Best place to buy Givi luggage? [Archive] - BARF

rdcyclist

11-07-2003, 04:10 PM

A coupla places:

Locally California Sport Touring (http://www.casporttouring.com/store/merchant.mv) in Martinez can order anything you want, knows the product, and gives the best price in the area.

If you wanna do mail order, these guys (http://www.cyclesaddles.com/home/Accessories/givi.htm) have good prices and have most of the usual stuff in stock. They ship pretty quick, too.

I've got a set of GIVI side bag mounts for my VFR800 I may be selling because they are of the previous gen and won't mate up with the top case mount I have. Lemme know if you're interested.

11-07-2003, 04:12 PM

I deal with Givi on a weekly basis....

I'd rather have bamboo stuck between my fingernails than to deal with em all the time.....

nice stuff though, eh....:hand

spdt509

11-07-2003, 04:39 PM

if you want new,try AZmotorsports.there's an ad on CL for side
cases and wingrack.he'll separate the two if your interested...
ps is off a honda XX....

donoman

11-07-2003, 04:53 PM

Ouch, that stuff is so pricey. And so confusing. What the hell, there is a Wingrack, Topmount rack, Wingrack mount, and cases...

ghan

11-08-2003, 12:31 AM

GIVI is pricey but good shit mang. You can order a rack for a top-case from a dealer and usually find a top-case in the size you're looking for on e-Bay cheaper than new. The cases are built well enough that usually buying used isn't a problem.

I picked up a new MOTO Detail 45L top-case on e-Bay for $145.00. Can't remember who makes them, it's like getting a Toyota instead of the Lexus. Fits and locks to the rack, just no fancy integrated stop light.

Well made though, waterproof and air tight when new.
I was shocked to discover that I almost couldn't open it after returning from the Sierras, damn thang had developed a slight vacuum inside.:laughing

Raghu

11-10-2003, 10:56 PM

Ebay. Bloody Givi doesn't make any racks for an F4i though - bastids!

rallytime

03-08-2004, 08:04 PM

Ya, so what options do we F4i owners have for a lockable hard top-case? Ventura makes just soft cases. Anybody know of another company that makes a rack for a top-case that'll work on an F4i?

Raghu

03-08-2004, 10:17 PM

Originally posted by rallytime
Ya, so what options do we F4i owners have for a lockable hard top-case? Ventura makes just soft cases. Anybody know of another company that makes a rack for a top-case that'll work on an F4i?

OMG! You brought this thread back up from the dead? :thumbup on your search skills (:

I convinced myself that I don't need no stinking hard cases :teeth

Our best bets are:
- to try & fit an universal rack
- go with a chase-harper b-bag or RKA saddlebags + tail bag kinda solution.

It sucks, but I can usually manage for 3 day trips with soft luggage. I did a 3 day trip with just a rocket locker & a tank bag :)

harring10

03-08-2004, 11:48 PM

Originally posted by rags
OMG! You brought this thread back up from the dead? :thumbup on your search skills (:

I convinced myself that I don't need no stinking hard cases :teeth

Our best bets are:
- to try & fit an universal rack
- go with a chase-harper b-bag or RKA saddlebags + tail bag kinda solution.

It sucks, but I can usually manage for 3 day trips with soft luggage. I did a 3 day trip with just a rocket locker & a tank bag :)

Fellas -

Try these out ->

Oxford Bags (http://www.lockitt.com/LuggageHumpbackBikePics.htm)

I understand they were/are the best selling soft luggage in Europe.

Best of luck -

K-

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/910151-soft_bags.jpg

lfrc322

03-09-2004, 01:13 AM

Originally posted by harring10
Fellas -

Try these out ->

Oxford Bags (http://www.lockitt.com/LuggageHumpbackBikePics.htm)

I understand they were/are the best selling soft luggage in Europe.

Best of luck -

K-

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/910151-soft_bags.jpg

those are some nice looking bags...

lfrc322

03-09-2004, 01:14 AM

Originally posted by V4
I deal with Givi on a weekly basis....

