Was wondering if anyone knows the difference in the attachment bracket of the OEM hardbags, and the GIVI hardbag bracket. I have been told that the OEM bracket disappears on the frame when the OEM bags are removed, but the GIVI rack sticks out and looks quite unsightly. I was also told that Honda actually had GIVI manufacture the bags for them, and that the OEM bags are no longer available for the 2003 VFR. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. As I am riding distance, I need to bring rain gear, etc with me, and a tank bag does not have enough room.
I have a 2000 but I know the factory Honda bags are indeed made by Givi. The factory bracket looks VERY similar to the Givi "Tubular Side Case Holder" and it is quite readily visible (& ugly) when the bags are not on the bike. The only real benefits to the factory bags: Warrantied by Honda if you buy them with your bike Painted to match your bike Keyed the same as your bike (I'm not sure about this one) If I had a 6th gen, I wouldn't even consider the factory bags since they are ridiculously overpriced. You can get a set of 41lt Givi's with the VFR mounting kit for right around $600. Last time I checked, the factory Honda bags were $900. KC-10 FE out... lane:
My take on the Hondaline bags are that they are very much worth the additional $$$. To have bags warrantied by the factory is a big deal. To have bags that perfectly match the intense colour of the bike, as well as add to its flowing and good looking lines is also a big deal. I'm not trying to knock the Givi bags b/c they indeed are very functional, but they look like bulky suitcases strapped to the side of the bike. The OEM bags on the otherhand just look like they belong there...they look like they're part of the bike. Brackets? I do think the Honda sidebag brackets are less pronounced when the bags are off the bike as compared to the Givi brackets, but let's be honest, one can see the bag brackets easily (w/o the bags on) with either of these two makes of luggage.
