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Luggage
Givi
Givi Instruction now online! Richard McDonald's great step-by-step Givi installation instructions (with photos).
From: "Ghost.Rider" <ghost.rider@howling.com
I did call givi up and ask 'em to send me out another one first thing in the morning today... Then I looked at it a bit more, and decided there was enough thread (just one actually) to get a tap started in it... Rode the bike to the local sears hardware, and for $3.75 got a 8.00mm X 1.25 pitch tap... cleaned it out, and the screws went right in.
The finished product doesn't look too bad, though I swear the right turn
signal is pointing too much inside (towards the middle of the bike)... I bent it
a little, but not enough to correct it.. Oh well.. Givi has a lot to be desired
for quality control in their mounting kits. As for the finish of the
product, both the bags as well as the mounting kit/wingrack, that was first
class... There was no missing
finish or anything, nor does the stuff scratch easily --- trust me, I know...
Anyways, as for the install, it took me roughly 2.5-3 hours, I started by mounting those U clamps on the bike frame, and everything else pretty much settled into place from there.
The one part where it says not to use the chrome washer from the muffler bolt, well... I used it anyways... there was about .5 cm of bolt left with the washer in place, which I felt was sufficient enough to hold the nut with (both sides actually).
The instructions could have been a bit clearer as to what goes where, but I guess the diagram was good enough --- you and I both (and others) got the thing assembled following it.
One thing I don't like is the fact that the top bag bracket is only held in place by two screws.. I would have prefered at least 3 or 4 or more.
Oh.. I did leave the tail section of the plastic on the bike, but I did loosen up all the bolts so I could move it around as needed.
As for the electrical stuff, that wasn't too bad... I took the short cut
method because I was tired (no breakfast) of playing with it, and wanted it done
with already.. I used those blue thing that two wires
go in, using a pair of pliers you compress the blade into the blue thing (I
can't think of what its called), and the wires conduct through the blade, and
the plastic thingy keeps 'em together (awful
wording I know!).
I did have a hell of a time stuffing the whole thing back into place, so I
just cable tied it (I also have some more marker lights on the side of the rear
fender where the red reflectors used to be..... those
blink with the turn signals, as well as brighten up when a brake is applied (or
combination of the two).
Overall, on a scale of 1-10, 10 being best, I'd give the kit a 8.5, and the overall package a 9.
I ordered from the same place you did, and surprisingly, one box got here yesterday, and the bags got here today... how strange... The boxes were in kinda beat up shape though, but not terribly torn.
Anyhow, if you have any questions, feel free to ask, or to comment, also, if you would like, you have my permission to forward this to the people on the gpz mailing list, and/or put it up on the web site.
---Julian
reply to jds@ripco.com or jds@suba.com
From:
rickard@tenfour.se (Rickard Olsson)
Subject: Re: Givis &
Wingracks
RM Anyone have experience with the 2-bagger that
RM would confirm or reject this advice?
The 2-bagger is very stable, but I miss the top platform sometimes for those short trips when I want some extra storage space (I can get four videotapes in my jacket. Don't ask. :-) but don't want to lug around both bags. I refuse to ride with one side bag but would like the option to have a single box on top.
/ Rickard Olsson, Technical Documentation Manager
/ TenFour Sweden , http://www.tenfour.se/
Date sent: Fri, 21 Aug 1998
17:12:54 -0700
From:
Boss-Walker home <boss-walker@smallbusiness.net.au
On the subject of Givi bags the blue GPZ 1100s sold in
Australia came fitted with Givi E36 panniers complete with Kawasaki badges. The
first ones, incuding mine came with mounting frames bolted where the luggage
hooks were and an extra bracket going under the seat to the grab rail securing
bolts. On mine I added another mounting plate at the back where I carry an E28
(one helmet) box. I'll take some photos and send them to Dave some time soon.
The later ones came with the same bags mounted on Wingracks.
Incidentally when I tour I put a long tie down strap across the seat and around
the bags for added security.
Regards
Mike Boss-Walker
Burnie Tasmania
Five Stars Luggage Mounts (for use with Givis)
Thanks to Bob Foglesong for all the info he has posted regarding this unique alternative to the Givi Wingracks for mounting Givi hard bags.