I'd rather have bamboo stuck between my fingernails than to deal with em all the time.....

nice stuff though, eh....:hand

V4, you said you dont like givi (or at least thats what im assuming from your comment...

what would you suggest for the bike.. I have the same as you and am looking to get some hard luggage for it sometime soon i hope.. ( i already have tank packs)

thanks for any suggestions

Spurber

03-09-2004, 11:02 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
those are some nice looking bags...

Corbin has beatle bags for the VFR.

... some love them. some don't. YMMV

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/910943-vfr2-bag1.jpeg

Spurber

03-09-2004, 11:04 AM

another view

http://www.corbin.com/honda/vfr2-bag8.jpg

lfrc322

03-09-2004, 11:05 AM

the corbin bags are nice but they are top loaders so you cant fit a helmet in them and they are also a grand, just like the honda bags for the VFR

harring10

03-09-2004, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
V4, you said you dont like givi (or at least thats what im assuming from your comment...

what would you suggest for the bike.. I have the same as you and am looking to get some hard luggage for it sometime soon i hope.. ( i already have tank packs)

thanks for any suggestions

lfr -

I have OEM hard bags on our '02 VFR - They are great! Easy on - Easy off.

I have a tourmaster 'mini' tank bag and should receive my Oxford Tail pack tomorrow. If I had known about the Oxford bag before ordering the Tourmaster - I would have bought the Oxford tank bag as well.

This - for me/us - is the optimal set up. We will not be riding two-up so the tail pack I think is the better route for weight distribution.

Lemme know if you want some picks of the whole set up.

Kev -

Spurber

03-09-2004, 11:08 AM

yep.

and they are not particularly removeable once on. Just throwing some options out there.

lfrc322

03-09-2004, 11:39 AM

Originally posted by harring10
lfr -

I have OEM hard bags on our '02 VFR - They are great! Easy on - Easy off.

I have a tourmaster 'mini' tank bag and should receive my Oxford Tail pack tomorrow. If I had known about the Oxford bag before ordering the Tourmaster - I would have bought the Oxford tank bag as well.

This - for me/us - is the optimal set up. We will not be riding two-up so the tail pack I think is the better route for weight distribution.

Lemme know if you want some picks of the whole set up.

Kev -

kev, would love to see some pics... I have 2 expandable tank paks, one being larger (width/lenght wise) with a second attachable pak on top and a smaller marsee pak which i use most of the time.

lately ive been debating on getting the touring trunk for a start and then getting some hard saddes, but not sure if wanting to get the OEM ones (lots of $$$ for that) or just get some aftermarkets at road rider for a bit cheaper..

harring10

03-09-2004, 11:53 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
kev, would love to see some pics... I have 2 expandable tank paks, one being larger (width/lenght wise) with a second attachable pak on top and a smaller marsee pak which i use most of the time.

lately ive been debating on getting the touring trunk for a start and then getting some hard saddes, but not sure if wanting to get the OEM ones (lots of $$$ for that) or just get some aftermarkets at road rider for a bit cheaper..

I looked at and spoke with Givi before buying the OEM bags. You probably already know this - but - Givi designed and makes the OEM bags for Honda.

I chose the OEMs because I did not like the look of the Givi mounting hardware. Also, I didn't know how it would interface with my Staintunes. Additionally, the bags are not painted to match and would likely not improve or bear their cost either as a resale item or if sold with the bike.

All of which has nothing to do with the fact that Givi is an excellent well made product.

I am extremely happy with the OEMs for several reasons - The two principal reasons have been touched on here:
a) color matched (looks really good)
b) side opening and extremely easy on/off

Like I said before, UPS says the tail pack will be here tomorrow - so, once I put it on, I'll take a picture of the whole 'touring' package and post it.

K-

lfrc322

03-09-2004, 12:04 PM

yeah i had read that givi made the bags for honda... the color matched and everything else is nice but when you are on a "lite beer" budget, things such as looks have to be given a back seat to things like conveniece and cost.

looking foward to the pics..

bsd43

03-09-2004, 05:13 PM

I have the OEM bags. Yes, they're slightly more spendy (probably by about $200 -- figure that a set of Givis with Wingracks are about $600, and I got my OEMs for $800), but I think how they fit and how the mounting hardware blends was worth the extra bux.

