Kawasaki Concours Forum

The C-14, aka Kawasaki Concours-14, the new one :) => Accessories and modifications - C14/GTR 1400 => Topic started by: mikeb2411 on June 16, 2014, 09:45:54 AM

Title: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 16, 2014, 09:45:54 AM
Hey guys, I need to add a trunk (top case) to my 2012 concours and want to make sure I get one that can carry plenty and makes the ride for the passenger nice and comfy. What, in your opinions, is the best for the concours in terms of comfort and storage...oh, and looks, OF COURSE!

I saw the trunk that Corbin sells for almost $1000.00 (which I like the look of) but was wondering what else was out there and what you guys are using for your bike. Do any of you have experience with the trunk form Corbin, the large one with the small armrests?

Thanks!
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: 556ALPHA on June 16, 2014, 12:51:22 PM
It is big and heavy, will carry no more than an E55, permanent bolt on mount, and customer service hit and miss.  I personally would spend half and get an E55, Admore kit, and Phil's rack.  Do a search, I posted a lot of info on it including mods. 
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 16, 2014, 01:04:17 PM
Awesome...that's what I needed to know. Thanks!
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 16, 2014, 01:08:20 PM
Does that E55 come in colors to match the bike? I have the Candy Arabian Red.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: 556ALPHA on June 16, 2014, 02:09:17 PM
Not that I know of, that is a very unique color.  They sell lids that are paintable.

http://www.giviusa.com/givi-products/case-accessories/colored-case-covers/c55nl-flat-black-paintable-lid-panel-detail (http://www.giviusa.com/givi-products/case-accessories/colored-case-covers/c55nl-flat-black-paintable-lid-panel-detail)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 16, 2014, 02:44:11 PM
Would you suggest the black trunk for my bike color? Sorry to ask such a question but I have yet to see one on a bike (in person).
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: philipintexas on June 16, 2014, 03:27:30 PM
If you haven't seen this it might help:       http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15535.msg189458#msg189458 (http://www.zggtr.org/index.php?topic=15535.msg189458#msg189458)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: KaTieM505 on June 17, 2014, 08:15:21 AM
Had a Corbin on my 2010 and now one on my 2012 in Candy Arabian Red.  Expensive but worth it because my wife loves it. If she is comfortable,  she rides with me. Neff said.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: martin_14 on June 17, 2014, 08:43:21 AM
E55 Maxia if you look for the biggest volume, Givi V47NNT (http://www.google.com/url?sa=i&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=images&cd=&cad=rja&uact=8&docid=p4mTXoBP_uVLfM&tbnid=ohYR7HoH5-IvHM:&ved=0CAUQjRw&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.fjrowners.com%2Fforums%2F10-fjr-farkling-ii%2F20889-givi-v47-best-touring-trunk-2013-fjr1300-2.html&ei=-VOgU7rvEYLEOYWRgPAC&bvm=bv.68911936,d.ZWU&psig=AFQjCNG3T6QlVgHa6VPmKq5nYU3l-A7SOw&ust=1403102552813007) if you look for the best looking trunk. Of course only if you have the right (black) color  ;D
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 17, 2014, 02:18:33 PM
Had a Corbin on my 2010 and now one on my 2012 in Candy Arabian Red.  Expensive but worth it because my wife loves it. If she is comfortable,  she rides with me. Neff said.

With the Corbin, is it easy to assemble/remove when needed? I like the look of it and the fact that it somes in the same color as the bike. Hows the quality of that trunk and, if you don't mind my asking, what'd you pay for it?
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: gPink on June 17, 2014, 02:38:26 PM
E55 Maxia if you look for the biggest volume,  if you look for the best looking trunk. Of course only if you have the right (black) color  ;D

Might be the best looking trunk but it doesn't improve that bikes looks any.  :)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 17, 2014, 03:29:38 PM
Looks like it could easily carry a midget.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: BMahar on June 17, 2014, 10:29:03 PM
  Here's my Black 2011 with the E-55 Givi trunk. Easily removed and holds much stuff.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: gildaguz on June 18, 2014, 12:40:24 AM
Here is  picture of my 09 wit a GIVI E 46, those lights are feed with the HIPERLITES flashing module and will flash to 100 % intensity when brakes are aply
(http://i39.servimg.com/u/f39/12/22/83/92/bike10.jpg) picture taken by South Florida toll
Here is the video, sorry about the audio
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: martin_14 on June 18, 2014, 01:51:08 AM
Here is  picture of my 09 wit a GIVI E 46, those lights are feed with the HIPERLITES flashing module and will flash to 100 % intensity when brakes are aply.

I've got exactly the same trunk 8 years ago, very cheap in eBay, and have been passing it from bike to bike. First a Bandit 600, then an R1200RT, and now the 1400GTR. I almost wished it broke so I can grab that V47  ;)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: ljcorby on June 18, 2014, 06:57:55 AM
Here is my 2010 with the Givi Maxia E55NT with the Admore Light kit and back rest.  Wife loves the back rest.