Date sent: Fri, 21 Aug 1998
12:45:52 -0700
From:
Bob Foglesong <fogleson@uiuc.edu
Subject: Re: Givi bags
Apparantly, in Europe, the E36 is the
'Standard' Kawasaki hard luggage! They also provide a very different
mount:
I've seen that mount here somewhere... maybe it's available from Givi in
the USA as well? A drawback is that you don't get a topcase...
I found out a bit more about this mount after talking to GiviUSA. It's
actually not a Givi product. It's made by Five Stars for Kawasaki with the
approval of Givi. They're apparantly available through JF Motorsport in
Germany. I was curious if anyone had ever dealt with this company or this
product.
Thanks.
Bob
Date sent: Mon, 28 Sep 1998 11:53:20
-0700
From:
Bob Foglesong <fogleson@uiuc.edu
Subject: FiveStars luggage
mounts
Well, I've made a bit more progress on my quest for alternative luggage mounts for hard luggage so I thought I'd give you all an update.
This search began when I saw this picture of the OEM GiVi luggage mounts:
http://www.medio.mh.se/~richie/gpz1100/trip_9706/before_side.jpg
GiViUSA told me that these mounts are made by a company called FiveStars, which is distributed by the German company JF Motorsports.
They are not the same as the OEM mounts. It may be that FiveStars made the mount, but did not sell it themselves. The FiveStars mount is a top case mount to which a side case mounting system can be attached. Apparantly, the side pieces remove from the top rack very easily with just a few screws. So the top-case carrier can be mounted without the side-carriers but not vive versa.
Hein Gericke, which is a mail order and retail chain in Europe, has given me the part numbers for these products, 21040756 and 21040711, for the top rack and side rack attachments (not sure which number is which though). The price is not too bad at about $100 each. Sounds like a pretty neat system. Haven't found out about international shipping yet.
I may give it a try. A German motorcyclist told me that in general, FiveStars luggage rack are much more compact and mount the luggage closer to the bike than the Wingrack. Also, speaking with M&P in England, I have discovered that the OEM rack is discontinued.
Bob
Date sent: Sat, 29 Aug 1998
17:19:35 -0500
To:
rbsims@earthlink.net
From:
Bob Foglesong <fogleson@uiuc.edu
Subject: Re: Givi bags
Cycle World has imported some Five Stars items. Apparantly, Five Stars is somewhat more well known in the BMW circles. A BMW owner informed me that he had purchased a Five Stars top rack through Cycle World. I spoke with Cycle World about getting a rack. They were not terribly helpful. They said they could get it, but they would have to wait for a minimum order of five items before they would place the order with Five Stars. They also didn't really have any pricing info, but said it would cost about $200 (a figure I think the guy made up off the top of his head). I understand why Cycle World does not have the greatest reputation.
I have had much better luck actually trying to get the actual European OEM Kawasaki luggage rack. I e-mailed a few European Kawasaki GPZ1100 owners that listed they had hard luggage on the mailing list membership list. Renaud Brasseur got back to me and informed me that he is good friends with a Kawasaki dealership owner in Belgium. He investigated the availability of the item and has told me that the dealer had one in stock and I can get it for $110 plus freight! I think I'm going to go ahead and go with that. Hopefully it won't take to long to get ship. Only drawback is that I won't have the option of the top bag, but I suppose if I ever need more room, I can tie down some soft luggage on top. Did Kawasaki ever make a basic luggage top rack (platform) for the GPZ1100?
I'll keep you posted regarding my import of the Kawasaki mounting system. Right now I'm waiting for Renaud to send me info on how to actually go about making the purchase. Perhaps this Kawasaki dealer would like to help out more American GPZ owners in the future. Sure seems like a great deal.
Bob
Bob Foglesong posted more information about his installation of the Five Stars racks at http://members.tripod.com/~GPZ1100/fivestar.htm. Additionally, Howard Parr of Ride West BMW (1-888-527-7433) imports Five Stars racks, including the GPZ specific model. Howard and Ride West are a friendly bunch of folks. Use caution in ordering Five Star racks, though, as Howard has openly reported delays in ordering the product from Germany. FWIW, Howard currently recommends the Hepco-Becker luggage over Five Stars.
