So I wasn't sure whether to post this in Luggage, but seeing as there is not much traffic over there and this is more specific to the 5th gen, well, here we are.
Bit of background: I'm coming off a V-Strom, which has an integrated rack to which any topcase mounting plate could be attached. I have a Givi on there with an e52 and I'm a happy camper. On the sides, my used bike came with the quick-release SW-Motech racks attached to a pair of Pelican 1550s. It's a really great set-up because I can put them on for long trips or shopping runs and the sideracks come off completely along with the bags (30 second procedure) for when I'm just riding around the city. Most of the time I just ride around with the top case. Fast forward to the 5th Gen VFR.
So I already have Pelicans and an E52 and figured I could just get the SW-Motech racks for the VFR and move the Pelicans over. Problem is, there doesn't appear to be an SW-Motech alu-rack for the topcase available, and the side racks, from what I understand, aren't compatible with the Givi topcase rack. So looking at my options, my choices seem to be to either buy new Givi side bags, along with their rack, which would cost quite a bit and remove the quick-release functionality of the rack that I've grown to really appreciate. Otherwise, I could get the SW-Motech rack for the side bags and just move the Pelicans over and go without a topcase, but that doesn't really work for city riding where I have the side bags off most of the time.
So I'm wondering if anyone here was able to make SW-Motech quick-release side-racks work with any kind of topcase mount that would work for a Givi, or is this something that's gonna need a more creative approach?
I did notice that the Krauser rack might be compatible, but it isn't available in the states, it seems.
I'm looking at it from the opposite POV. I have Corbin bags that leave on pretty much all the time since I don't do much lanesplitting, but it would nice to have a topcase for longer trips. Pretty much all the topcase mounts I've looked at are ugly, and PIA to mount/dismount. Somebody needs to make a simple, clean topcase rack that mounts to the grab handle mounts. I bet they'd sell enough of 'em to make it worthwhile. I may eventually do it myself if nobody else steps up.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 11 April 2012 - 10:58 AM, said:
I'm looking at it from the opposite POV. I have Corbin bags that leave on pretty much all the time since I don't do much lanesplitting, but it would nice to have a topcase for longer trips. Pretty much all the topcase mounts I've looked at are ugly, and PIA to mount/dismount. Somebody needs to make a simple, clean topcase rack that mounts to the grab handle mounts. I bet they'd sell enough of 'em to make it worthwhile. I may eventually do it myself if nobody else steps up.
Like this? Not necessarily the best looking, but easy on and off. Stick the key in, turn it, and hit the button and it is off. To put it on, but line up the 2 slots and pop it down into place. Even has a 3rd brake light in it.
Sw-motech quick sidetracks + 5-star top rack on a 6th gen here. Using all spacers from both kits; 90mm long M8x1.25 bolts in place of supplied bolts lets it all stack up nicely. Basically the top rack ends up mounting slightly higher than normal. Sw-motech top rack would mount the same way.
[image: View Post]wera803, on 29 May 2012 - 07:10 AM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 11 April 2012 - 10:58 AM, said:
I'm looking at it from the opposite POV. I have Corbin bags that leave on pretty much all the time since I don't do much lanesplitting, but it would nice to have a topcase for longer trips. Pretty much all the topcase mounts I've looked at are ugly, and PIA to mount/dismount. Somebody needs to make a simple, clean topcase rack that mounts to the grab handle mounts. I bet they'd sell enough of 'em to make it worthwhile. I may eventually do it myself if nobody else steps up.
Like this? Not necessarily the best looking, but easy on and off. Stick the key in, turn it, and hit the button and it is off. To put it on, but line up the 2 slots and pop it down into place. Even has a 3rd brake light in it.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 29 May 2012 - 08:29 PM, said:
Exactly like that! That's pretty sweet. Did you fab that up yourself?
:offtopic: Sorry for the thread jack.
No, it is a Givi rack. I think it is the original design from when the 5th gens came out. Now they have an extra support that runs down to the franken bolts because I heard they had problems with these breaking. I haven't had any problems with mine though and have had it loaded pretty heavy over the past 6-7 years.
