GIVI Opinion

[110121]

I would like any opinions on GIVI Monolock topcases and the GIVI mount that can be used on a 2004 R1150GS.

I have decided not to replace my BMW 35 liter topcase that decided to come off and bounce down the freeway.

[BobFV1]

I have a V46 Monokey on my 04 R1150RT. I am pleased with it. It pops on and off with virtually no effort - it's literally easier to take off than the side bags are. I like the built-in brake light. The looks are far superior to the BMW top case, IMO. It has a very nice backrest pad which is very comfortable for the passenger.

I only use the Givi when I am 2up or on long trips, so if I had it to do over again, I would get a 52 liter rather than the 46. It is a very "refined" looking unit with reflectors and shiny trim - I'm not sure how that would go with the more "functional" look of the GS - that would be something to ponder. I think the GS looks great with Jesse bags!

If you do decide to mount a Givi on your bike please post a pic - or anyone else out there with one please give us a look!

[110121]

Thanks for your opinion on the GIVI. I have posted this same request on several other boards and received the same positive feedback.

With all of the positive input I will be going with GIVI. I will post some photos once I have it installed.

Thanks

[username]

bump. got those photos?

[119113]

Be cautious on the highway with a GIVI topcase. I found that riding solo at highway speeds or in the turbulence from a truck the GIVI topcase can make the rear end feel light and squirrely.

[lorazepam]

Be cautious on the highway with a GIVI topcase. I found that riding solo at highway speeds or in the turbulence from a truck the GIVI topcase can make the rear end feel light and squirrely.

Kind of like hoisting a sail there matey? I feel your pain, and mine is primarily a backrest for passengers.

[picard]

Thanks for your opinion on the GIVI. I have posted this same request on several other boards and received the same positive feedback.

With all of the positive input I will be going with GIVI. I will post some photos once I have it installed.

Thanks
you won't go wrong. I have the E52 with a backrest for the wife and with the add'l brake lights wired up. Nice safety feature.

[119113]

My GIVI topcase has brake lights and electrical contacts on the bracket, but I bought my bike used and the original owner never wired the topcase. Can you give me some instructions on wiring the topcase or direct me toward a useful thread?

This is a safety issue, and I would like to take advantage of what I have.

Thanks!

peterh

[scottfarm]

I have a givi topcase on my 96RRT. It is 10 times better than the topcase that came on it which was useless compared to the givi. Much easier to put on and take off the bike. I've had the bike at 128 mph(GPS) and noticed no ill effects in handling.

[lorazepam]

My GIVI topcase has brake lights and electrical contacts on the bracket, but I bought my bike used and the original owner never wired the topcase. Can you give me some instructions on wiring the topcase or direct me toward a useful thread?

This is a safety issue, and I would like to take advantage of what I have.

Thanks!

peterh

Does the base have a round spot with a couple metal dots on it? that connects to the topcase when mounted, and it wires to your brake/tail light.

I had a full set of Givi bags on a roadster, and they were miles ahead of the system cases.

[119113]

Yes,

The bracket has two small, round contacts and and the case has matching contacts. Is there a simple way to wire the bracket to the tail/brake lights?

Thanks for any info.

peterh

[Paul_F]

If you do decide to mount a Givi on your bike please post a pic - or anyone else out there with one please give us a look!

I put a Givi 52 top box on my '87 K100RT. It is so simple to either remove or put back on. I have experience no ill effects from it while riding.

Paul

[Paul_F]

Same bike, same top box from the side.

Paul

[GlobalRider]

I would like any opinions on GIVI Monolock topcases and the GIVI mount that can be used on a 2004 R1150GS.

Any reason you're going for a Monolock and not the Monokey.

In the Monokey series, you can get the Maxia E52 which looks good and holds 2 large Shoei full face helmets. The Maxia E52 complements my GS Adventure nicely, and a GS being as big as it is, the E52 doesn't overpower it size-wise.

As for the mounts, they are different. I ended up making my own out of stainless steel and after glass beading it, it now has the same finish as the White Aluminium on the rest of my GS Adventure. When the GiVi is off, the mounting plate looks like it belongs.