Now my question is whether I want to get the OEM topcase... Then there'd be no space shortage riding 2-up on a long trip... Cheapest I've seen is $450 for the set -- compared to about $350 for a comparable Givi setup.

harring10

03-09-2004, 06:05 PM

Originally posted by bsd43
I have the OEM bags. Yes, they're slightly more spendy (probably by about $200 -- figure that a set of Givis with Wingracks are about $600, and I got my OEMs for $800), but I think how they fit and how the mounting hardware blends was worth the extra bux.

Now my question is whether I want to get the OEM topcase... Then there'd be no space shortage riding 2-up on a long trip... Cheapest I've seen is $450 for the set -- compared to about $350 for a comparable Givi setup.

BSD - if you don't ride with a passenger, check out my previous post about the Oxford Sport luggage (tail pack)

I'm getting mine tomorrow and will post a picture of it with everything on it.

Kev -

bsd43

03-09-2004, 06:09 PM

Unfortunately, when I need that topcase is also probably when I have a passenger... Otherwise, I'm happy bungeeing stuff to hell.

lfrc322

03-10-2004, 12:33 AM

bsd.. where did you get the bags for $800... and which dealer's back door was that at?

harring10

03-10-2004, 07:28 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
bsd.. where did you get the bags for $800... and which dealer's back door was that at?

lfr -

I bought mine for $899 OTD.

You can buy them from AZ Motorsports for less (including shipping) for about $875. I didn't buy from them because they don't stock them and couldn't confirm exactly when they would be shipped.

I'm expecting the tail pack today.

Once you see pictures you'll want the OEMs.

Sad but true - it's what happened to me!

K -

lfrc322

03-10-2004, 11:00 AM

harring.. you're being evil now.....;)

harring10

03-10-2004, 11:07 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
harring.. you're being evil now.....;)

I'm just looking out for you. The OEM stuff is just that OEM. Thereby it does tend to fit and finish better.

Givi is excellent. Givi is functional. Unfortunately, the Givi stuff is Givi so while it is everything I mentioned it will lack in comparison to appearance and resale value to the OEM bags. Sad but true.

That's probably why they make bags, there is a wide and varied market out there. Many folks don't mind the sacrifice in appearance and resale when the function is equivalent and the price is better. It's up to you decide which you are.

I say you will want the OEM stuff because even the Givi guys will agree the OEM looks better!

When you see the pictures let me know - I rode the bike two weekends ago and left the bags on! I think they look good on the bike.

This will make you laugh - but to me - bags are a badge. They indicate that the bike is 'ridden' that it is a 'riders' bike. Subsequently I like the VFR to look like it is set up for it's intended use - to sport TOUR!

K -

bsd43

03-10-2004, 02:18 PM

Originally posted by lfrc322
bsd.. where did you get the bags for $800... and which dealer's back door was that at?

Actually, looking at the receipts, it was $820+tx, at Berkeley Honda Yamaha. This was April last year, a week after I bought my bike there.

I highly recommend Berkeley Honda, BTW...

lfrc322

03-10-2004, 02:41 PM

Originally posted by harring10
I'm just looking out for you. The OEM stuff is just that OEM. Thereby it does tend to fit and finish better.

Givi is excellent. Givi is functional. Unfortunately, the Givi stuff is Givi so while it is everything I mentioned it will lack in comparison to appearance and resale value to the OEM bags. Sad but true.

That's probably why they make bags, there is a wide and varied market out there. Many folks don't mind the sacrifice in appearance and resale when the function is equivalent and the price is better. It's up to you decide which you are.

I say you will want the OEM stuff because even the Givi guys will agree the OEM looks better!

When you see the pictures let me know - I rode the bike two weekends ago and left the bags on! I think they look good on the bike.

This will make you laugh - but to me - bags are a badge. They indicate that the bike is 'ridden' that it is a 'riders' bike. Subsequently I like the VFR to look like it is set up for it's intended use - to sport TOUR!

