KanadianKen Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 I finally mounted the brackets to the topplate for my GIVI E52 today. I used a set of templates I found from a Quebec VFRD member, and had a metal shop cut and bend them. I sanded them down, and shot them with black Tremclad - semi gloss. I think the turned out pretty good. THe brackets allow the topbox to be positioned over the pillion seat, and it appears that it will afford lotts of room to move around, but also could be a handy backrest. http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e114/kenirwin/IMG_0271.jpg[/img] I was worried that the TOpplate would rub on the seat cowl, but it seems to have a 1/4 inch of clearance - so it should be fine. http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e114/kenirwin/IMG_0273.jpg[/img] I also have DSS sidebags, and the bracketry has to be mounted before these brackets are installed - its a bit of a PITA to get the sidebag brackets, the grab handles, and the topplate brackets lined up and installed - but it works. One down side to this method of relocating the topbox is that the seat will not come off without removing the brackets first. THere is not enough clearance. If I can figure out a way - or someone here has an idea - to raise the topplate - I'll do that. MAking a new bracket that has a higher vertical would work, but I'm trying to make work what I have. The topbox sits nicely on top of the pillion area, and doesn't protrude past the tail of the bike. http://i38.photobucket.com/albums/e114/kenirwin/IMG_0275.jpg[/img] Overall - I'm pleased with this little project. Just need some weather now to go out and ride!! border='0' alt='user posted image' /> Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Veefer800Canuck Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Cool, the topbox and it's contents should affect the handling of the bike less when positioned like that. Nice Mod, K-k-k-k-k-ken! :thumbsup: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer NVR2L8 Posted March 8, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 8, 2006 Looks nice... For now I have a RK 36-liter bag mounted on a Rev Performance tail rack, but I need a better solution for hauling stuff when commuting (and a solution that works for trips as well). I've never liked how the Givi case hangs off the end of the bike though, so I'm interested in what you've done. I don't necessarily need the ability to remove the seat although it would be really nice, so let us know if you come up with a different bracket that provides more clearance or allows for seat removal. Maybe the shop that fabricated your brackets could do a few more? So if you come up with a different bracket, keep me in mind because I would definitely pay a fair price for a decent product. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest CementHead Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Ken, Fabulous work. :thumbsup: I've never seen anyone put a Givi box in that position. It looks really good. I'd love to see a 3/4 shot of the bike with all of the bags on when it gets warmer... Well done. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer oyama Posted March 8, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 8, 2006 Oh, man I can not believe you did this! I was planning to this as well and I wanted to be the first one. :P Oh well, at least I know it is possible to do it and I am not the only one who though it is a good idea. Good job! :beer: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dude Posted March 8, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 8, 2006 KKKKen that's going to work excellent. Nice job bro :goofy: Can you access your toolkit without removing the seat? If not just throw your EXTRA toolkit in the top box when travelling. Oh BTW looks to me like your left front pad isn't in place. Want me to drop by and fix it :beer: Oh not bad for a salesmen either :P Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 767fixer Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 soon as you add the radio and air compressor you are going to have a fine goldwing kkkkkkkkkken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 YEah - I know its a WING in the making, but I think the added benefits of the topbox not hanging off the arse end will be a nice change. I have the IPOD for tunage, just need to tuck that compressor in somewhere................ :goofy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bmv Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Cool. I would imaging it will improve load capacity and handling. And now you can bring those famous burgers and beer on the road with you. :beer: Nicely done! I'll have mine cooked medium. :D Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Jeepist Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Looks great Ken. Are you sure that you can't remove the seat if you don't use the rear cowl? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 Looks great Ken. Are you sure that you can't remove the seat if you don't use the rear cowl? AFter I installed it the first time, I realized I had the stock seat on, so I grabbed the Sargent, and tried to remove the stocker. In case anyone is interested, the stock seat is VERY flexible, but I didn't want to find the breaking point. Its too tight as is. Need to raise the topplate up at least 1 - 1/2 inches to help it clear. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest tampavfr Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 Ken, how about spacers and longer bolts under the plate where it mounts with the grab bars? You could use a 1/8" or 1/4" pipe nipple, 2-2 1/2" long with the threads cut off and the ends sanded smooth. Add the proper length bolt and you're in. Just a thought. Hee Hee....... I said nipple. I like nipples..... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 how does it work as a backrest? can you kick back and reach the bars in comfort? WIth the Vista cruise locked on, and my knees hugging the tank, I should be able to lean back and steer it like I used to do to my 10 speed.... :P Backrest might be a misnomer - It certainly isn't in my back as I ride - but its close enough that I can stretch back enough and lean on it for a bit at stops. WHo knows - maybe it's too close - only a good ride will tell me. Tampa - I heard that you like nipples - admitting it is the first step you know!!!! :goofy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
