Member Contributer VFR-SPORT Posted April 15, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 15, 2014 I am thinking about buying a 2012 VFR1200. It only has 3900 kms on it for less than $12,000 CDN. It's either that or a 2009 ST1300PA from the USA. The bike currently does not have hard luggage on it. Would it be better to get the OEM hard luggage at 29 L and 31L for the top box or get the Givi V35 cases and a similar size top box from Givi? I enjoyed the 35L cases my old 2007 VFR800. They had plenty of room but once I put a 45L Givi top box on the VFR800 there was more than enough room. Just need some feedback form VFR1200 owners. Stan Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer EhViffer Posted April 15, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 15, 2014 Big feature for me was not having to add the extra mounting hardware for non factory bags. It makes for a way more integrated look. Put Kappa (pretty similar to Givi) bags on wife's 1200 and in my opinion does not look as nice. We did that because factory bags in blue were not available and we had a bike trip to go on. No real noticeable difference in terms of space between the two. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 The oem bags have mounts that are integral with the bodywork - no unsightly mounts when not using the bags. They're also heat shielded on the pipe side. I like the looks of them overall better than Givi - but Givi makes good stuff as well, I've had their oem bags on Guzzi and loved 'em. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BrianF Posted April 15, 2014 Share Posted April 15, 2014 Though I have the V35, if I had it to do over again I'd probably go factory. I have the SW Motech racks that are quick-release and leave almost no trace when they're off. My main thinking was that I could transfer the bags between bikes very easily (I still had the V-Strom and the VFR800 at the time). Now that doesn't really help me much. I'd say if you can find them for a reasonable price, go with the factory bags. My 2 [no longer minted Canadian] pennies. Here, mounted: Here, racks removed (you can see a small black tab near the passenger peg): Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Marsman99 Posted April 16, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2014 Funny, I finally bought the Gen7 specifically because it had smaller nicely integrated bags. Two reasons, I never travel for more than 3-4 days and can pack all I need in the factory cases. I also split traffic a lot in my commute...don't need the extra girth to deal with too. Here's my bike: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volfy Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 I have V35s and I like them a lot. One of the big reasons for going with them was the fact that my X-11 sized XL helmet fit in it... though just barely. Now that I have switched to a Neotec as my street helmet, and I hang both a Uclear HBC-100+ and an JVC GC-XA1 on it, there is no way the whole thing will fit in any saddlebag. My laptop backpack barely fits in the V35, so that's still a big plus over the OEM bags. Overall, I still favor the V35s over OEM, though it is a bit less compelling. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer dalesvfr Posted April 16, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2014 I'd go for the ST1300 if the size isn't an issue. Bags already there and a great electric windscreen to boot. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crakerjac Posted April 16, 2014 Share Posted April 16, 2014 OEM saddle bags and GIVI 45L Top case. I was able to pack a weeks worth of underwear, socks and other assorted walking around clothes in the saddle bags and the top case had extra gear, sweatshirts, tools and such. Plenty of room when you only have to pack for yourself. If I was riding 2-up and needed to pack for two, it still would have been do-able... just might have needed to leave the extra gear at home. I'd go with OEM bags if you can find them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer zedXmick Posted April 17, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 17, 2014 The oem bags have mounts that are integral with the bodywork - no unsightly mounts when not using the bags. They're also heat shielded on the pipe side. I like the looks of them overall better than Givi - but Givi makes good stuff as well, I've had their oem bags on Guzzi and loved 'em. That blue is a stunner!! I have yet to see the blue in person....blue will be the rarest of 1200's ( heck in my state I've never seen another 1200 on the open road) Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
symbiotix Posted April 20, 2014 Share Posted April 20, 2014 IMHO factory bags are too small and awkwardly shaped. Hard to fit anything in there. I got rid of my entire set and will soon be installing a set of SHAD luggage. Yes the shad has external racks but I don't mind the aesthetic. Not to mention racks make good lashing points when you want to strap something down to the seat. Function over fashion for me I guess... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer luvtoleanit Posted April 21, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted April 21, 2014 Really depends on how much stuff you carry. I tend to pack light and focus on riding instead of bringing crap so the OEM stuff works great for me. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
DangerousDave Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 I used to think that if I were flying solo, I'd go for the factory cases for the lack of brackets. But I often travel for a week with the wife, so factory cases are too small. Additionally, I've grown kind of fond of how the lines of the Givis flow with the bike, and actually like the look better than the oem (just MHO)...unless you're standing directly behind the bike, then the Givis, (with Givi brackets) look absolutely enormous! But they do haul a lot of crap, which keeps the wife happy when we're traveling. I did just recently take the side cases and brackets off, just for a change of pace. The wife hasn't been riding with me yet this season, and I have a pretty nice tail pack that's been sitting on a shelf in a closet for awhile now. So at least for a little while, I'm running case-less, with the tail pack strapped to the pillion seat. A little tough to swing a leg over (I'm only 5'8"), but not too bad. Like I said, just a change of pace. I'll be putting the Givis back on next month before the TexasMac trip to Deal's Gap. Riding down from Ohio, so I'll want to take a few things along. