how do you like Givi 52 liter top case?

[jwg122843]

Thinking about changing top cases on my R1150RT from the standard BMW to the Givi 52 liter. The standard one will not hold one full size helmet; the Givi will hold two, I am told.Any one have experience with both? Is the Givi easy to remove like the BMW? or ?

[Ebbo]

I’ve had both the standard top case and 52ltr Givi on my 1100RT, if I had to choose between them, it would have to be the Givi, just for the space inside. Much of the space in the standard 33ltr case is wasted on locking mechanisms and fitting it snugly around the back of the machine. So, the Givi stands a little higher on the bike, you loose single key operation of the bike and it doesn't look as integrated but you do get lots of storage space and it’s easy enough to remove!

 

Inside the Givi case

 

Close up showing it doesn't fit so closely to the bike

 

You will need the fitting kit to mount the Givi case properly, it should be the E183 kit listed for the R1100RS (but do check), it’s quite easy to fit.

 

I sure miss that bike... plus it was paid for...

[bmw_rider]

Love it. I didn't try the BMW one, but Givi's is larger, and has the extra tail light on it.

[randy]

i have both and for my daily commute I use the GIVI 90% of the time. The BMW bag is a nice look, but for functionality nothing beats a GIVI.

[bobanddianne]

I have the Givi 52 and love it.

Have the Givi base on both our '94 and '07.

Changing the Givi back and forth is quick and easy.

[NonComp]

I was thinking of the E45. Thought it would be a better match to the stock bags.

[BFish]

I was thinking of the E45. Thought it would be a better match to the stock bags.

 

have that one. swap it between weestrom and RT. like it alot, plenty of space and it looks good on both.

[dan_forker]

 

 

I have the E52 Givi mounted on an R1200rt and love it. Installed the real light kit and the brake and tail light functions work well and add needed light to the rear of the bike. I like the size, quality of construction and flawless watertight seals. No complaints at all.

 

 

Dan Forker

[szurszewski]

I really enjoy my Givi case as well - it certainly doesn't follow the lines of the bike, but then I don't find much aesthetic appeal in the BMW topcase either, so that's not an issue for me. It definitely holds a tremendous about of whatever you want to put in there (if anything, I worry I'm overloading the weight capacity), and is, as has been said, a snap to attach/remove once you've got the rack installed. I did have a bit of trouble trying to get two helmets - a M and XL HJC Symax - in there, but maybe that was just me...or maybe if I'd had them situated a little differently or was willing to push the lid down a bit harder...

 

That said, I'm completely happy with my the case.

[Steve-C]

Like everyone else, love it! I had the standard K-Series luggage with my bike, and althought the case doesn't look anywhere near as integrated or nice I don't give two hoots as its immeasurably more practical, holds way too much for the saftey limits and is an absolute doddle to remove / refit so long as it isn't too full then it can get a bit heavy, but if thats the case (no pun intended) it's probably overloaded anyway. I'd never have anything else as a topbox now.

[Darren]

I had the Givi on my 1100RT and it was the best box I ever had on a bike. With the side cases and the Givi you could stash helmets and jacket for 3 people when you reach your destination (SWMBO does not have any cases on her bike) I am now trying to obtain one for my V-Strom, as the E46 fitted to it will not take my BMW System V helmet

A big thumbs up to the Givi

[Dave_in_TX]

I'm another fan of the E52. I put one on my new 1200RT shortly after buying it. I originally thought I'd only use it on trips but I ended up leaving it on the buke ll the time. Unless it's loaded with heavy items, I don't even notice it's there.

[bakerzdosen]

I honestly thought I wouldn't use it much on my r12st, but it's soooo practical that I have a hard time leaving it at home.

[keithb]

The Givi E52 is a total NO BRAINER. Ruby came with the V46 which is a fine case but a bit on the small side. It will hold 2 full face helmets and a pair or two of gloves and that is it. The E52 will easily fit 2 full face helmets with way more wiggle room and there is no better cooler at the end of the day than the E52. It does not look any larger than the V46 and holds 6 more liters. And from a cost standpoint it cannot be beat. My .02

[tallman]

Love it.