Got the Givi rack and both the big pyramid tooth and the two little ones are easily removable, leaving clean 5/8" tubing with nothing protruding. It won't be quick release, but looks like it will be easily removable and won't require a $180 bracket for the Pelicans. The Happy Trail pucks are on order and I'll update once I've had a chance to mount them. The other nice thing about the Givi is that the cross bar in the back is independent of the fender, which is good as the PO of my bike cut it off almost completely.
SW-Motech just doesn't make sense with the 5th gen at this point. Not only is their side-rack not compatible with the Givi (without their own alternative available), but it's also $300. What gives? You 6th gen guys are lucky in that regard.
The problem is that the adapters for the case side of that equation are 180.
No offence, but this is why this topic was posted to the gen 5 specific forum :-). We have a whole other world of scarcity here when it comes to rack availability and compatibility the the 6th gen owners don't face.
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 04 June 2012 - 12:13 PM, said:
SW Motech has inexpensive GIVI adapters for old and the newer (6th gen only) Evo sideracks.
[image: View Post]Mazaev, on 04 June 2012 - 12:30 PM, said:
The problem is that the adapters for the case side of that equation are 180.
No offence, but this is why this topic was posted to the gen 5 specific forum :-). We have a whole other world of scarcity here when it comes to rack availability and compatibility the the 6th gen owners don't face.
[image: View Post]BonusVFR, on 04 June 2012 - 12:13 PM, said:
SW Motech has inexpensive GIVI adapters for old and the newer (6th gen only) Evo sideracks.
What do you mean they are 180? The link says the GIVI adapters are for the older 5th gen type racks. BTW I was able to mount the newer EVO SW adapters on my SW Motech racks for my 99 ...............but for Hepco and Becker bags.
I agree - My only real knock on the 5th gen is the "factory/OEM" bag set up................NOT!
I was referring to these: http://www.twistedth...roductview/5677, as well as the fact that SW-Motech doesn't make an Alu-rack to go with the side racks for the 5th gen. What I'm trying to do is attach a pair of NON-Givi side cases (Pelicans from my last bike) to a Givi side rack since the SW-Motech side rack isn't compatible with the Givi topcase rack, for which I do have a givi case.
Quote
What do you mean they are 180? The link says the GIVI adapters are for the older 5th gen type racks. BTW I was able to mount the newer EVO SW adapters on my SW Motech racks for my 99 ...............but for Hepco and Becker bags.
I agree - My only real knock on the 5th gen is the "factory/OEM" bag set up................NOT!
Well, the Happy Trails pucks came in and I finally had some time to get this done. Drilled some new holes in the Pelicans and got 'em mounted after having my passenger sit on the bike to make sure everything is cleared. The topcase makes it a bit tight to mount drybags on top, but I'm sure it can be done with just a little overhang. They're ALMOST perfectly even. The pucks are just a little bit of a pain in the ass to remove as it gets quite tights between the topcase rack and the siderack, but still worth the 140 dollar savings ($62 shipped vs. ~200) compared to the Caribou Givi mount.
Overall, well worth it, especially considering I had the Pelicans already.
Well, had my first run with them yesterday with somewhat mixed results. Took a ride from NYC to Atlantic city and back for a show; about 2:30 each way. I love how narrow the bike remains with these compared to the V-Strom and I generally really like the space these provide, as well the the flat top to tie things to.
Had a few negative observations though. First of all, with a passenger and the three cases mounted, the front comes up REALLY easy when accelerating. Some lady tried to pace me on a Toyota Avalon from a stoplight and it came up before I could even pass her. The bags could probably be a bit more forward, but that would negatively affect the passpenger's foot clearance. Also, the exhaust melted one of the fins at the bottom of the right case. This could probably easily solved with some metal plate attached where it blows.
What I really didn't like was the sudden appearance of turbulence. It was OK when I'm down low, but as soon as I sat up there would be a lot of fluttering at my left shoulder, something I never experienced prior to having the side bags attached. My passenger was quite uncomfortable because of it and I ended up spending way too much time hunched over to give her some relief. Has anyone experienced this due to their side cases? Could this be helped by a taller windshield?
