Installing the sw motech side case luggage rack

[Guest woodcycl]

SW MoTech Installation

August 2003 by Brian Christoff

NOTE: ?All diagrams and paperwork included with your MoTech rack is in German. ?The SW MoTech Rack specific to the Honda VFR 800 VTEC (currently 2002 and 2003 model years) includes a Installation Diagram which is somewhat helpful. ?My recommendation is to use the diagram and the following instructions simultaneously for a successful installation. ?Also included is a hardware list and the diagram and hardware list for the specific luggage adapter kit you may have purchased. ?See Appendices for the Diagrams.

Tools Needed: ?Flat-head Screwdriver, Alan Wrench Toolset, Set of Wrenches.

Optional Tools: ?Vice Grips (I used due to not having large Alan wrenches)

1. Layout all Hardware & Rack Components

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a. Hardware includes 2 hex bolts, 2 washers, 2 spacers, and the left side upper rack tab.

b. Remove the left-side grab rail bolt caps using a flat head screwdriver.

c. Remove the left-side grab rail stock hex bolts

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d. The hardware used for each upper rack tab replaces the grab rail hardware.

e. Place each hex bolt with washer thru the mounting holes in the left side upper rack tab and then place the spacers on the bolts underneath the tab.

f. Insert the assembled left-side upper tab on top of grab rail placing the hex bolts where the stock hex bolts were before removal. ?The first of 3 tabs is now installed on the left side.

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3. Locate the hardware & lower rack tab for the left side. ?

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a. Hardware includes 1 large diameter hex bolt, 2 washers, 1 nylon locking nut, and a lower rack tab (note: ?The lower rack tabs are identical for both sides.)

b. Insert the large hex bolt thru the left side passenger peg rack upper mounting hole. ?Insert a washer, the lower rack tab using the oblong mounting hole, another washer, and then the nylon locking nut. ?Do not over-tighten the lock nut as you will need to possibly move the tab to line-up the side rack.

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NOTE: ?The included diagram shows an item that is not included on my 03? VFR that the rear rack tab is to be installed. ?To address this problem, I drilled extra holes into the rear rack tab and license plate for installation.

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a. Hardware includes 2 bolts, 2 small diameter and 2 medium diameter washers, 2 nylon locking nuts, and the rear rack tab.

b. IF YOUR BIKE DOES NOT INCLUDE THE MISSING ITEM MENTIONED IN THE ABOVE ?NOTE?: ?Drill 3 holes equal to the diameter of the bolts in the rear tab. ?One in the center (which will be used to attach the license plate/rear tab combo to the fender), and one on each side of the oblong thru-holes in the rear tab. ?Drill matching holes in your license plate. ?Attach the license plate on top of the rear tab using 2 bolts, 4 washers, and 2 nylon nuts. ?Install the license plate & rear tab combo to the rear fender in it?s intended location. ?Next, use an extra bolt and nut to secure the license plate/rear tab combo to the rear fender using the pre-drilled hole in the fender (typically hidden by the license plate (See photo below with GREEN ArrowIndicator.)

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c. IF YOUR BIKE DOES, IN FACT, INCLUDE THE ITEM IN THE DIAGRAM, it appears you will not need to drill any holes in the license plate or the rear tab. ?Simply install the hardware included thru the rear tab and into the item in question as shown in the diagram. ?The item in question appears to already be attached to the rear fender which provides the rigidity and stability to the rear rack tab.

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[Guest woodcycl]

Continued ....

6. Givi Adapters Installation

a. The SW MoTech Rack is compatible with many case manufacturers. ?When using with Givi Side Cases, the Givi Adapter Kit is needed which is an extra $20.

b. Hardware includes (for each side rack):

i. 2 bolts, 2 washers and two black metal wedge pieces that attach to the top of each rack.

ii. 2 hex bolts, 2 spacers, and 2 nuts that attach to the bottom of each rack

iii. 4 rubber knob spacers

c. Install the hardware as shown in the diagram provided by SW MoTech.