enzed_viffer Posted March 8, 2006 Share Posted March 8, 2006 One down side to this method of relocating the topbox is that the seat will not come off without removing the brackets first. THere is not enough clearance. If I can figure out a way - or someone here has an idea - to raise the topplate - I'll do that. MAking a new bracket that has a higher vertical would work, but I'm trying to make work what I have. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> The trouble with that, Ken, is that you would then be raising the centre of gravity again, which would be nearly as bad as the 'normal' Givi mounting position. What about if the brackets were like door hinges (the kind that have a pin in the middle), with a locking pin in one "hinge pin" you could pull out? Then you could just pull the locking pin out, remove the pin on that side, and hinge the rack over to get the seat off. You wouldn't even need tools then to get the rack out of the way. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 8, 2006 Author Share Posted March 8, 2006 The trouble with that, Ken, is that you would then be raising the centre of gravity again, which would be nearly as bad as the 'normal' Givi mounting position.What about if the brackets were like door hinges (the kind that have a pin in the middle), with a locking pin in one "hinge pin" you could pull out? Then you could just pull the locking pin out, remove the pin on that side, and hinge the rack over to get the seat off. You wouldn't even need tools then to get the rack out of the way. THat is a SLICK answer - thanks for bringing that up!!! NOw - to figure out how to make that happen........ :idea3: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Rivcyko Posted March 9, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 9, 2006 The trouble with that, Ken, is that you would then be raising the centre of gravity again, which would be nearly as bad as the 'normal' Givi mounting position.What about if the brackets were like door hinges (the kind that have a pin in the middle), with a locking pin in one "hinge pin" you could pull out? Then you could just pull the locking pin out, remove the pin on that side, and hinge the rack over to get the seat off. You wouldn't even need tools then to get the rack out of the way. <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Hey, I was gonna say that. LOL. Then all the s#!t you have in there, falls to one side. LOL. Ken Send me the materials, and desired dim., and I'll make you a backrest pad to match! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer tbzep Posted March 9, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 9, 2006 Just use allen bolts for the brackets and throw an allen wrench in the top box. If you need to get under the seat, it will likely be because of a problem that will keep you off the road for a considerable amount of time anyway. Of course, I never use the helmet lock, so I don't consider that a good reason to take the seat off. :beer: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 767fixer Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 access to the "illegal stash" he carries? he needs to view the seductive pictures of cbar he carries? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer tbzep Posted March 9, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 9, 2006 access to the "illegal stash" he carries? he needs to view the seductive pictures of cbar he carries? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Ok. I don't need to remove the seat, but I reckon Ken does! :goofy: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MDP Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Interesting mod... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest 767fixer Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 Interesting mod... <{POST_SNAPBACK}> which one? the top box or the underseat narcotic hideaway? :unsure: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
m-crew Posted March 9, 2006 Share Posted March 9, 2006 which one? the top box   or the underseat narcotic hideaway? <{POST_SNAPBACK}> Did you have to ask.. B) they go hand in hand..Narcotic box. :lol: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Das Bone Posted March 9, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 9, 2006 Nice job....creative stuff like you've come up with is great. Kudos to ya B) Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Cdn Arctic Posted March 9, 2006 Member Contributer Share Posted March 9, 2006 Ken, Very nice job. I get my brackets from the metal munchers this Saturday and hope my results are close to what you have achieved. Again, thanks for the templates. I'll send you a photo of the spacers I'm going to use to raise the brackets too avoid chaffing the grab handles, assuming the job comes off half decently. Maybe they will resolves the seat removal problem, too. Rich Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 9, 2006 Author Share Posted March 9, 2006 Ken, Very nice job. I get my brackets from the metal munchers this Saturday and hope my results are close to what you have achieved. Again, thanks for the templates. I'll send you a photo of the spacers I'm going to use to raise the brackets too avoid chaffing the grab handles, assuming the job comes off half decently. Maybe they will resolves the seat removal problem, too. Rich RIch - look forward to seeing the results. I'm thinking that the ultimate solution is about 1 inch more vertical height than what the templates show. However - your spacers as mentioned may be a fine solution as well. I had to place one of the grab handle bolts (the most rear ward ones) into the bracket before the topplate was mounted, because the topplate actually partially covers the head of the grab handle bolt. I had to use vice grips on that bolt to tighten it - an allen wrench will not slip into it from above - because of the topplate. (hope that made sense). If not - PM me and I'll explain . Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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