From Bob Foglesong's web page:
GPZ1100 owners interested in adding hard luggage have an alternative to the
GiVi Wingrack. A
German company named FiveStars makes bike specific racks for mounting GiVi
luggage. Thanks to
a fellow GPZ1100 listmember's lack of desire for luggage on his bike, I have
been fortunate enough
to acquire one of these racks. Some other listmembers have expressed interest in
alternatives to the
GiVi Wingrack so I'm posting a review here along with many more pictures than
you probably want
to see.
Description
The FiveStars racks consist of two separate parts: a top rack and a side
rack. They are made of
tubular steel and are painted a matte black. Each side rack mounts at three
points: the grab rail bolt,
the front bungee hook bolt, and a rail at attaches to the liscense plate holder
screws. The top rack
unfortunately requires the repositioning of the turn signals to the top rack
itself. This is because the
two rear support bars of the top rack mount to the turn signal holes on the
fender. The top rack also
mounts to the grab rail bolts. Unfotunately, the use of either rack requires the
removal of the grab
rail.
FiveStars states that the side racks cannot be used without the top rack.
This requirement is not for
the reason you might expect. The side racks do not in any way bolt onto the top
rack. The side
racks simply interfere with the turn signals and the top rack provides the
alternative mounting position
for the turn signals. Perhaps another reason could be that the top rack provides
an alternative hand
hold for a passenger since the grab rail must be removed.
So far I have mounted only two E36 bags on the setup. The original owner of
the luggage rack (not
the individual I purchased the system from) for some reason removed the junction
hardware from the
top rack so at the moment a GiVi bag cannot be attached to the top. I have
ordered this hardware
from GiVi for only $6.50. It appears that the top bag may sit so far forward
that it will interfere with
a passenger, though I am not certain of this (doesn't really matter to me).
Likes
- Much less bulky than the Wingrack
- With two E36 side bags and empty top rack, have a very large, flat surface
- Very stable
- Inexpensive (even when bought new)
- Repositioned turn signals are high and visible
Dislikes
- Top rack cannot be mounted without the repositioning of turn signals
- Requires removal of grab rail which leaves a bit of a gap behind the seat
- Each bag should not be loaded to more than 5 kg (Wingrack is 10 kg)
Krauser
I know very little about the German-made Krauser systems for the GPZ, other than
that Krauser did make fitting kits for the K2/K3 series of hardcases. I
mounted a set of Krauser K2 bags to my wife's former VF500, and I was very happy
with them. Canadian Jim Fraser has mounted a set of the older K1s to his
GPZ. I lifted this image of a (very blue!) Krauser-equiped GPZ from a
Japanese site. I understand that Krauser has gone out of business,
although I've heard rumors that the bag design may be resurrected. I would
be interested in getting any other info on Krauser, or their mounts for the GPZ.
Ventura Luggage
System
Date sent: Sun, 31 Jan 1999
23:00:32 -0800
From:
"Anita Lauro" <2xracers@wizard.net
Subject: Ventura Rack
& Bag [Long]
Well, I installed the Ventura rack on my GPZ on Friday afternoon. Just about as easy as you could get... in other words, I was able to do it myself! :-) The "L" brackets install where the bungee hooks are. I opted to leave the hooks off the bike, although you could re-install them.
Overall I am very happy with how the rack looks on the GPZ. The shorter "sport rack" really blends in with the lines of the bike. Looks very sharp! Of course, a black rack on a black bike helps! That's one thing about black bikes... very easy to find matching accessories! :-)
I purchased the larger of the two bags (45 liter). I think I already mentioned that I am very impressed with the workmanship of the bag and I believe it will be very durable. It is actually larger than it looks (at least to me). As an experiment I packed it with a pair of sneakers, jeans, sweatshirt/pants, several t-shirts, and a bath towel.. there was still room to spare. I think it will be more than enough for weekend trips (and the rally!).
My only minor complaint is that it is rather difficult to switch between the
two racks. It may get easier as the powercoat is worn off a bit. But right
now it takes quite a bit of effort to remove the rack. It was easier to do
if I loosened the "L" bracket bolts but that isn't really practical!