The VFR continues to amaze me when I'm riding alone, yet continues to disappoint in the 2-up department.
Not knowing what your suspension setup is, and looking at how far back the bags mount I'm not surprised it wheelies loaded 2-up. Mine did too with the stock springs. It's better now, but I still have to watch how hard I launch it with a pillion. Too much throttle, and the front will come right up about 7K or so.
Don't want to threadjack this either, but would either of you guys w/Beetle Bags mind taking a pic of your left side bag exterior mounting point? Mine didn't come w/this bolt & attachment, so I have it rigged w/a rubber bushing/spacer, bolt and washer covering the triangle(tie down strap) part of the rear passenger foot peg. I am just curious what the factory mount looks like. I've called Corbin but they don't have any more mounting kits...you can p.m them to me if possible...I'd appreciate it.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 10 June 2012 - 10:22 AM, said:
Not knowing what your suspension setup is, and looking at how far back the bags mount I'm not surprised it wheelies loaded 2-up. Mine did too with the stock springs. It's better now, but I still have to watch how hard I launch it with a pillion. Too much throttle, and the front will come right up about 7K or so.
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 10 June 2012 - 10:22 AM, said:
Not knowing what your suspension setup is, and looking at how far back the bags mount I'm not surprised it wheelies loaded 2-up. Mine did too with the stock springs. It's better now, but I still have to watch how hard I launch it with a pillion. Too much throttle, and the front will come right up about 7K or so.
I have the stock suspension.. but now that you mention it, I wonder how all the rear weight would affect aggressive cornering on twisty roads. Would I begin to lose front wheel traction while leaned over and rolling on?
[image: View Post]Mazaev, on 10 June 2012 - 02:06 PM, said:
[image: View Post]MBrane, on 10 June 2012 - 10:22 AM, said:
Not knowing what your suspension setup is, and looking at how far back the bags mount I'm not surprised it wheelies loaded 2-up. Mine did too with the stock springs. It's better now, but I still have to watch how hard I launch it with a pillion. Too much throttle, and the front will come right up about 7K or so.
I have the stock suspension.. but now that you mention it, I wonder how all the rear weight would affect aggressive cornering on twisty roads. Would I begin to lose front wheel traction while leaned over and rolling on?
That's a good possibility. The stock spring is only good for a solo 160lb rider. Even if you're close to that weight add a pillion + luggage, and you're way too soft. Enough that you'll be bottoming out on dips & bumps. Not good.
I've yet to have any issues bottoming with a pillion and a topcase, and while I'm all for upgrading the suspension, that would have to wait until I can afford it.
In the meanwhile, looking at the bike from the side, there does seem to be a whole lotta weight behind the rear wheel. To be honest, this is making me question whether to continue throwing money at this thing to make it usable for long 2-up tours as intended.
It's a really tough balance to strike, as the bike is used for everything, including everyday city stuff, shopping and such, hitting the twisties relatively hard, as well as a few long distance camping trips per year with the SO. It's my primary vehicle.
[image: View Post]Mazaev, on 10 June 2012 - 03:08 PM, said:
I've yet to have any issues bottoming with a pillion and a topcase, and while I'm all for upgrading the suspension, that would have to wait until I can afford it.
In the meanwhile, looking at the bike from the side, there does seem to be a whole lotta weight behind the rear wheel. To be honest, this is making me question whether to continue throwing money at this thing to make it usable for long 2-up tours as intended.
It's a really tough balance to strike, as the bike is used for everything, including everyday city stuff, shopping and such, hitting the twisties relatively hard, as well as a few long distance camping trips per year with the SO. It's my primary vehicle.
Sent from my DROIDX using Tapatalk 2 There's a bunch of 929 shocks on e-bay last time I looked. Got one on the back of my girl with a 1100lb spring. $50 for the shock, $90 for the spring. Made a new mount from stuff I had laying around. Best upgrade for the money so far. I'll admit I don't do much 2-up at all on the VFR with the RT handy. It's a much better bike for pillion duty, and plenty of fun in the twisties. The BMW bags can't be beat for convenience either.
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