At Meat Cove, Nova Scotia.

[waylap]

I have both for my RT and hands down the Givi 52 with the brake light is better. I can fit a 3 man tent in it with extras or full face helmet. With the standard BMW trunk all I get is extra nick naks in there that I want to get to easier than the side case.

If you don't mind that it looks like a ufo landing on the back of your bike, go with the Givi. If you just want a perfect LOOKING bike, get the BMW case.

[Agent_Orange]

Givi 52 also.

[KingBiscuit]

I just ordered an E52 for my 1150RT. I had the tail light option installed.

 

Was wondering, is the light a pain to attach/detach? I'm thinking I'll only have the case on when the wife is with me or on long trips.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Dan

[VinnyR11]

I just ordered an E52 for my 1150RT. I had the tail light option installed.

 

Was wondering, is the light a pain to attach/detach? I'm thinking I'll only have the case on when the wife is with me or on long trips.

 

Any thoughts?

 

Dan

 

I had mine put on at the shop because I was having other work done at the time, but the tail light installation appears to be very easy. Not sure about the "detach" comment. If you mean detaching the bag with the light installation, it's no different than without it. Just one button push and it's off.

 

I also thought "I'll only use the case for long trips and with the wife"; however, I often now ride with only the top case and no side bags while alone. It easily fits my Stitch with pads and helmet, and it's dead easy to pack and unpack.

[DavidEBSmith]

is the light a pain to attach/detach?

 

There's a round connector with two metal contacts in the mounting plate, and two spring-loaded matching prongs in the bottom of the bag. When you mount the bag, they automatically match up. You can see how it works here or:

 

 

The problem I've had with it is that the rear brake pedal switch stuck, so that the rear brake light was staying on, which overheated and partially melted the switch. I fiddled with it and got it to work, but one of the contacts isn't particularly springy. So if I remove the top case and re-install it, I have to remember to reach up under the rack and push the connector up to make sure it makes contact. Not a big deal, but I get irritated every time I replace the top case until I remember that I need to do this.

[keithb]

Thanks for posting this David. I wondered how the connection was made so you would not be plugging/unplugging a connector everytime. That is pretty clean as long as it works correctly.

[jmer]

Having had a few different Givi setups on 3 different bikes I have a couple of comments which I didn't notice others had made. First, if you were thinking that perhaps the E52 was a bit too big you can try an E360. Its a little less tall but still fits 2 FF helmets provided you remove the red plastic document holder inside the 360. I never had a use for that anyway. Just one screw removes it. Also the 360 is less expensive than a 52.

 

Another benefit to the Givis, at least in comparison the the R12 series luggage, is that they are significantly lighter than the BMW trunk. I havne't weighed the BMW trunk but man it feels heavy to me...empty! High and back is not the best place for extra weight. Overall I think the Givi's are great, durable, roomy, affordable, easy to use.

[jwg122843]

When the optional light kit was installed, how was it physically done? Are there existing holes for the lights? Are the lights external to the case? Or do you have to cut holes in the case?

Thanks.

[Dietrich]

James, the kit comes with easy instructions. You have to punch out a hole that is pre-engineered into the bracket. Run the wire from the taillight to the bracket socket, the hole in the case is also pre-moulded, then inside the case is a channel for the wiring going to the brakelights. It is well engineered and relatively easy to accomplish.

You'll see. Try this link: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productprint/92/417/

D.

[L Rider]

I used the Givi E52 for 3 years on my 1150 GS and thought it was excellent. I had the brake lights installed, which gave me a sense of comfort. As said above, the room for 2 helmets is great.

 

I would recommend the product.

 

Having said that, I found the quality good but not quite as durable as BMW quality. Occasionally the brake lights would stop working and I would need to monkey with the wiring/socket etc. Also, the latching mechanism broke on a long road trip, as did the plastic handle portion of both keys (I don"t think I am particularly hard on mechanical things, probably more careful than anything). Fortunately I could replace the keys at a locksmith, and I fixed the latch with crazy glue and duct tape.

 

Cheers............Rod

[tallman]

You replaced the keys?

With an older GIVI 52?

Great.

Tell us what the blanks were you used.