K -

ive seen some pics of the givi bags from the honda site as well as somebody here on barf took some pics at a ride and among the bikes there was a VFR w/ the bags on it. its just one big temptation thats all....but for me, unfortunately im still living on a Poor college student's budget. even though im done w/ my degree, the economy hasnt allowed for me to be able to get a better paying job w/ all the extra experience out there so $$$ is a bigger issue than what i would like it to be. either way, looking forward to the pics..

anybody here have the hard touring tail pack, that one i havent seen picutes or anybody with it

harring10

03-10-2004, 08:04 PM

Here's one in 'full dress' mode.

Note, I did not attach the tail pack - so it looks a little goofy. My cowling is bolted to the seat and I didn't want to go to the trouble of attaching, detaching etc etc. I think you'll get the general idea anyway!

K -

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/914382-p3100001a.jpg

harring10

03-10-2004, 08:06 PM

Here's one before the OEM bags.

K -

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/914386-p2170001.jpg

harring10

03-10-2004, 08:07 PM

Here's the last one with just OEM bags

I only posted the prior to give a feel for the difference with and without.

I actually prefer it WITH the bags!

K -

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/914388-p3100001.jpg

lfrc322

03-11-2004, 12:33 AM

droolll......:drool

the bags are definately a nice touch... i havent had the chance to see the bags in person so I think that keeps me from getting the "full effect" of them.

how do you like the corbin.. and how much did it set you back, the $400 or so that it says on their website?

harring10

03-11-2004, 08:15 AM

Originally posted by lfrc322
droolll......:drool

the bags are definately a nice touch... i havent had the chance to see the bags in person so I think that keeps me from getting the "full effect" of them.

how do you like the corbin.. and how much did it set you back, the $400 or so that it says on their website?

The bags do work well, functionally and aesthetically.

The corbin was an excellent choice for us (her really). I want to say we paid $349 or $379 (can't remember off the top of my head) - but - we went to Corbin directly and had the seat custom fitted for her there. If you do with a Corbin, consider going this route (they even give you a free lunch while you wait!).

Cheers,

Kev -

selong

03-11-2004, 09:38 AM

Here is my F4 with the side bags. Top case was at home. Tail and bags tops now painted silver.

Givi is a nice product. GiviUSA was a bit of a pain in the arse to work with. Got some kit parts from the UK for this application.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/915416-786452-gold_rush_run-sm.jpg

harring10

03-11-2004, 10:43 AM

Originally posted by selong
Here is my F4 with the side bags. Top case was at home. Tail and bags tops now painted silver.

Givi is a nice product. GiviUSA was a bit of a pain in the arse to work with. Got some kit parts from the UK for this application.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/915416-786452-gold_rush_run-sm.jpg

Interestingly the Givi's red is a semi-close match to the red '02 VFR. I mean, you don't have to look to close, but, it may be that they are close enough for the savings.

I know it's been said earlier, but, the one drawback to the Givi sidebags (as shown on your bike) is that they are top loads. Kind of a bummer if what you're looking for is underneath everything you're NOT looking for ;)

All in all tho - I agree that Givi bags are great - just a choice the owner's have to make.

K -

lfrc322

03-14-2004, 05:59 PM

what do you guys think of this set up

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/921147-3096-500x600.jpg

harring10

03-14-2004, 06:21 PM

LFR -

I think they look great! The color combo looks really really good!

Enjoy :cool

Kev -

lfrc322

03-14-2004, 06:53 PM

those arent mine.. just a pic i found for the givi luggage for the 02 VFR's wanted to get an opinion b/c of the chats we were having between oem and givi choices

harring10

03-14-2004, 07:57 PM

Ok then... I take it back!

They are a bit big for my tastes.

Remember, the load capacity of the VFR is not 400# so if you and your SO are riding with both side bags and the trunk the odds are you'll be overloaded.

Givi makes a smaller, 34 or 36 liter bag that are comparable in size to the OEMs.

K -

lfrc322

03-14-2004, 08:08 PM

odds of me taking a SO w/ the bags are slim to non.. i would basically use them for my use and my trips...

plus there is a significant lack of SO at the current moment

harring10

03-14-2004, 08:12 PM

Lack of a SO can be discouraging... NOT! I'm weird in that I'm an extremely happily married fellow.