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7. Locate and install the 6 quick-release bolts into each of the racks. ?Be sure to place the special washer on the end of each bolt after inserted into the rack arm opening. ?The spacer helps to keep the bolt attached to the rack arm when the racks are not installed on the bike.

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8. Attach each of the racks to the rack arms using a flat-head screwdriver.

a. I found it easiest to first attach the rack using the top tab and quick-release bolt. ?Line up the rack arm and quick-release bolt on top of the tab and push quick-release bolt thru with the screwdriver. ?Once the bolt is all the way thru, tighten the bolt slowly until you feel and see the bolt lock into place on the backside of the tab. The backside of each tab has a special molded area where the bolt will lock into once inserted fully and turned clockwise.

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b. Perform the same step above for the side and rear arm/bolt/tab attachment.

NOTE: ?This is where you may need to move the side tabs and line them up with the correct placement so that the rack arms & bolt can be attached. ?Once the side tabs are in the appropriate place be sure to tighten them fully with a wrench and large Alan wrench.

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c. Repeat steps above for the other side rack.

9. Check to be sure that the racks and the rack tabs are secure.

10. The racks are now ready to receive the side cases of your choice.

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Here is the finshed product with Cases Attached:

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APPENDICES

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[Extreme Justice]

Excellent job on the writeup! Personally I prefer the look of the Honda Bags. They seem to contour the bike better without looking like the are just stuck on. Also too with the bags off the Honda brackets are less noticable. Does not takeaway the look of the bike like these brackets do. Mind you I did pay $1,400.00 for the bags.

[Guest woodcycl]

Hey Extreme Justice ....

Are you sure you looked at the right pictures in regard to what shows when the rack/cases are not on the bike? ?You can hardly see the extra hardware. And, it takes 5 to 7 seconds to take off each of the side racks with a flat-head screwdriver. ?When comparing the looks of the Honda, Givi, 5Star, and MoTech racks ... I felt the Motech was the best for being able to quickly and easily return the bike to it's sporty look. ?Here is a couple PICs with the racks & cases removed .... but adding the racks would take 10 to 15 seconds on each side and a few extra seconds to hang the cases....

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As you can see there is very little notice of the rack on the bike when removed.

I like the looks of the Honda bags - they are nice. ?But, they don't come close to holding two full-face helmets as the GIVI E41's. ?And, as you mentioned, the MoTech and Givi products are about 1/2 to 1/3 the cost of the Honda setup.

But, of course, to each his/her own. ?It's all good! ? :beer:

[Guest seadooloo]

I have the Honda bags also, and can really appreciate the way your bag racks come off quickly and leave nothing but the un-noticeable little mounting pieces on the bike when removed.

 When I first got my hardbags and mounted the racks I did feel that they cluttered up the rear a bit and was slightly disappointed with the set up. The more I look at it though it looks alright, and If I really want to, I can have both sides off in about 10 minutes, along with the passenger handles and foot pegs and have a really clean look to my bike.

 I do have to say though, I personally do like the look of the Honda bags very much, and the quick removal of the bags when you get somewhere is an extra bonus.

 By the way my bags will hold 2 full face helmets also.

[Guest woodcycl]

Yes, I agree that typically those kinds of things will grow on you till you don't even really notice the racks when not removed.

I had no idea that a 35litre capacity case could hold 2 full-face helmets -- my apologies.  I read the Honda website and mentioned 1 full face helmet in each case was it's capacity, so I assumed 2 wouldn't fit.  That's pretty good for a 35litre capacity ... my 41litre cases just barely fit 2 helmets each.

I have to say ... that the Honda bags do look more integrated with the rest of the bike .... better lines and very nice looking.  I've spent SO much $$ already on clothing and accessories that I couldn't afford them at first glance.   :D

Thanks,

Brian

[Extreme Justice]

Sorry, I didn't see the pics with the racks removed, I just saw the BIG Square brackets and assumed hat they had to be left on all the time or require tools to remove them if you didn't want them showing.