(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u149/ljcorby/Concours%2014%20ABS%20Pics%201-7-12/DSCF0421.jpg)
(http://i167.photobucket.com/albums/u149/ljcorby/Concours%2014%20ABS%20Pics%201-7-12/DSCF0425.jpg)

And here is a video of the Admore light kit.

http://s167.photobucket.com/user/ljcorby/media/GiviCasewithLights4.mp4.html (http://s167.photobucket.com/user/ljcorby/media/GiviCasewithLights4.mp4.html)

Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: martin_14 on June 18, 2014, 08:37:30 AM
about 15 or 20 years ago the USS Kitty Hawk dropped anchor a couple of km from the shore, basically in front of my door, down in Argentina.
I just recalled that impressive sight looking at your bike, ljcorby  ;)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: ljcorby on June 18, 2014, 09:27:21 AM
Thanks.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: gildaguz on June 18, 2014, 02:47:22 PM
Here is a video of the lights on my GIVI E 46, also I using the PHILS FARKELS rack,


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: philipintexas on June 22, 2014, 12:39:00 PM
Would you guys that have the extra lights please show everyone how you handled the electrical hook-up??  Especially if you did it without using the socket in the rack.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: twowheeladdict on June 22, 2014, 05:18:22 PM
I did the GIVI trunk with the clear lenses so it matches the bike.  I added the brake light and drilled Pete's rack to mount the connector.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 23, 2014, 08:34:50 AM
I did the GIVI trunk with the clear lenses so it matches the bike.  I added the brake light and drilled Pete's rack to mount the connector.

I ordered the E55 with the lights. I ordered Phil's rack but realized it didn't have the contacts for the lights so I ordered the GIVI rack and was going to send Phil's back. I like the look of Phil's much better. How did you connect the lights? Was it easy? Also, is Phil's rack strong enough when riding 2 up? I have read somewhere here in the forum that if riding 2 up you want the GIVI rack because of the extra support. Is that true?
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 23, 2014, 08:54:45 AM
Here is a video of the lights on my GIVI E 46, also I using the PHILS FARKELS rack,


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28 (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ECf8JfABp28)

gildaguz, how did you connect the lights? I have ordered the E55 with the integrated lights and would like to use Phil's rack, if possible. Could you post some pics showing how you did it?
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: stevewfl on June 23, 2014, 09:00:01 AM
E55, when second best won't do  ;D
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: BMahar on June 23, 2014, 01:05:17 PM
  You can see the extra support brackets that you get with the Givi set-up. Very strong.
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: stevewfl on June 23, 2014, 01:57:56 PM
  You can see the extra support brackets that you get with the Givi set-up. Very strong.

+1

I've had so much weight in mine I worried about the bike wheelie_ing hehehehe
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: VirginiaJim on June 23, 2014, 03:00:14 PM
+1
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: gildaguz on June 23, 2014, 05:52:39 PM
gildaguz, how did you connect the lights? I have ordered the E55 with the integrated lights and would like to use Phil's rack, if possible. Could you post some pics showing how you did it?
Hi, I believe that my set up will not help you much because it does not have signal lights, it only have running and brake lights   and what I using is a LED strip feed by the HYPERLITES flashing module so I have to use only two wires  so I did run the wires at he bottom of the box and used a male two pin connector and run a female two pin connector  from the HYPERLITES, I using the Phil's rack too
hope you understand what i meant
Gilberto
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: lonekazoo on June 23, 2014, 11:43:38 PM
My wife has really been happy that I picked up a Corbin trunk.  It makes riding so much more enjoyable for her.  Now she's the one wanting to go on long trips.  I also like the fact that everyone says I'm now MUCH more visible at night, and this replaced a GIVI E46 w/ light kit.

I have some concerns with it, also:  I'm not sure about the long term durability of the finish.  There are a few spider cracks underneath that can't be easily be seen, but I'm going to leave it off the bike as much as possible when it's not needed to avoid more of them.  It's not hard to switch out, but definitely not something I'd want to do all the time;  and you won't be hauling it into the hotel room at night.  Also, I can feel the weight of it back there, even when empty.  Like other Corbin products I've seen, the design is an acquired taste, and you just have to get used to the fact that some of your buddies will make fun of it.  But then those same people will want you to carry stuff for them. 

(In the picture I've attached, you can see that it looks right at home with the back end of a Boxster; my brother had just changed his meds, and was feeling dizzy on the day of our last ride, and drove the cage.  Funny thing is, I have about as much cargo space as he does).
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 26, 2014, 08:14:36 PM
Sorry for being so retarded but how do you remove the plastic rivets that hold the side panels on???? I'm in the process of trying to attache my GIVI rack for my new trunk and could use advise on removing those...anyone...please? :-[ :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 26, 2014, 08:15:58 PM
Sorry for the poor spelling...I need "advice" (and I know how to spell attach...really)!  :o :o :-[ :-[
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 26, 2014, 08:20:53 PM
Just need advice on how to remove the rivets...thanks!
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: mikeb2411 on June 26, 2014, 08:34:50 PM
Never mind...got it! I was asking because I didn't want to "hurt" anything but they're out so no need for advice!  ;)
Title: Re: Trunk/Top Case
Post by: twowheeladdict on June 29, 2014, 01:40:45 PM
I ordered the E55 with the lights. I ordered Phil's rack but realized it didn't have the contacts for the lights so I ordered the GIVI rack and was going to send Phil's back. I like the look of Phil's much better. How did you connect the lights? Was it easy? Also, is Phil's rack strong enough when riding 2 up? I have read somewhere here in the forum that if riding 2 up you want the GIVI rack because of the extra support. Is that true?

I just drilled a hole in Phil's rack at the appropriate location to mount the contact for the light kit.  Phil's rack is plenty strong.  The Kawasaki arms on the other hand may be the weak point if your passenger is going to exert a lot of force on the trunk.