I will say though, I did more than my fair show of sewing wild oates - no reason to expound beyond that.

Point is, take advantage of that singledom - it won't last forever and someday you'll be longing for the time when you could spend all day washing your bike, listening to tunes, sipping some suds and then spend the whole following day getting it dirty again!

If what you say is true about the SO thing, I really would stick with the saddle bags (whatever brand) and that tailpack I showed you earlier. Much better for weight distribution, portability etc etc etc

K -

lfrc322

03-15-2004, 12:30 AM

i was thinking at least for a start to get the touring trunk.. I know that it doesnt have the total carrying space as the saddles (unless i get one of the huge ones that i dont want to do), but it should at least give me a good start to have a place to keep all my things and if i dont use the trunk all the time, at least i can use the braket for a tie down spot since the vtechs arent exactly very friendly to having too many spots to tie stuff down to b/c of the exaust.

any thoughts on that?

as for the SO thing. yeah im enjoying the singledom to a point, company is always nice to have. but once i do get the SO taken care of, she has to enjoy riding or at least know that my "girl" isnt leaving the relationship b/c that is one thing that is really non negotiable.

riding is my medicine and my stress relief, so I cant give that up

rallytime

03-15-2004, 07:16 PM

Originally posted by selong
Here is my F4 with the side bags. Top case was at home. Tail and bags tops now painted silver.

Givi is a nice product. GiviUSA was a bit of a pain in the arse to work with. Got some kit parts from the UK for this application.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/915416-786452-gold_rush_run-sm.jpg
That is what I am looking for! I noticed the Euro Givi web-site lists a rack for the CBR F, is that what you got? Do you know if it will fit my F4i? I haven't heard back from Givi. Does the rack attach to the footpegs or somewhere else?

selong

03-17-2004, 11:09 PM

Rally.

Here is a kit on an F4i. I think this guy had to drill through the rear cowl and the rear subframe to make it work though.

The F4 kit in my picture connects to the foot peg bolts, replaces where the turn signals are and would mount to the rear grab rail that does not exist on the US version of the F4 but is now on the F4i for 2004. I had to drill through the rear cowl to access the existing threads for those points. I suspect Givi will have a kit for the 2004 F4i since Honda has reverted back to the one-piece seat for that bike just as it is in Europe.

Harring,

This is the only Givi bag (E21) that is a top load. I went with it due to the size. If you look at the silver VFR in this thread, you will see the newer side case specific bags that are both tops and clam shells. Most the other Givi line is clam shell. The really sexy line is Nonfango which no one imports to the US. Their side bags look like sidebags. They make the OEM Ducati bags.

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/929069-stn-solo-all-packed.jpg

harring10

03-17-2004, 11:14 PM

That's a seriously set up F41!!

Hopefully nobody takes offense to this, but, why do all of that to an F4? Why not go with a VFR or something with a little more displacement that is designed for the longer hauls.

Just a question - Again - NO FLAMEAGE from the F4 boys or girls!

K -

selong

03-18-2004, 02:25 PM

I did that to my F4 since it was what I already had. It was done after the fact.

I do think that the F4's are lighter and maybe a bit more sporty. I think they are also cheaper and maybe have better re-sale (%-wise). Some folks might also not like the VTEC motor.

I dunno, I am just reaching.

I don't think there is anything you can do on a VFR that you cannot do on a CBR... thoughts?

lfrc322

03-18-2004, 02:50 PM

Originally posted by selong

I don't think there is anything you can do on a VFR that you cannot do on a CBR... thoughts?

selong.. its cool that you got to put the luggage on the cbr..

either way i dont think that there is something that you can do on a cbr that you cant do on a vfr.. its really up to each person's individual likes and dislikes.. not hating or anything, just putting in my .02 cents

harring10

03-18-2004, 02:58 PM

Originally posted by selong
I did that to my F4 since it was what I already had. It was done after the fact.

