Questions about Luggage and a Cranky Wife

[Guidocatrx7]

Yes I already searched and I still have a question. I'm about to add some luggage to my Wee and I have some concerns.

I like the look, quality, reputation of the GIVI hardware, and now my number one concern is finding the luggage solution that won't make my wife uncomfortable.

I've read that the top cases with the GIVI mounting bracket crowd the passenger in some cases. I don't think it's worth the risk that my wife is using all that extra space to squirm around. If she gets uncomfortable she tends to use my back as a resting area.

So, I would like to know:

1. Am I wrong about the topcase? The V46N in particular, with the backrest? Is it comfortable for a passenger?

2. Do the side cases restrict position of the passengers legs? I like the E36N in particular, is there a better solution?

3. Please tell me what GIVI cases you've used and how your passenger felt about them on a long trip.

THANK YOU FELLOW TROOPERS!!!

[SNTVSTROM]

I have a Givi top case w/backrest and Nelson CL850 soft side bags. Lots of storage and my wife loves the setup. She never liked to ride more than 30-40 miles on any other bike we have owned but loves the Strom with the backrest. We have done a couple of 400 mile days with no issues.

[Guidocatrx7]

I have a Givi top case w/backrest and Nelson CL850 soft side bags. Lots of storage and my wife loves the setup. She never liked to ride more than 30-40 miles on any other bike we have owned but loves the Strom with the backrest. We have done a couple of 400 mile days with no issues.

Thanks for the reply.

Do you have the GIVI mounting bracket, or a different brand? And which top case do you have, it seems like the different models have widely different "back buldges"

[tylerSC]

I use the amotostuff.com adjustable bracket. My fiancee is small, but the stock position was still too far forward. The amotostuff bracket is a good solution. We have an E46N topcase with the Givi backrest installed. She loves it and it holds a lot of stuff.

[tylerSC]

BTW we use the E68 backrest.

[Guidocatrx7]

I use the amotostuff.com adjustable bracket. My fiancee is small, but the stock position was still too far forward. The amotostuff bracket is a good solution. We have an E46N topcase with the Givi backrest installed. She loves it and it holds a lot of stuff.

That looks like a great way to go. I'm ordering one right now.

[Guidocatrx7]

What's the verdict on the side cases? From the pictures I've seen it looks like they get in the way. Any experience?

[tylerSC]

We use the E36N side cases. They are awesome. With the Monokey system, you only have to carry one key to unlock all three cases. They don't move around at all on the bike. I don't think they get in the way of her legs - believe me she would complain if they did. She is about 5'2" with short legs.

[Dorzok]

I use the amotostuff.com adjustable bracket. My fiancee is small, but the stock position was still too far forward. The amotostuff bracket is a good solution. We have an E46N topcase with the Givi backrest installed. She loves it and it holds a lot of stuff.

That looks like a great way to go. I'm ordering one right now.

+1 on the amotostuff rack and mount. I bought one for my OEM top case (had to modify the rack to work because it's made for the GIVIs). Kind of exspensive ( got mine for Christmas) but a high quality piece. My same-size-as-his-mother-son really appreciates the extra room.

this is kind of where mine sits without the amoto rack. (best i could figure to do with crapy software)
http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo322/Dorzok/DL%20Luggage/DSC04125_1.jpg

and where it sits now
http://i388.photobucket.com/albums/oo322/Dorzok/DL%20Luggage/DSC04125.jpg

couldn't take the seat off with the trunk on before, now it's not a problem. and you don't use the GIVI base plate so if you go this route DO NOT get the GIVI mount plate.

[Guidocatrx7]

Thanks for the great advice, I bought the adjustable mount from amoto, and I got the E52 and backrest from sporttour.

Dorzok mentioned not getting the givi mount plate? Did I miss something, I thought the amoto rack replaced the givi mount.

Is this a complete installation?

1 - amoto adjustable mount
1 - GIVI E52 top case

Am I missing a piece? Yeah, this is the first time I've installed luggage on a bike? My Vstrom has just recently stolen my heart away from my CBR1000RR.

[Dorzok]

Thanks for the great advice, I bought the adjustable mount from amoto, and I got the E52 and backrest from sporttour.

Dorzok mentioned not getting the givi mount plate? Did I miss something, I thought the amoto rack replaced the givi mount.

Is this a complete installation?

1 - amoto adjustable mount
1 - GIVI E52 top case

Am I missing a piece? Yeah, this is the first time I've installed luggage on a bike? My Vstrom has just recently stolen my heart away from my CBR1000RR.

you're good. i was just reminding you to NOT buy the GIVI adapter plate that mounts to the OEM luggage rack. I didn't know if you were clear on that.

The amoto rack is a plate, that permenantly mounts to the OEM rack, and the adapter, to mount the GIVI case. the amoto plate is fixed and the adapter is adjustable on the plate. undo four small button head crews to remove the adapter for adjustment or if you need to carry something bulky. all the hardware to mount the GIVI case is installed from amoto. all you need to do is mount the plate on the OEM rack then mount the adapter where you want it on the plate then clip your case onto the adapter

added link to amoto rack mods.
http://www.stromtrooper.com/showpost.php?p=348577&postcount=257

[tylerSC]

If you are going to install Givi saddlebag mounts, you may want to go ahead and do all of this at the same time - rather than take everything back apart to install the saddlebag mounts.

[RockyMtnRoadRash]

1. Am I wrong about the topcase? The V46N in particular, with the backrest? Is it comfortable for a passenger?

2. Do the side cases restrict position of the passengers legs? I like the E36N in particular, is there a better solution?

3. Please tell me what GIVI cases you've used and how your passenger felt about them on a long trip.

THANK YOU FELLOW TROOPERS!!!

Lesse here -

1.) Good topcase choice. I have the same setup. (as you actually bought)

2.) Yes, this is especially pronounced if your passenger has short legs or muscular legs (my short skier/hiker girlfriend has both)

3.) E52 for the trunk with the amotostuff mount is a hit. Caribou cases were the only option for the sides I found in my research that don't encroach on the passenger. My girlfriend likes them, and the tops of the caribous have handy dandy tiedown points.