Question about Givi Top Boxes

Post by **LonestaRR** » Sun May 28, 2006 2:05 pm

I'm trying to decide on the type of top box I want. Right now I'm looking at the Givi's. I am wondering if anyone has a Givi other than a V46 mounted to their RR and could post a picture. And, if you look at the site http://www.giviusa.com/index.cfm?fuseac ... &page_id=3

they mention the monolock boxes as being particularly suited for scooters. I am considering something smaller than the V46 in the monolock line, but the fact that they mention them being well suited for scooters has me wondering if they would not be okay for an RR. For example, I was looking at the E350 Flow, but the description says:

With a capacity of 35 liters, this Monolock topcase is equipped with the new Monolock automatic opening/closing system. The E350 Flow is characterized by a wide reflector and is
ideal for low and medium-powered scooters.

The dimensions of this case are:
19"L x 16.5"W x 12"H.

They make the same kind of statement with the E35 and E33 I think. I read their FAQ about the difference between the monokey and the monolock, but it didn't say anything about not using one of these on our bikes.

Any help would be appreciated. Or, if someone is selling a top box, please let me know.

Post by **LonestaRR** » Tue May 30, 2006 5:53 pm

Never mind.........

Post by **Ed K** » Tue May 30, 2006 10:54 pm

Kristi, If your still interested, check with taosports... as I recall, he has a Givi...

Post by **LonestaRR** » Tue May 30, 2006 11:09 pm

I just ordered one today. I had to hurry so it would be here for my first overnight (4 nights) motorcycle trip. I'm hoping I made a good choice. I didn't want one of the really big ones. There would be too much weight in the back and I would probably end up riding on one wheel everywhere I went!! Thanks for replying though.

Post by **taosports** » Tue May 30, 2006 11:30 pm

Hi Kristi,

I have the Givi Monolock E-280 and I'm very happy with it. It's one of the smaller ones (28 liters) since I wanted something that didn't look like a flying saucer attached to the rear of my bike.

I'm also very happy cuz it was about one-third the cost of the BMW topcase!

Post by **LonestaRR** » Tue May 30, 2006 11:36 pm

Thanks Michael. I went with the 350flow. The fact that it was longer front to back than side to side made a difference to me. Also, I didn't want one sticking up really high. I wasn't concerned about it encroaching on the pillion seat since I never have a passenger. I looked at the 280 and like it too, but........I pack a lot of clothes. Nuff said.

Post by **baltm604** » Mon Jun 05, 2006 9:47 am

Kristi,

I have an e52n, which is about as big as they come. With the back rest pad and the luggage rack on top.

I tip the scales at 304lbs, 6ft tall, and have had passengers in the 6ft 230lbs range without and space issues.

there are times I would like a smaller box (35ltrs seems good to me), on the other hand I have taken 2 to 3 day trips and did not need to use the system cases, which I find cumbersome, noisey, and seem to slow the bike down.

Let me know how the smaller case works for you...

Bill

Post by **dwayne** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 11:55 am

Kristi wrote:Thanks Michael. I went with the 350flow. The fact that it was longer front to back than side to side made a difference to me. Also, I didn't want one sticking up really high. I wasn't concerned about it encroaching on the pillion seat since I never have a passenger. I looked at the 280 and like it too, but........I pack a lot of clothes. Nuff said.

Kristi, I am thinking this maybe the way to go for me, and it can be used as a back rest. What are your thoughts on it? How did you mount it to the Beemer? My bike has the silver looking luggage rack, so not sure what mods are required to fit that bag if I went with it.

TIA,

Dwayne

Post by **LonestaRR** » Wed Jun 14, 2006 1:14 pm

Dwayne:

I got the 350 Flow. At the website where I bought it, the dimensions were listed wrong and so it is actually wider side to side than I expected and not as wide front to back as I had thought it would be. Those two dimensions were reversed on the website. However, since I was limited on time I kept it and ended up being very pleased with it. It withstood the speed and riding conditions just as well as the system cases. There are weight limits listed for it, but I didn't bother to weigh things before packing it. I just made sure the heavier stuff was in the system cases or in the seat bag. Others have carried items that exceeded the recommended weight limit without any trouble.

I too have the silver rack on my bike and did not want to have to replace it at this time. My goal was to get a case that could be easily removed from my bike while leaving the BMW rack in place. I got a 2002-04 BMW K1200RS soft bag black plate with enclosed lock from a member of this forum. It snaps onto the Roadster's silver BMW rack and locks there. You mount the GIVI to the plate and then it will lock onto your already in place BMW rack. I have some pictures within another thread in this forum that will show you somewhat what it looks like and also give you some better ideas of how to mount the GIVI to the plate. This is the link:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t=6730

I hope this answers your questions. If you decide to go this route, you may want to post a WTB ad in the Buy/Sell section and see if someone might have one they are ready to part with.