I do think that the F4's are lighter and maybe a bit more sporty. I think they are also cheaper and maybe have better re-sale (%-wise). Some folks might also not like the VTEC motor.

I dunno, I am just reaching.

I don't think there is anything you can do on a VFR that you cannot do on a CBR... thoughts?

I don't think there is an issue between the capabilities of either or both bikes - more I think it's a question of the rider's interests.

A VFR is not a knife edged super sport machine - nor is it a full dress touring machine. It is designed to lean a little in both directions. It is slightly more comfortable than a designated sport bike and it handles better than a full dress touring bike.

The same mentality - though different application - applies to your F41. It's a great bike designed with principal and some secondary purposes. Can it be used for sport touring? sure. Can it be used on a track day? sure. But, is it designed more for the track or more for the touring. Easy enough to answer I think.

At the end of the day it's about the design purpose not whether one bike is different - or better - than another.

I like em all! Just don't have enough garage space!!

K -

selong

03-21-2004, 02:48 PM

We all agree then. I was not dissing the VFR either. It is a lovely machine.

It is all about the rider's and his/her likes.

I mean you could put an good AFM or AMA rider on a VFR and I bet he smokes the 'normal' rider on a CBR1000RR.

donoman

03-26-2004, 02:17 AM

Originally posted by selong

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/929069-stn-solo-all-packed.jpg

This guy was on BARF a while ago.

Hey --- what's the cheapest price for JUST A TAILBAG??? I don't want sidebags because they might get in the way when I'm splitting lanes. I could definitely use a lockable tail bag however.

I guess what I am asking is,
What the hell should I buy? From what I understand there are 2 options for mounting and I don't get what the differences are... :confused

selong

03-30-2004, 09:28 AM

OK, now you opened a can of worms... I will try to keep this brief as possible.

You can do a single top case 'monorack', a three back 'wing rack' system or a two bag 'PL' system.

Attached is a picture of an F4 with a top case only. I do not know how it would work on the F4i. If you get a top case, I would not get anything larger than the E460 for a smaller bike. It is just too much.

The 'Wingrack' comes in two versions. The only difference is aesthetics. I assume both versions are still made. You can use it for one, two or three bags depending on your needs when you wake up that day. I have ridden with sides only, top only, all and none. The E21 bags on my F4 are no wider the handle bars or mirrors so lane splitting is not an issue. Again, anything larger would be too big to look good.

The 'PL' system is a tubular steel mounting system made only for certain bikes. It looks most like OEM and is very low profile when the bags are off. The "PL's" are made for side cases. Usually there is a seperate rack kit to add an additional topcase if desired. I have seen these on previous model VFR's and they are nice. NOTE: It now looks like a 'PL' is available for the 01-02 bikes as the PL 169. I do not know if that applies to our version F4i with the Euros call the F Sport or FS.

I find that the best source for all that is Givi is the Italian site www.givi.it You can read it in English for the UK. Since motorcycling is a way of life over the pond, so is the need to carry things. Therefore you get a wider selection for Euro spec bikes than here.

Case in point, GiviUSA did not want to bring in a kit for my F4 since it was "not made" No matter what I did to assure them I would assume all risk and responsibility, they would not help. I was able to order the kit through M&P in the UK. It works like a charm. Ironically I sent a picture to GiviUSA showing them how it looked and they had it on there own website for a bit until they realized they put their foot in their mouth. It was then pulled... :)

http://www.bayarearidersforum.com/forums/images/threads/000/049/935/952084-106-0673_img.jpg

Nelson

03-30-2004, 10:47 AM

Originally posted by harring10
That's a seriously set up F41!!

Hopefully nobody takes offense to this, but, why do all of that to an F4? Why not go with a VFR or something with a little more displacement that is designed for the longer hauls.

Just a question - Again - NO FLAMEAGE from the F4 boys or girls!

K -

I have an F4 and wish I had hardbags. For regular hotel touring I don't thik it is neccessary. But I camp and really need the space, it takes me about an hour to pick up camp and stuff it in the back of my bike.

As for why? I already had the CBR before I got the seruious bug for touring and I don't have the money to upgrade to another bike.