:-) I
won't be switching back and forth between the racks frequently, so it shouldn't
really be a problem.
Anita
Date sent: Wed, 3 Feb 1999 06:04:11
-0800
From:
"Anita Lauro" <2xracers@wizard.net
Subject: Re: Ventura Rack
& Bag [Long]
-----Original Message-----
From: Yvonne Edman <redman@julian-ca.com
Date: Wednesday, February 03, 1999 2:21 AM
Subject: Re: Ventura Rack & Bag [Long]
Thanks for the info and the pics of the Ventura rack.
I'm running the
Kawasaki hard/soft bags right now, but was looking for additional storage
capacity when touring with my wife. I think your pictures may have just
sold me on the Ventura system, it always helps to actually see what thing
will look like on the bike. A couple of questions though. Can the
bag be
mounted on the rack facing rearward, leaving room for the passenger?
Glad the pictures were helpful! I like to see things before I buy them
as well. The bag can definitely be mounted rearward with a passenger.
It's 'designed' to work that way. For one-up riding you mount it facing forward
and keep the weight where the passenger would be sitting. They do say in
the instructions that the rack is not meant to be used as a backrest for the
passenger. Might have to go with GIVI if that's something you're looking
for.
What did the system run you, and where did you get it?
There seem to be two mail order places to get it - HSI (CA) and Sport Touring Accessories (NC). Prices seem to be the same in both places. I ordered mine at the NYC motorcycle show from HSI and got the shorter "sport rack" for free. So, I paid $260 for $300 worth of gear. Sport Touring has a web page that has prices:
http://www.dnet.net/~pemble/deals.htm
Anita
From: Robert Pierson <RAPierson@worldnet.att.net
I have a Venture Tour Pack and I like it alot. I sent a review to the GPZ Homepage but he never put it up, I admit it wasn't very well written.
I won't post that review, just a picture so you can get some idea about the product. I use the Tour Pack exclusively now instead of soft bags. If you have any questions just Email me.
I got mine in July at got mine from
H.S.I.
P. O. Box 336H.S.I.
Edmonds, WA 98020
(800) 688-6439
and paid about $260.
Recently I found a page advertising an entire 7 piece system for $375
Sport Touring Accessories
1-800-889-5550
Bob Pierson
From: GPzer [GPzer@aol.com]
2. The Ventura an aerodynamic Bike Pack. Aprox $260.00 US,
a nice system.
This is a bracket system that supports 1 or 2 packs that look like (and can be
used as) backpacks. http://www.ventura-bike.co.nz
Made in New Zealand
+64 (7) 849 4392 imported to US by HSI in Washington
1-800-688-6439
Peter T.
Date sent: Sat, 19 Sep 1998
20:10:03 -0700
From:
Doug Babcock <babcockd@gte.net
BTW, I installed the Ventura Pack Rack and the 40+ liter bag so Sandy and I wouldn't have to do laundry every other day. I must agree with George (whichever one has the Ventura gear) that it is a very worthwhile setup. Good quality, well designed, performs to expectations. I recommend it to others. Purchased through Sport Touring Accessories.
Ride on ...
Doug Babcock
Tampa
Red '95
Date sent: Sun, 10 May 1998
10:51:39 -0500
From:
Richard McDonald <richard.mcdonald@sympatico.ca
Subject: Kawasaki hard bag
review
Hey Bob,
I meant to mention the other day and forgot, There's a review of
saddlebags, Kawi's GPZ bags and an after-market, at http://www.motorcycle.com/mo/mcbeware/saddlebags.html
. It's not very
complimentary, but is well written. (And it contains a link to a *very*
complimentary review of the bike.) Thought you might want to link to it
from your luggage section.
Regards,
Richard
Hepco-Becker
Hepco Becker is a German maker of
rugged (and pricey) hard luggage. Here's a photo of some of their bags
affixed to a BMW. I don't know of anyone who has actually mounted a set to
a GPZ, but I do know that they make specific mounting kits for the GPZ.
The mounting kits allow you to mount H-B's standard, conservative luggage, or
even their aluminum rally panniers (!).
