Mastroragno

Hi! This is my first post. Tell me if I have to do a presentation in a specific section (I didn't find it).

I write here because in Italy our bike has never been very successful (for many italians the only V-Twin is Ducati...), and yesterday was the 4th anniversary since i bought my Firestorm. I especially use it as a touring bike with my wife, but i was tired of using saddle bags, and for the last trips i left them at home, only using topcase, tankbag and a backpack (my poor back...).

So, I don't need to carry much things (and fortunately the same for my wife), and I choose the Givi Easylock bags, an hybrid bag, a mix of a rigid case and a saddle bag, with thin supports.

After some research, I think the Easylock kit for the Ninja 300 was the more adaptable for the VTR (and so it was). Givi code is TE4108.
I fix it to the bike using the stand brackets for Givi monorack (code 251F) and the exhaust brackets.

Cut with a grider as shown by red arrow:



Remember that the cut piece from the right stand will be welded to the left stand and vice versa.









Before welding, I suggest first drilling the Givi monorack brackets, fix the stands in the new hole, and put the cut piece using the exhaust bracket,
so as to find the right spot to weld the two pieces (it's very natural the coupling).



Use shims (and a few washer ...) that you find in the kit to distance the stands from the monorack bar for the rack:



Back view:



You simply use them as a stand for saddlebags instead of Easylock bags.

When I get the bags I'll post other photos...

...I hope You understand my bad english...

VTR1000F

Welcome to the forum.

Are those the stock automatic cam chain tensioners I see on your Superhawk? If so, I strongly recommend replacing them with manual tensioners before one of them fails and damages your motor.

Nice write-up. I look forward to seeing more pictures with the bags in place.

Mastroragno

Yes, they are the original chain tensioners. The problem is known also in Italy. And usually change them at 20000km. So I replaced them with a new pair last summer, at 24000km (15000miles), because I heard a little noise from the one above.

Thanks for the advice.

VTR1000F

Well, good luck. Personally, I think mileage has little to do with it, but that it is simply age. I've read of them failing at well less than 15000 miles.

I heard no noise before one of mine let go. If you're hearing noise, fair warning.

Mastroragno

As we say in italy, i'm touching my *****

VTR1000F

As we say in America, they've got a lotion for that.

Mastroragno

Mastroragno

Bags placed:





What's inside this small pocket? Oh...but...wow! A wonderful padlock



mmm...no...the helmet does not fit inside...



Front view:



Bags at maximum extension:



With rain cover:

sjscicluna

NOICE!!!!!!!!!

smokinjoe73

Nice job. I too am an Italian (American) givi guy. I used the wingrack made for the cbr600f3. I didnt want extra width so I cut the the tail fairing to narrow it right to the frame.

My e21 bags are as narrow as the mirrors but I usually only use the e51 maxia topcase.

Mastroragno

Wow! You made a great job! You made the real touring VTR!

I usually trip in this way:



but after trying hard cases (this was my bike before the VTR):




I wanted to return to them...

...and my wife surely doesn't wanted to travel again in this way:



...before the Tènèrè...

VTR1000F

The end result looks great, Mastro. Thanks for the write-up.

I don't think you're trying hard enough to get that helmet in there. That looks entirely crammable.

Mastroragno

I knew that helmet doesn't fit in that bag, but i'm stubborn.

skokievtr

I use a 2 size trunks on a modified Ventura rack system per pic and am think about adapting the Saddleman sport rear panniers to the Ventura L Brackets

Anything as wide as you guys have seems bard doorish...

Saddlemen Sport Panniers - Motorcycle Superstore

smokinjoe73

Thats a similar set up but if those panniers sit outside the stock tail plastic then its wider, less waterproof and not lockable (for contents or to the bike itself)

I used to use that exact top case and similar panniers but after long mileage trips and downpours needed the ability to have cargo secured locked and water proof.

Just variations on the theme.