OK. Well to avoid hijacking another thread, I'm starting this one and posting pics and resolution to my drama.
So, I was in the need for a topcase/trunk after much debate. I need the option to efficiently and (relatively) safely split lanes on my terms in NYC - typically below 25 mph. I would have preferred side bags but that would now allow me to confidently do what I do. The sail and overall relatively high mounted position on our bikes of top cases irked me visually. In the end, the top case was the least of the evils that fit my storage needs for 1 or 2 day trips. I may opt for the matching side cases for longer trips at some point in the future.
Be that as it may, I ordered the E460 and FZ166 as well as the (what I think is overpriced) backrest/pad from Twisted Throttle. Arrived quickly.
Before I go on to my major beef and subsequent fix, let me first state that I have the Leo Vince cans which I love. I didn't think they would interfere with the racks but geez I was dead wrong. But before going into that, let me first state that the Givi Quality Control/Quality Assurance or UAT groups did NOT do an adequate job on this design. GRRRRRRRRRR!! Can you sense the frustration? Forget about my aftermarket cans for a sec...
BAD
------
1) Holes don't line up properly
2) Man handling metal into submission is required to have a chance of getting all the bolts in. I highly recommend leaving ALL bolts connected but very loose to facilitate this task then tighten all
3) The documentation or instructions are ABYSMALLY poor. They have exploded diagrams of bolts and that's pretty much it. You're on your own to figure it out. If you're not the handy type as I am (mech engineer by schooling and generally can-do-it-all kind of guy), you're screwed. What they need to to is get a proper Tech Writer to document step-by-step installs for the average person. Enough said.
4) E460 case is massive
5) Looks like it can hold a case of longnecks plus ice
GOOD
---------
1) Half the price sort of of Honda setup! Woot!
2) Fit and finish are good
3) Looks are good (relatively/subjective)
4) Italian (chicks dig Italian machinery I've heard)
5) E460 case is massive
6) Looks like it can hold a case of longnecks plus ice
Now onto the exhaust issues. Clearly, this product is intended for OEM exhaust. Fine. I'm doing this write up for others who might be considering the Givi setup and have similar non-OEM exhaust concerns. By the seat mount, my LVs required about 3/4" round spacers to maintain clearance. They also facilitate my license plate, on a Competition Werkes fender eliminator, to sit comfortably between the cans. When I was putting the rack together, it dawned on me that the 2 long Givi bolts here were too short! After much fitting and testing and contemplating, I initially thought to run down to Orange Big Box store and get 1 inch longer bolts.
Rethinking the objective and test fitting the Monokey plate, I realized this would not help my situation as the longer bolts would have helped mounting the rack but hat the end holes would not be close enough to mount the plate without bending. What I would up doing was CUTTING the mounting shaft on each side the exact length of the spacers (about 3/4") which allowed for use of the Givi bolts whilst also maintaining license plate clearance as well as being able to mount the plate.
As pictures are worth a thousand words, here they are below - finished install including mods in a bout 1 hour. Phew! I also de-burred the ends and painted them allow them to dry.
Good luck all <flame_on>
:beer:
Pre-Labotomy:
[image: Posted Image]
Post Circumcision:
[image: Posted Image]
Happy Camper!
[image: Posted Image]
So, I was in the need for a topcase/trunk after much debate. I need the option to efficiently and (relatively) safely split lanes on my terms in NYC - typically below 25 mph. I would have preferred side bags but that would now allow me to confidently do what I do. The sail and overall relatively high mounted position on our bikes of top cases irked me visually. In the end, the top case was the least of the evils that fit my storage needs for 1 or 2 day trips. I may opt for the matching side cases for longer trips at some point in the future.
Be that as it may, I ordered the E460 and FZ166 as well as the (what I think is overpriced) backrest/pad from Twisted Throttle. Arrived quickly.
Before I go on to my major beef and subsequent fix, let me first state that I have the Leo Vince cans which I love. I didn't think they would interfere with the racks but geez I was dead wrong. But before going into that, let me first state that the Givi Quality Control/Quality Assurance or UAT groups did NOT do an adequate job on this design. GRRRRRRRRRR!! Can you sense the frustration? Forget about my aftermarket cans for a sec...
BAD
------
1) Holes don't line up properly
2) Man handling metal into submission is required to have a chance of getting all the bolts in. I highly recommend leaving ALL bolts connected but very loose to facilitate this task then tighten all
3) The documentation or instructions are ABYSMALLY poor. They have exploded diagrams of bolts and that's pretty much it. You're on your own to figure it out. If you're not the handy type as I am (mech engineer by schooling and generally can-do-it-all kind of guy), you're screwed. What they need to to is get a proper Tech Writer to document step-by-step installs for the average person. Enough said.
4) E460 case is massive
5) Looks like it can hold a case of longnecks plus ice
GOOD
---------
1) Half the price sort of of Honda setup! Woot!
2) Fit and finish are good
3) Looks are good (relatively/subjective)
4) Italian (chicks dig Italian machinery I've heard)
5) E460 case is massive
6) Looks like it can hold a case of longnecks plus ice
Now onto the exhaust issues. Clearly, this product is intended for OEM exhaust. Fine. I'm doing this write up for others who might be considering the Givi setup and have similar non-OEM exhaust concerns. By the seat mount, my LVs required about 3/4" round spacers to maintain clearance. They also facilitate my license plate, on a Competition Werkes fender eliminator, to sit comfortably between the cans. When I was putting the rack together, it dawned on me that the 2 long Givi bolts here were too short! After much fitting and testing and contemplating, I initially thought to run down to Orange Big Box store and get 1 inch longer bolts.
Rethinking the objective and test fitting the Monokey plate, I realized this would not help my situation as the longer bolts would have helped mounting the rack but hat the end holes would not be close enough to mount the plate without bending. What I would up doing was CUTTING the mounting shaft on each side the exact length of the spacers (about 3/4") which allowed for use of the Givi bolts whilst also maintaining license plate clearance as well as being able to mount the plate.
As pictures are worth a thousand words, here they are below - finished install including mods in a bout 1 hour. Phew! I also de-burred the ends and painted them allow them to dry.
Good luck all <flame_on>
:beer:
Pre-Labotomy:
[image: Posted Image]
![[image: Posted Image]](http://www.kawasakiw.com/images/vfr/21.JPG){kind=link}
Post Circumcision:
[image: Posted Image]
![[image: Posted Image]](http://www.kawasakiw.com/images/vfr/22.JPG){kind=link}
Happy Camper!
[image: Posted Image]
![[image: Posted Image]](http://www.kawasakiw.com/images/vfr/23.JPG){kind=link}