The newer GIVI 52's have a different lock/key than the earlier ones.

I've had no luck w/locksmiths and don't want to replace the lock, even though it's cheap from the GIVI distributor.

If you call GIVI now, the only key blank they have is for the new lock and it is too wide for the old ones.

I had one locksmith cut a key that would go into the lock, but wouldn't open it.

Thanks.

[L Rider]

You replaced the keys?

With an older GIVI 52?

Great.

Tell us what the blanks were you used.

The newer GIVI 52's have a different lock/key than the earlier ones.

I've had no luck w/locksmiths and don't want to replace the lock, even though it's cheap from the GIVI distributor.

If you call GIVI now, the only key blank they have is for the new lock and it is too wide for the old ones.

I had one locksmith cut a key that would go into the lock, but wouldn't open it.

Thanks.

 

Tallman I'm afraid I won't be too much help. I replaced the final broken key in St. John's Newfoundland (at a little place called Babb Lock), and I have since sold the bike and the case/key. So unfortunately I can"t check it out for you.

 

I do recall that it took the locksmith a good twenty minutes, and 3 or 4 blanks, to find one that worked. He was so apologetic that he insisted on not charging me for the key, typical Newfoundland generosity.

 

I am guessing but I have a faint recollection that the blank that finally worked was from a European car, like a BMW or Mercedes (clearly pre FOB).

 

Sorry I can"t be of more help.

 

Cheers..........Rod

[DonMcCall]

I've got the older givi 360n on my R1150R - it's great; same easy mount/dismount as the 45, I believe, and although it's smaller, I can still fit 2 fullface helmets in it (different configuration, but they DO fit )

I've had it for a couple of years now, and it's what gets daily use. Barely crack my BMW sidecases on a normal basis.

good luck!

[Ballerman]

I just talked to a guy at Midwest Cycle Supply (Givi reseller on ebay) who said he doesn't recommend the light kit for BMWs with ABS because, he says, it causes false ABS failure warnings. Has anybody had any experience with this? He basically was talking me out of going with the light kit, which is a big selling point for me. Here's the source:

 

MIDWEST CYCLE SUPPLY

EBAY SALES

4300 NICOLLET AVE SOUTH

MINNEAPOLIS, MN 55409

(612) 823-3771 PHONE

[moshe_levy]

All-

 

Terri's R1150R (with ABS) has the Givi 52 top kit with aux brake lights.

 

 

NEVER a problem. Far more practical as a real carrier than the stock topcase on my R1150RT. HOWEVER, I take exception to the OP's statement about not being able to fit a FF helmet into an R1150RT's stock topcase. Yes, it can be done - both my Arai Quantum/f and my Shoei Multitex (both XL) fit fine. The secret is to lie the helmet on its side, directly in the middle of the topcase. Close the lid and it fits neatly over the helmet. Granted, it's not as easy as the cavernous Givi 52L which can seemingly swallow the kitchen sink, but it CAN be done!

 

-MKL

[Silver Surfer/AKAButters]

 

I have the E52 Givi mounted on an R1200rt and love it. Installed the real light kit and the brake and tail light functions work well and add needed light to the rear of the bike. I like the size, quality of construction and flawless watertight seals. No complaints at all.

Dan Forker

 

+1 for an 1150, and oh, the price is nice too.

[Ken H.]

I just talked to a guy at Midwest Cycle Supply (Givi reseller on ebay) who said he doesn't recommend the light kit for BMWs with ABS because, he says, it causes false ABS failure warnings. Has anybody had any experience with this? He basically was talking me out of going with the light kit, which is a big selling point for me.

Not true. If done correctly, it's a non-issue. I've done several. It's no different than any of the other multitude of aux. brake light products that are available.

[Silver Surfer/AKAButters]

I just talked to a guy at Midwest Cycle Supply (Givi reseller on ebay) who said he doesn't recommend the light kit for BMWs with ABS because, he says, it causes false ABS failure warnings. Has anybody had any experience with this? He basically was talking me out of going with the light kit, which is a big selling point for me.

Not true. If done correctly, it's a non-issue. I've done several. It's no different than any of the other multitude of aux. brake light products that are available.