It looks like this...
http://img116.imageshack.us/img116/7108/nearrivadelgardaitaly2lq.jpg

[IAMBOB]

*bump*

My Givi E52 on an 1150RS

http://itsbob.smugmug.com/photos/133883854-M-1.jpg

http://itsbob.smugmug.com/photos/85932995-M.jpg

And I've "reflectorized" the red, here it is half done..

http://itsbob.smugmug.com/photos/123634496-M.jpg

[JimMoore]

I'll chime in here. After six years, my E46 is still so airtight that if I change elevations after closing the GIVI, it I have to pry it open becasue of the vaccuum. Remarkable.

[wmubrown]

I would like any opinions on GIVI Monolock topcases and the GIVI mount that can be used on a 2004 R1150GS.

I have decided not to replace my BMW 35 liter topcase that decided to come off and bounce down the freeway.

My 1986 K100RT lost it's 22L topcase on the commute to work one morning, never to be found. The exorbitant $380 replacement cost drove me to find an alternative solution. Back then, I had to order the Givi from Italy, as they were just setting up a US distributor. I bought an E50 and it survived two accidents and two bikes. My last one was an E52 for my K1100LT. I LOVE them! They are well engineered, totally waterproof, and, as shown in other posts, work great as beer coolers when you get to your destination ;) They are VERY durable, solid, offer lots of storage since you don't lose any space due to strange internal geometry like BMW's have, mount easily, and are less expensive than BMW replacements. :thumb :thumb :thumb

[henzilla]

I'll chime in here. After six years, my E46 is still so airtight that if I change elevations after closing the GIVI, it I have to pry it open becasue of the vaccuum. Remarkable.

:laugh had that happen last weekend in the Ozarks...thought I was imagining things!

my only complaint on the Givi was the $$ adapter to put it on the 12RT and how it looks when case not installed

[wmubrown]

Bike with BMW trunk:
http://robietech.com/johnbrown/2003%20accident/newbike02.jpg

Bike with GIVI trunk:
http://robietech.com/johnbrown/2005_finger_lakes/fl27.jpg

I always meant to color match the GIVI to the bike color, yet I liked the GIVI silver color... and actually considered painting the bike to match ;)

The GIVI looks smaller, but had MUCH more cargo room - I could get two full face helmets in it and still have room leftover.

[IAMBOB]

:laugh had that happen last weekend in the Ozarks...thought I was imagining things!

my only complaint on the Givi was the $$ adapter to put it on the 12RT and how it looks when case not installed

I take my side cases off frequently, but I don't ever remove the topcase.. It's where my jacket(w/ liner), helmet, gloves, rain gear, boots and gaitors go when I get to where I am going. ALL my riding gear fits into the single box.

[hcmiller52]

I would like any opinions on GIVI Monolock topcases and the GIVI mount that can be used on a 2004 R1150GS.

I have decided not to replace my BMW 35 liter topcase that decided to come off and bounce down the freeway.Here's a picture of a Maxia 52 mounted on my 2006 1150GS Adv. It uses the stock Givi mount system but I did need to put some 1" spacers under the mounting plate to get the case high enough to clear the side bag lids when opening them. I also have a 36 Liter Traffic case. I love Givi because they work so well and they're so easy to change around from bike to bike. I even put all my communications equipment and a 200 watt inverter in the 52 liter case and have quick connects on my GS and GT so I only need one system. Well, when I ride only one bike at a time, that is. :)

Here's the picture: http://photos1.blogger.com/blogger/1826/2196/1600/P1020422.jpg

[cardno7]

Have the GIVI E52; 1150 RT; great for travel; great for passengers; purchased the rack to adapt to my specific bike and works perfectly. Brake light a plus. Holds large quantity of camping gear.

The newer ones can be unlocked and removed with one hand.

[PAULBACH]

I recall putting on my GIVI top case but not carefully enough. A few miles down the road it came off, hit the pavement and rolled into a field.

It suffered a few scratches but not other damage.

Now I am most careful to listen for the distinctive locking clicks and test carefully before driving off.

Givi is hard to beat when value and design are added together. :thumb :thumb