I completed mounting the GIVI Monokey System bags to the SW-MOTEC side and rear brackets. They look great, function well (as they should for the money) and from a week of commuting with them loaded (side bags only) - I am well pleased. The rear bag mounting plate arrived today so I finally got the rear bag mounted. The rear bag won't hold two helmets but more like 1.5 - The bags are roomy and well made. The bags came from Revzilla.com since I had some coupons The mounting brackets came from Twistedthrottle.com and SW-MOTECH Here are some photos.
Leo... Can you post a few close-up photos of the SW MOTECH racks without luggage? It would be interesting to see the mounting and structural details in comparison to the BR Moto racks. I do like the sleek hoop design and removability feature.
I was going to do that but just didn't have time yesterday. OK here they are. See if you can spot the other new item! It's easy(ier) too install and is super nice!!! Again, another SW-MOTECH part and well worth the money OK, I made it easy for you! The brackets are placed behind the existing left and right foot peg and does not require removal of the skid plate. As I said easy (except for the double spring) right now, until I can get someone to lend me a hand - it's just using a single spring. It made it so nice to clean and lube the chain. A picture of the top, and final rack for mounting the GIVI Monokey top box This is a typical side bracket onto which the GIVI Monokey luggage (Specific mounting hardware). The brackets connect to the bike in four places with a type of screw fastener that allows for quick removal of the racks if you have them off. Beware however, all it would take to steal these would be four quick turns with a screwdriver were it not for the handy lock (sold separately) and seen in one of the following pictures.
Another four photos This show the locking feature which didn't feel as substantial as I might have liked but it will do the trick One of the mounting points Right-side bracket Another shot of the rear rack
Fantastic photos, thank you very much for sharing. I just spent the last 30 minutes comparing these pics with another brand, fascinating.
Nice installation. Do you have a photo of the center stand in the retracted position so we could check the ground clearance and potential for hang-ups?
No, but I'll take one as soon as the grandchild has departed. It is, however, VERY, VERY clean and there should be no snags. Heck, it's almost like a German designed it :-)
First impressions - Driving on my daily commute 21 miles - Mostly freeway (70 mph) and some two lane 35-45. Oddly enough, the luggage system performed above my expectations. If anything, the bike rode more smoothy than before without the luggage. The larger top box is large - when seen parked - it looks huge but underway, I never noticed it was even there. Some nitnoid issues - you have to lock each bag to remove the key which is, I guess, the best way to do it but I'd like to have the choice of just using the bag latches when running errands and doing a lot of in-and-out with the bags. When parked, that's great but forgetting to throw your gloves in and then having to get your keys back out can be a hassle. The centerstand will definitely require both springs to adequately keep the stand retracted but man is it a Bi%$# to span the distance with both springs without some personal bodily injury. My thumb nail is now black and blue :-( I haven't ventured off-road with this setup yet but I suspect that riding on the typical roads for which the terra was designed, they will perform nicely. More when I'm off road. Cheers, Leo
Is the double spring setup, one inside the other like the kickstand is? If so, what I find to be easiest is to have the small one inside the larger, then using a spring puller, just pull the larger one one, being sure to not lose the end of the smaller spring, then pull the smaller spring in place. Not sure if that's what you were doing or not, but it's damn near impossible to pull both at once and have any level of control as to where it goes.
Hey Leo, thanks for posting this thread...I had completely forgotten about the SW-motech center stand until this. Just ordered mine. It's easier for me to have a center stand on my bikes than going out and buying a lift. They're around the same price too. I don't even run side stands on my airheads
Just a heads up: I had a lot of trouble viewing the giviusa.com site until I updated my Flash player. Leo: Not sure if you mentioned it, is that a TRK46N or TRK52NA on the rear rack?
Well - about that I'd have to think... OK, the sides are 33 and top is a 46. I cannot imagine how a 52 liter would look. My setup already dwarfs the little Husky but still moves down the road nicely!
It's a tool for installing and removing springs on drum brakes. they range in price from around 6 to 20 this one looks reasonably priced, i can't vouch for the site, i've never bought from them. http://www.costplustools.com/KD-Tools-280-Drum-Brake-Spring-Tool-for-Bendix_p_988.html i googled "Drum Brake Spring Tool" and got a list. you use the thinner end for installing springs. it's got a slight cup in it, that goes over the pin that the spring attaches to. you slide the spring onto the shaft, and then lift. the spring sides down the shaft and onto the pin. here's a video of someone using it: http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_detailpage&v=MCpCkun2qxA#t=898s --Chris
Chris, OK, now that I see it in context - I know what they are. Somehow, the screwdriver(s) I was using just wouldn't work. I'll pick one up. Thank you