 

+1 I installed the brake light as well. No issues.

 

Rich

[Joel]

I just talked to a guy at Midwest Cycle Supply (Givi reseller on ebay) who said he doesn't recommend the light kit for BMWs with ABS because, he says, it causes false ABS failure warnings. Has anybody had any experience with this? He basically was talking me out of going with the light kit, which is a big selling point for me.

Not true. If done correctly, it's a non-issue. I've done several. It's no different than any of the other multitude of aux. brake light products that are available.

 

+1 I installed the brake light as well. No issues.

 

Rich

 

+2

[Ballerman]

Thanks, folks.

[Gerard]

Any recommendations on where I could purchase the Givi E52 and mounting kit for my new 1200RT?

 

Thanks

Gerard

[bakerzdosen]

I didn't get mine there, but a lot of people have recommended RL[/url.]

 

I can't remember where I got mine (some place in TX, but it was drop shipped from Givi) but prices weren't much less than RL's. I just looked for someone that could get me one fast and cheap. The folks at RL are supposedly pretty knowledgeable.

[jjg3]

Nominal hijack...

 

I take exception to the OP's statement about not being able to fit a FF helmet into an R1150RT's stock topcase. Yes, it can be done - both my Arai Quantum/f and my Shoei Multitex (both XL) fit fine. The secret is to lie the helmet on its side, directly in the middle of the topcase. Close the lid and it fits neatly over the helmet.

 

Didn't believe it until I tried this yesterday. My XL HJC SyMax actually fits in the R11RT factory case like this! Thanks!

 

Now back to your regularly scheduled program...

 

If I can find a Givi 52 that's not gold plated (well, a used one that's less than several hundred) , I might get one.

[tallman]

How about new?

http://www.rlmotorcycles.com/cgi-bin/eShop/index.cgi?cart_id=1219774723.35530&pid=228&product=Givi

[Ballerman]

Interesting. Just called RL to order Givi case, and Rich there told me the same thing the Midwest guy said: They don't recommend the light kits for BMWs because of some problems a couple of buyers had a few years ago with electrical systems. Sounds like CYA to me, but pretty interesting that two prominent resellers of Givi make it their policy to recommend against light kits for BMWs. I put my order on hold till I heard more from the fine folks at BMWSportTouring.com. Any other comments??

[Joel]

Disclaimer: I am not a BMW tech, nor do I play one on TV, nor have I ever stayed at a Holiday Inn Express. Oh, and YMMV.

 

Before hooking up my brake light (via a simple tap that is easily reversible, I might add), I scoured the internet for imformation about the supposed problem with doing so. I could find nothing other than hearsay in the vein of "So-&-so's buddy is the friend of a cousin of a tech at a BMW dealer in another state who saw the RID go nuts with failure warnings and the brakes stop working when they hooked up the Givi brake light on some K-bike (the year and model number of which were not mentioned). Nothing from the real world. Doesn't mean there isn't any, but I couldn't find it. So I did it. Subsequently, my bike has been serviced by both a BMW dealer and a master-certified independent BMW tech, neither of which noted any issues with the braking system or how I tapped the wiring for the brake light. Above, you've got real-world replies from people who have done it without problems.

 

Remember the scene from "Wizard of Oz" where the booming voice says "Pay no attention to that man behind the curtain!"? I think a lot of that goes on w/r/t CAN-bus and the electrical system doomsayers who might style themselves as wizards. Some people are afraid to sneeze near their bikes for fear of triggering an exotic electronic failure that will kill them on the next curve. Again, YMMV, but I'm just sayin' ...

[johnt650]

I have the Givi with light kit on my 2003 1150RT and experienced no problems.

[keithb]

Forget the Givi light kit. It is a PITA. Just go buy some Hyper Lites and mount them on the underside of the luggage rack or grab bar. The location I used for my H.L. is just above where the signals blink. They are out of the way and easily visible when someone is behind you.

[moshe_levy]

Forget the Givi light kit. It is a PITA.

 

Givi sells the 52L case with the light kit installed, which is how I bought mine. I think it was something like $20 more than buying the light kit separate. Hardly a pain that way.....

 

-MKL