[HispanicSlammer]

OH so it uses the mudflap as a mounting point?  I guess those guys that removed it are out of luck.  It sits really far away from the pipes too how much space would you say is between the pipes and the rack?  

I think I would just rather have a top case and a tank bag.  It would drag less in the wind and I wouldnt have to worry about balancing the load side to side.  JUST my opinion.  Of course you lose a lot of storage that way too.

[Guest seadooloo]

Sorry for the misunderstanding woodcycl. I mentioned that my cases will hold 2 helmets also, thats both cases, not in each. You said yours holds 2 full face helmets in EACH!!!

?My, woodcycl, what big side cases you have! :wow:

 By the way I like the tank protector, is it carbon fiber and how much/ where did you get it?

[Guest woodcycl]

Hahahaha!!  I hear yuh Seadooloo!  :p  Yeah - they do look a little out of place given I'm used to the sleek sporty look of my new VIFFER.  But, they sure are handy for storage when needed!  

The tank protector is made by LP and is carbon fiber.  I'm pretty happy with it thus far.  I bought it from StarCycle for $29.95 Part Number 427-1711.

Thanks,

Brian

[Guest Sally]

Brian,

Nice job on the write up!

When I installed my Motech racks originally, I did not attach the rear bracket to the fender.  I found that with the mounting tabs properly torqued and the bags installed, the rear bracket provided enough stability without being attached to the fender.  For those who have removed their rear fender, my opinion is that this works ok.  The downside is that it makes the racks more susceptible to theft if the bags are not on them.

Later, I installed the ScottOiler touring model which required a stiffener on the rear fender.  In combination with the stifferner for the ScottOiler, I then attached the Motech rear bracket.  Ain't nothin' goin' nowhere back there now!

[Guest woodcycl]

Sally,

Can you post a few PICs of the Scottoiler & stiffener piece you are mentioning?  I'd REALLY like to get rid of my fender .... and wasn't sure about the MoTech Racks without that brace.

Thanks much.

Brian

[billyjackjimbob]

Oh Boy!  Am I feeling like a dumb ass right now!  I let my Givi hard bags go with my 919 when I sold it.  I had the SW Motech rig on the 9er but never thought those bags would work on the VFR.  (nerver thought is the problem)  All the pics on this forum were dead, any chance of getting a picture of what your finished product looked like?  I'll most likely be feeling even more stupid when I see them.  SHaaaaaz Bot!

Kevin

:beer:

[Guest woodcycl]

Sorry everyone for the PICs being dead -- I changed web hosts and haven't found all my PICs yet to FTP to my new site.

But, here is my complete write-up provided to RiderHause.com who I purchased the Racks from.  They were very nice in placing my write-up directly on their home page!!

Detailed Instructions on how to Install the SW Motech Side Case Mounting Racks

Thanks,

Brian

[HispanicSlammer]

Are you going to fix this topic cause if not I will delete it otherwise.  Dead pictures with text refering to the dead pictures.

[Guest woodcycl]

H.S. -->  PICs have been restored.  It was only a folder name first letter cap .... just changed it to lower case and all worked.

[billyjackjimbob]

It's offical!  I'm a dumb ass!  I had the exact same Givi bags on my 919.   :doh:   I love those bags, and I'm seriously thinking about getting another set and the SW Motec mounts.  If you'd like to see my 919 with them on goto, twistedthrottle.com and check out the install on the 919.  That was my bike at the 2002 Indy Dealers Show.  Very cool show and all the free goodies were even better.

Kevin

[Guest tshelver]

Just a quick comment: I looked at this thread when installing the SW-Motech side racks on my '03 ABS. As noted I didn't have the rear tab mount bracket on the bike, and the local Honda shop had no clue, as they don't have a fiche for the Honda luggage system to which this bracket belongs.

