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 have the sw-motech racks on my 5th gen. I don't know for sure, but with some even longer screws holding the passenger grab rails you maybe could sandwich the siderack plate and a toprack plate if you find one that mounts there. I could take some pictures of the grab rail area if it would help you visualize what you'd have to work with.
Hi Stoops, would you be able to post some pics of your setup - bags on and off? I just (yesterday) traded in my K1200S for a Blue 2000 Gen5, and looking at getting some hard luggage for it. I used to have 97 Gen 4 with the Wingrack, an Givi E52 (52 litre top bag), and the little E20 side bags like you have. Aside from the Wingrack it was a great setup, but looking for options for my new beast. Thanks, Cliff
razzman follow the link to a folder with some pictures of the racks Login to a private Photobucket.com album The two problems with these racks so far: they block access to the helmet lock and getting the seat off because you can't get the key into the socket. The second problem, without the oem license plate bracket the back mount is just floating in the air. Now I plan to make a sheetmetal bracket to hold my plate that will extend down to the mount
