Givi luggage rack just won't fit!?

(sorry for the long post but I am trying to explain the best I can)

Did any of you guys have trouble fitting a Givi Wingrack to you Viffer?

Yesterday I got around to installing a brand new Wingrack to my '96 VFR750 and I run into a big problem that has me completely stumped!
The right hand side fit perfectly; the sides sit perfectly straight and the back top plate is horizontal.

The left hand side however is giving me grief. It sits diagonally with the lower part of the rack sticking outwards and the back top plate sits about an inch higher than the right.
At first I attached the top handle to the subframe and left the tubing that attaches to the footrest for last. When I attached the tubing to the footrest it wouldn't attach to the plate.
Then I tried assembling the whole rack side and seeing if the bracket would sit close to the footrest (as it should) or not.
Not even close! It ends up to the left and about 1 inch higher than the footrest fixing point.

I managed to get it mounted up by pushing down the assembly but this makes it sit even more crooked and diagonally.
Now, I don't have photos handly but if you look at both racks from the back of the bike it is clear that the left is not seated properly!

Could this be possible? The kit is brand new and for my specific model, so I don't really think this is the culprit.

However, there are only 2 places where the bracket is fixed to the subframe:
- left passenger footrest
- subframe tube (where the handles attach to normally)

When I got the bike imported from Germany I was informed by the shop that the bike had been dropped once to its left side.
This is especially evident on the left foot rest which is grounded up a bit from the tarmac. So the footrest could be bent.

I should also point out here the following:

- when sitting the bike on the double stand I could swear it looks like its leaning slightly to the right.
- I noticed recently that the left passenger handle sits a bit higher than the right one.

Does this mean that the subframe is also bent?
Could such a drop cause the whole subframe to bend?

Now I have a few options here:

- Get the subframe out and send it to be measured and straightened.
- Do the same to the left footrest.
- Try to bend the tubes of the Wingrack kit to fit properly (although I wouldn't know by how much and I am also pretty sure you can't just do it by hand)
- Buy another footrest and/or subframe

Any thoughts guys? I am leaving for a big tour around Europe in one month and I am strapped for cash and time ATM, so any help would be greatly appreciated!

Cheers,
Nick

 

Aluminum does not like to be bent. Often any attempt to straighten it will cause metal fatigue, or it will just break. That doesn't mean it can't be done, but more of a warning that it can get worse.

With a straight edge and a square, you should be able to roughly check the severity of the damage on your own. The first measurement I would take, would be the alignment of the handgrip tubes. This is probably the root cause of the Givi rack fit issue. It may be possible to just straighten the tube enough to get it installed. Before attempting any adjustments, it would be wise to find a local welder that can work on aluminum, just in case.

good luck
:crazy:

 

How can I check the alignment of the handgrip tubes?
What would I take for a reference point?

There's definitely something wrong with that left tube. When you mount the handgrips on them they sit on different height, but I was thinking if this is caused by the whole subframe being bent.

In any case apart from the left footrest nothing appears to be damaged or scuffed in anyway.
Also having seen how the tubes are welded to the subframe I would think it is pretty impossible to bend them.

Methinks I need to get some photos up on this thread.

 

Use the right tube as the reference, as the rack fit well on that side, lay a straight edge on that tube to the left tube. Any misalignment should be obvious. Whether it is up, down, fore, aft, or any combo of them. It should give you a good idea of how far it is off and which way.

With the fairngs off, using the straight edge and square on the frame, should make things clearer, in regards to the kind of damage you are working with.

 

The rear subframe is made of steel and not aluminium. It can be persuaded back into shape using levers and sheer brute force. This is best done with it removed from the bike completely. Not a difficult task but quite time consuming.

Good luck.

 

Yesterday I finally went to my mechanic to have the whole rack looked at.

He examined the subframe very closely but couldn't find anything wrong with it. He looked at the mounting points, again nothing obviously wrong. And then just next to the handlebar mounts he found a metallic spacer, which -duh!- was supposed to go on the handlebar mounting point to guide the fitting screws.

I was so embarrased! I had fit the rack without the spacers. No wonder they wouldn't align! I was mounting them on the rubber grommets.

Anyway, we put back the spacers and -lo and behold- the rack aligned perfectly!
Result!

Having said that, I will be getting a new passenger footpeg at some point but for now it is all good! Thanks for all the suggestions guys.

 

Hopefully, that goof didn't cost you too much. The staight edge on the tubes would have shown there was no misalignment. I'm sure you could have figured it out on your own.

Have a good trip.

:crazy:

 

i have the full givi set up on my 97 perfect fit all 3 bags

 

I could NOT find one for my '97, so I bought at '98 givi rack system. all the brackets fit except the rear bracket arm that fit underneath the seat. This must be cut and re-welded for it to work. I suspect that you have been sold a 5th gen givi rack system. good luck, but I suspect you are on your trip now....safe riding my friend.