Howard Parr of Ride West BMW (1-888-527-7433) imports Hepco-Becker, including the GPZ specific model. Howard and Ride West are a friendly bunch of folks. Here's some email I got from Howard Parr regarding Hepco-Becker luggage:
Dear Bob:
Thank you for your e-mail. The Hepco-Becker mounts
for the GPZ1100 are $260, and will work with either their hardshell plastic
luggage, or with the aluminum boxes (either Hepco-Becker or the Touratech).
I do not know about moving the turn signals. If it is necessary, the kits
will often come with bracket extensions (I will check on this). 5-Star is
another issue: they are about 6 months behind on their orders, and they
have informed us that they will not warranty any product sold in the US.
In addition, the Hepco-Becker mounts are always much stronger and of better
construction than the 5-Star. Just phone toll-free (1-888-527-7433) at
your convenience if
you wish to order any of the products, or have additional questions. Thank
you for your inquiry.
Best regards,
Howard Parr
Operations Manager
Ride West BMW/Touratech
ridewest@aa.net
27 liter carryall premium colors $135.00
47 liter saddlebags Special Striping Graphics $240.00
Date: 02-Sep-1997 17:01:31
From: Jay Pondy
Subject: RE: Soft Luggage
Ross -
I have a full set of RKA luggage and after hassling with the mounting because of a Corbin seat I have been very pleased with it. It's not cheap - For the entire set, tank bag, saddle bags and rear seat bag it was about $400. RKA was very helpful and patient as we sent straps back and forth until they finally fit right. Once mounted correctly the stuff will NOT move even under extreme braking and acceleration.
The mounts for the stock seat are some of the best around. Removing all of the luggage takes under a minute and it's ready to be carried away easily. Overall they have a great design and are some of the most water resistant packs around if not the most.
For what you want to do you might only need a tank bag. They expand and can hold a lot of stuff. The RKA has two separate compartments with a removable map holder on the top. I opted for the 3 point mount instead of the magnetic because I simply don't want to worry about the thing flying off under some weird circumstances that I am prone to find.
Date: 28-Jun-1998 16:10:34
From: Patrick Rhodes
Subject: RE: Got my GPZ! :)
Anita, you'll get a lot of responses on both of these subjects as they
have been talked about a lot on this list. As far as soft saddlebags go,
I've got the RKA brand. These are the best IMHO, but they cost over $400
for both saddlebags, magnetic tank bag, and rear seat bag (I got the raincovers
also). However, they are awesome. They won't come off, are nearly
rainproof without the covers, have some sort of lining under the saddle bags so
they won't scratch the paint and each set is hand
made. They also do custom colors. Their web site is http://www.rka-luggage.com/.
I do not yet have a review for the Bagster GPZ system, but here is a link to a
good review for the Bagster as mounted on a BMW R1100RT.
Bagster price quote from the UK's M&P:
From:
Geraint Thomas <ght@caverdale.co.uk
Subject: Fw: '95 GPZ1100
parts
On Mon Feb 08 12:50:00 1999, Geraint Thomas <ght@4 forwarded this message
Price of Bagstar tank harness is UK56.17 this is a bright red colour but i can't be certain it will match your's as the colour is from a British spec bike. You do not pay V.A.T. Delivery is UK38.00 Regards Geraint(M&P)
----------
On Mon, 8 Feb 1999 09:45:12 -0000, "Dean J Price" <djp@MandP.com
wrote:
-----Original Message-----
From: Bob Sims <simsr@gpzlist.org
To: Sales@MandP.com <Sales@MandP.com
Subject: '95 GPZ1100 parts
M+P,
Would like to know the price and availability of a Bagster tank
cover
for a '95 Kawasaki GPZ1100 (also known as a ZX1100E). I need one to
match the Candy Persimmon Red (bright red color) as sold in the USA.
Are orders from the US required to pay the VAT?
Please reply to
ght@caverdale.co.uk
Also available in the US through Italjet:
ITALJET USA
302 Spring St
NEW YORK, NY 10013
Telefon 516 427 4045
Toll free 1(888)ITALJET
Fax 516 427 4064
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