Do not take offense, but I am willing to bet my 38K mile well-travelled CBR has toured as much as your late model three bike stable. And now isn't that the point?

http://home.comcast.net/~nsalas02/nsalas.html

harring10

03-30-2004, 10:56 AM

Originally posted by Nelson
I have an F4 and wish I had hardbags. For regular hotel touring I don't thik it is neccessary. But I camp and really need the space, it takes me about an hour to pick up camp and stuff it in the back of my bike.

As for why? I already had the CBR before I got the seruious bug for touring and I don't have the money to upgrade to another bike.

Do not take offense, but I am willing to bet my 38K mile well-travelled CBR has travelled as much as your late model three bike stable. And now isn't that the point?

http://home.comcast.net/~nsalas02/nsalas.html

That you ride your CBR is indeed the point! I think it's great that you enjoy your bike and ride as much as you do.

The 'three bike stable' is a bit mis-leading. The Goldwing is MY tourer/sport tourer etc. The VFR is HER tourer/sport tourer. The Mille? Well, that's just OUR child - I think I've ridden it once in the last five months (it still has under 13k miles)!

I was only curious about bike selection as it relates to sport touring vs. sport riding. I did not mean to infer that there is/was/every will be anything wrong with a CBR.

I can relate to financial limitations - if I could afford more, the odds are that I would have more. The sad part is, I really should RIDE more and not worry about what kind or how many bikes are in the stable, you know?

Keep on keepin on!

Kev -

selong

03-30-2004, 11:05 AM

Nelson, buy some used bags and a used wingrack. Get the F4 fit kit from the UK and lets add some bags to your sled.

I would love some company in the F4 with bags world!

Instructions from my experience are here:
http://www.st-riders.org/Givi_CBR600F4.html

Nelson

03-30-2004, 11:21 AM

Originally posted by harring10
That you ride your CBR is indeed the point! I think it's great that you enjoy your bike and ride as much as you do.

The 'three bike stable' is a bit mis-leading. The Goldwing is MY tourer/sport tourer etc. The VFR is HER tourer/sport tourer. The Mille? Well, that's just OUR child - I think I've ridden it once in the last five months (it still has under 13k miles)!

I was only curious about bike selection as it relates to sport touring vs. sport riding. I did not mean to infer that there is/was/every will be anything wrong with a CBR.

I can relate to financial limitations - if I could afford more, the odds are that I would have more. The sad part is, I really should RIDE more and not worry about what kind or how many bikes are in the stable, you know?

Keep on keepin on!

Kev -

I'd be willing to take the Mille out if you'd like. Just look at it as me walking your dog!

harring10

03-30-2004, 11:29 AM

Originally posted by Nelson
I'd be willing to take the Mille out if you'd like. Just look at it as me walking your dog!

Nelson,

How kind of you to offer! You know, so few people are willing to take the Mille out and give it a good riding.

Give Give Give - you say that's your mantra? :laughing

I'll be sure to let you know :wtf

K -

Nelson

03-30-2004, 11:32 AM

Originally posted by selong
Nelson, buy some used bags and a used wingrack. Get the F4 fit kit from the UK and lets add some bags to your sled.

I would love some company in the F4 with bags world!

Instructions from my experience are here:
http://www.st-riders.org/Givi_CBR600F4.html

Selong, I had seen your page before and love your setup because your side bags are not that big, but big enough to hold my tent on one side and sleeping bag in the other .

I have ridden with the guy with the silver F4i pictured in his thread and didn't like the way his kit fits because the holes are on the sides of the tail. Because it is not perfectly flush he pretty much just "broke" off a chunk of plastic to fit in the hardware. If you could just neatly drill two top holes where the euro version holes for the grab rail are like you did, that would be much better.

I might even be interested on doing it , but I might be on the market for a used sport-tourer next year.........who knows?

BTW, Where you actually selling a set of red and white plastics for your CBR about two uyears ago because you wanted the silver and red scheme?
I was shopping for a used fairing back then because mine had (and still has) a few scratches and I think I emailed you when I used to live in Michigan. Was that you? I think you were selling the whole set.