Luggage rack choice

I am in the market for a luggage rack and I am wondering if anyone had opinions on the Givi versus the OEM Honda taill luggage rack (to include possible pros/cons of future addition of hard saddle bags). The best I can see they rate about the same and just attach slightly differently. Any help would be appreciated.

 

I think the Honda OEM stuff is made by Givi for them. Judging from gallery pictures alone, there appears to be many more OEM cases on the 6th gen VFR than Givi. I've been happy with my OEM tail case and usually ride with it on for the commute. I hold my laptop and a pair of shoes with little fuss. The two nylon string/rope/laces/line that hold the lid from opening further than ~100 degs quit on me, but it has not cracked or anything. the OEM side bags paint matches theOEM bike paint well. good luck.

 

Excellent and thanks/. Wondering how the OEM rack attaches? Does it attach in place of the grab rails? Thanks again.

 

Knobber, I just installed the OEM trunk rack and yes you have to remove the hand rails in order to attach the rack. The oem rack fits on very nicely. Too bad you arn't closer as I have a spare rack that I'm looking to sell!

 

Thanks for the reply. I thought that is what you had to do. I could possibly look at buying it. I am NATO and have some Canadian friends here. It would give you a Canadian mailing address. Let me know what you think. Thanks again.

 

There are likely better images, but here's some from the side and top case install on my 6th gen.
- VFRworld Photo Gallery

 

Nozzle, I was thinking as well of getting the OEM trunk without the sidebags...it's cheaper and seems more practical. I also have a daughter that I'd like to take for rides, and the trunk offers the back rest.

I'm just wondering though if there are any drawbacks to just having the trunk. Any issues with buffetting or wobbles? Any other issues I need to consider?

 

So wife and daughter both like the backrest the topcase gives. The topcase is cooler for the laptop than the sides, and it fits better. helmet and jacket fits in the topcase. I've been over 100 with just the topcase (professional rider, closed course, do not attempt ;-) and have never had an issue. That said, I put less than 10lbs of stuff in since it sits pretty high. The grab handles are nicer on the topcase for your passenger as well. btw... wife got the topcase for me and purchased the liner bag for it. I've never used it in over 20,000 miles. I don't think it is a good use of funds... unless of course my wife is reading this - then it is super and indispensable, (thanks honey)

I have top and sides, but only rarely add the side cases - for long trips to hold gear. I've used the side cases occasionally, but I think you'd be fine going with just the topcase.

I think the side cases look lots better, but they hurt gas mileage more, make it harder to park due to width, etc..

I've not heard much on the Givi's on the sixth gen, but have not really looked. much.

 

Thanks, that's good to know stuff.

 

All right. The best I could find by some web research: Honda OEM luggage rack - most expensive but obviously fits and works. As mentioned by Nozzle, has good handles for your passenger. Fits Honda topcase. It can also work with either Honda OEM or Givi Side cases which is a plus. Givi makes a luggage rack but it attaches to the side case points, thus Honda OEM side cases won't work with it. Looks really nice and costs about $90 less. SW Motech (sp?) makes a luggage rack also that look sort of like the Honda OEM one but it attaches on top of the passenger grab rails. It doesn't look as nice and it also mentions not to use the seat cowl with it as it might interfer with seat removal. Cost about as much as the Givi. Anyhow, hope all this helps and I appreciate everyone else's input.

 

I did get the liner bag for the Givi, and use it constantly. When I get to work, my laptop and street clothes are in the liner, so I just take that inside instead of detaching the whole hardcase. Definitely easier to deal with in the office (the race-type leathers are enough of a hassle without the hardcase, too).