phil rack vs givi rack

[CigarSki®]

I've had Phils rack on the bike for over a year. I use it with a Givi V46. I put some foam gasket material on the bottom of the case, very solid no movement. I recommend it highly.

[ZG]

Phils racks are the best and Phil is a very stand up guy who totally stands behind his product with awesome customer service.   
 
I recommend the Phils rack! 

[ZedHed]

I'm looking for a rack for my givi monokey. My understanding is phil's rack is easy to install, but does the case move around alot.  The givi my understanding is a pain to install but sturdy.  any thoughts

What are you trying to carry in your Givi trunk?  Your wife/GF?  You're only supposed to put no more than about 22lbs up that high and the Phil's rack is WAY substantial enough for that amount.  Remember, the seat pan itself is made of plastic and has 3 small mounting points and can hold my fat a$$, that 1/4 thick aluminum Phil's rack mounted solidly with large bolts is a hundred times more substantial than the seat mounting points especially since Phil will install the Givi mounting kit directly to the rack.  I'm guilty of being OCD too, but don't over-analyze things.....

[just gone]

....rack mounted solidly with large bolts is a hundred times more substantial than the seat mounting points......I'm guilty of being OCD too, but don't over-analyze things.....

So the steel that the seat sits on is a hundred times less strong than the plastic-resin-whatever that holds the rack (with Large Bolts)
even though the plastic-resin-whatever is bolted to the steel that holds the seat?

A Hundred times??  I don't think you've analyzed quite enough.

[ZedHed]

So the steel that the seat sits on is a hundred times less strong than the plastic-resin-whatever that holds the rack (with Large Bolts)
even though the plastic-resin-whatever is bolted to the steel that holds the seat?

A Hundred times??  I don't think you've analyzed quite enough.

The Phil's rack is 1/4 inch aluminum BOLTED to the aluminum grab bars, that are BOLTED to the aluminum rear sub-frame, that is BOLTED to the aluminum main-frame.  What plastic-resin "whatever" are you talking about?  The seat sits on the ALUMINUM sub-frame.  There are NO steel components in the C14 frame other than fasteners.......Hello?

[ZG]

The Phil's rack is 1/4 inch aluminum BOLTED to the aluminum grab bars, that are BOLTED to the aluminum rear sub-frame, that is BOLTED to the aluminum main-frame.  What plastic-resin "whatever" are you talking about?  The seat sits on the ALUMINUM sub-frame.  There are NO steel components in the C14 frame other than fasteners.......Hello?

The passenger grab rails are plastic...

[ZedHed]

The passenger grab rails are plastic...

I don't think so.....and if so, then they are the weak link in the support of the rack.  It looked like aluminum in the bolt holes when I mounted the Phil's rack.

[ZG]

I don't think so.....and if so, then they are the weak link in the support of the rack.  It looked like aluminum in the bolt holes when I mounted the Phil's rack.

They are, trust me...

[alexx45]

They are, trust me...

Yep he's right they're plastic. Afairly strong & rigid plastic but plastic none the less. They are strong enough to hold anything I've ever packed into my top box with Phil's rack. No shake no wiggle no fuss.

[ZedHed]

Yep he's right they're plastic. Afairly strong & rigid plastic but plastic none the less. They are strong enough to hold anything I've ever packed into my top box with Phil's rack. No shake no wiggle no fuss.

That's it -- I'm selling this POS right now !!  Not....

[just gone]

The Phil's rack is 1/4 inch aluminum BOLTED to the aluminum grab bars, that are BOLTED to the aluminum rear sub-frame, that is BOLTED to the aluminum main-frame.  What plastic-resin "whatever" are you talking about?  The seat sits on the ALUMINUM sub-frame.  There are NO steel components in the C14 frame other than fasteners.......Hello?

