With a twelve pack and some ice would really weigh on the bike. I do know about the twelve pack. Not allot of fun to take corners with that added weight.