So headed on on mounting to the fender plastic as noted above, but get really uncomfortable with this before finally tightening up.

#1: The position where the hole is in the fender as about half to one inch too high for easy fitting of the bracket. I tried shimming the top bracket mount up a bit to compensate (the ones on the grab handle mount), but was running into clearance issues with the forward mount, or had to twist the fittings.

#2: The fitting didn't seem too solid to me: still movement from side to side, after all this is mounted to a plastic fender.

#3: I didn't trust that attaching the registration plate to the SW Motech tab would add sufficient strength: would have required me to bend the plate for optimal fitting, and right on the edge.

In addition, my SW-motech rack install seems to be offset to the left, and pushing them towards the right put a fair bit of strain on the fender.

So, I had a look at where the Honda bracket mounts under the plate attachment assembly, and found there is a metal strut that supports everything.

Made a trip to the local hardware store, and they had a perforated steel plate (holes lined up at about 1" intervals) for a whole 83 cents. Drilled out two of the holes to mount under the license plate holder (spacing was exactly right, what luck!), attached the SW Motech side racks and tab, and marked the plate for drilling.

I put two bends in the plate to match the dimensions on the original Honda part using some really high-tech equipment (eye-ball, foot, hands and two planks to provide the bending fulcrum).

Drilled it out, bolted up, and hey-presto, a really solid mount, with a pretty good fit fit.

IMHO this should be stronger than the Honda part, as there is a lot more metal in my 'custom' bracket / plate.

It doesn't look pretty, but 90% percent of it is hidden behind the number plate. All I need to do is cut the plate to the same dimensions as the number plate light housing, and chop it off level with the bottom of the SW-Motech tab.

Being lazy, I may paint it black to blend in with the fender at the top (not much metal is showing), and cover the bottom inch with some black reflective tape or an LED bar for additional safety.

Must admit I'm really impressed with how solid the whole system is mounted now I have the final piece installed. Much stronger system than the OEM brackets on my old Connie.

Also much stronger system than the POS (IMHO) SW-Motech top rack system / Givi rack that failed in multiple places (cracked alu-rack, stripped twist locks, inadequate / easily lost rubber bumpers) with not even 2000 miles on it, about 1/3rd of the way into a 4000 mile trip around eastern Canada, including Newfoundland.

I managed to jury rig it by reinforcing the rack, swapping the twist locks for bolt / nut / washer combos and replacing the rubber bumpers with glued-on squares of rubber cut from a household sewerage coupling with my trusty Gerber multi-tool....

Rather weird that the coupling was almost exactly the right thickness and hardness, and worked way better than the original units, snugging up the Givi so that there was no more herking and jerking on the twist-locks / bolts and thus much less strain on the rack itself.

IMHO the failure was partly due to the somewhat bumpy roads (normal for the north eastern Americas) and fairly heavy top box. But primarily it was a case of one poor design magnifying the loads on the next piece of poor design.

If I was designing this thing, I'd do it much differently. The rubbers would be thicker and wider, better attached and less prone to pull out, and provide a really snug fit to minimize the strain of the bag battering the mounts up and down over bumps.

The givi plate itself needs to be thicker.

The twist-locks are way too small and the mounting brackets way too weak, especially if you compare them to the rock-solid side rack mounts. Even bolt and nut would work better.

The alu-rack itself is only half as bit as ig needs to be. Ideally it should be 2- 3 inches wider and longer at the rear.

The rear mount on rack is in the middler of the Givi adapter, thus a vast majority of the bag weightis exerted on this one single mount, whereas the far-less stressed front mounts are doubled up. Making the rack longer and wider wouldn't look so pretty, but would allow two bolts for attachment, more support for the Givi adapter plate, and much more material (where the crack is, is really very thin).

Edited June 23, 2008 by tshelver