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dsmit34 Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 I have a 2010 vfr1200f with the factory hard bags and for me they are good size.. I can put full size helmet in all 3 of them. And the top case have a little more room for groceries, they do cost a lot more but they look a lot better Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crakerjac Posted April 22, 2014 Share Posted April 22, 2014 I used to think that if I were flying solo, I'd go for the factory cases for the lack of brackets. But I often travel for a week with the wife, so factory cases are too small. Additionally, I've grown kind of fond of how the lines of the Givis flow with the bike, and actually like the look better than the oem (just MHO)...unless you're standing directly behind the bike, then the Givis, (with Givi brackets) look absolutely enormous! But they do haul a lot of crap, which keeps the wife happy when we're traveling. I did just recently take the side cases and brackets off, just for a change of pace. The wife hasn't been riding with me yet this season, and I have a pretty nice tail pack that's been sitting on a shelf in a closet for awhile now. So at least for a little while, I'm running case-less, with the tail pack strapped to the pillion seat. A little tough to swing a leg over (I'm only 5'8"), but not too bad. Like I said, just a change of pace. I'll be putting the Givis back on next month before the TexasMac trip to Deal's Gap. Riding down from Ohio, so I'll want to take a few things along. Just make the wife carry her own crap... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Volfy Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Just make the wife carry her own crap... I ride solo, so no worries there. My main problem is not how much stuff I can carry, but what size I can carry. I've only done weekend tours so far, and the OEM cranberries would do just fine for that. It's the stuff I need to carry on the daily commute that large cases come in handy. Laptop bag is a prime example. Hardhat is another. Company I used to work for has a shop some miles away from the office, and when I bike commute, I have to carry my PPE on the bike. Steel toes I can just wear, but other stuff, like notebook and testing equipment have to go somewhere. Size can also help with the honey-do's on the way home. If there was one thing I missed about the C14, it was carrying 2 gallons milk jugs in one side and six packs in the other. :laugh2: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
crakerjac Posted April 23, 2014 Share Posted April 23, 2014 Yeah. I have realized that a 14.1" laptop will NOT fit into the saddlebags. That just means I don't have to bring my work home with me... right? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wattsbrian Posted April 24, 2014 Share Posted April 24, 2014 Here something obscene which to some is offensive. If you want to tour alot get a set of E41's with the SW-Motech racks. The rack are quick lock detachable. I get several days worth of gear and clothing in these. I put a set of Admore lighting fully operational indicators in the reflective lenses. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiKenG Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 Has anyone tried using the OEM panniers with a Hi level Akrapovic fitted? They provide a lower level one to use with panniers, but without the side bags, the Hi level one looks hugely better. I just wondered what happened if you used the bags with the Hi level exhaust. I doubt it would actually hit the bags, but no doubt the exhaust gases would be aimed at the bag. However would that really matter? Anyone? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
cutback Posted August 3, 2014 Share Posted August 3, 2014 I have a Leo Vince pipe. It comes with two different bracket arms for with and with out bags. I'm able to use the high mount bracket and still clear my bags. Like you mentioned about the Akra, just flat looks better..... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer luvtoleanit Posted August 3, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted August 3, 2014 This is one of the reason why I went with the LEO Vince. IIRC the Mivv exhaust (best looking in the 7th gen) also has tha ability to adjust from high to low. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
BiKenG Posted August 4, 2014 Share Posted August 4, 2014 The MIVV utilises different link pipes to achieve the adjustment. No idea about the Leo Vince as the web site was so bad I gave up. I intend to use the Akrapovic though, so may have to look into making up my own link pipes to do the same job. Honda had a great system on the VFR750 (first SSSA model). It had a spring loaded flexible connector so the muffler could be moved around. That's what I really want. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer mandavdle Posted September 21, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted September 21, 2014 I have Shad 43 bags. They match to the bike pretty well and are easily removed when not needed. Lockable and very spaceous, readily fitting helmet, riding jacket when parked, and briefcase, workout stuff when commuting. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer swimmer Posted October 2, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted October 2, 2014 Does anyone know if the GPR exhaust will work with OEM side cases? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer CornerCarver Posted October 2, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted October 2, 2014 I have Shad 43 bags. They match to the bike pretty well and are easily removed when not needed. Lockable and very spaceous, readily fitting helmet, riding jacket when parked, and briefcase, workout stuff when commuting. I have never used them. I guess you find they are as water proof as factory or Givi? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer mandavdle Posted October 3, 2014 Member Contributer Share Posted October 3, 2014 They have not leaked for me when parked outside in a shower, but I try not to ride in the rain, taking the cage instead. They do have a rubber gasket where the clamshells come together so I expect them to stay pretty dry even in heavy rain. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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