Like I said (no insult intended..HELLO?) I don't think you've analyzed it enough.
The main frame is Aluminum or ALUMINUM if you prefer, but the sub frame that the seat sits on is..(steel)...well don't take my word for it...take your seat off and get a magnet and analyze. I don't know what the composition of the grab bars are (thus the use of the term plastic-resin-whatever), I was hoping it was
plastic encased carbon fiber or maybe at least some kind of fiber reinforced plastic. Not knowing I opted for the Givi rack and support bars. A secondary consideration was the electrical connection for the top case brake lights was easier using the Givi.

I think Phil's rack is great from what I read, but the Givi rack support (in addition to being ugly) is steel and it is BOLTED to steel. Either one is an excellent replacement for the factory rack. Each person should analyze how they are going to use the rack and the appearance of same to make their decision. (soap box warning  ) I don't believe the terms "no-brainer" or "over-analyze" should be used quite as often as I hear and read them day to day. 

[Khrome]

A secondary consideration was the electrical connection for the top case brake lights was easier using the Givi.

Can you please explain, I am in limbo trying to decide on cases.

thanks!

[just gone]

A secondary consideration was the electrical connection for the top case brake lights was easier using the Givi.

Can you please explain, I am in limbo trying to decide on cases.

thanks!

I have the Givi E55 Deluxe with pre-installed LED brake lights (and only brake lights, no running lights or turn signals). The Givi rack has a hole that accepts the Givi electrical button that makes contact with 2 spring loaded pins on the bottom of the case when it is latched to the rack. Phil's rack didn't have the hole to accept the snap-in Givi electrical button. Someone on one of the forums made their own hole in Phil's rack and it looked like a nicely done job. I haven't been able to find that post (yet), anyway I decided on the case first and then the mounting method. I'm happy with my Givi case but it's the only one I've ever owned so maybe other forum members would be a better source of info for your decision making. I do think that it is over priced.    

[Jeremy Mitchell]

Can you please explain, I am in limbo trying to decide on cases.

thanks!

I wired my own lights (tail, brake, turn) into my Givi.  All it took was some LED strips, four pin trailer harness (male and female side to make everything quick connect), and two hours of time.  I am pretty happy with how it turned out, I just need to figure out how to get the LEDs to cycle all the way off during the turn signal flash. 

The brighter middle row is the brake light.

[CADMAN97]

thanks guys, think i will go with phils rack.

Good choice!

Simple, easy to install, and looks good.

Have had mine on for over a year now with a GIVI E46, and works GREAT!

[ZG]

Good choice!

Simple, easy to install, and looks good.

+1... 

[ZedHed]

Like I said (no insult intended..HELLO?) I don't think you've analyzed it enough.
The main frame is Aluminum or ALUMINUM if you prefer, but the sub frame that the seat sits on is..(steel)...well don't take my word for it...take your seat off and get a magnet and analyze. I don't know what the composition of the grab bars are (thus the use of the term plastic-resin-whatever), I was hoping it was
plastic encased carbon fiber or maybe at least some kind of fiber reinforced plastic. Not knowing I opted for the Givi rack and support bars. A secondary consideration was the electrical connection for the top case brake lights was easier using the Givi.

I think Phil's rack is great from what I read, but the Givi rack support (in addition to being ugly) is steel and it is BOLTED to steel. Either one is an excellent replacement for the factory rack. Each person should analyze how they are going to use the rack and the appearance of same to make their decision. (soap box warning  ) I don't believe the terms "no-brainer" or "over-analyze" should be used quite as often as I hear and read them day to day. 

You guys are right about the grab bars, I looked last nite and they're NOT aluminum, but they do appears to be quite solid.  I guess it was the plastic luggage rack that was so wimpy......

[Shadowofshoe]

      I bought the Kawi top case w/ pad and mounted it to the oem rack,it moved so much I would not let my wife on the bike. Then I bought Phil's rack and it was Solid!! Easy install but you may have to force some things...mono lock rocks BTW!!!

                      Mike

[landofahhs]

I installed Phil's rack in order to mount my Coo Case 64.  I can only speak to the quality of Phil's rack...and his support.  The rack was relatively easy to mount on my '09 ABS Connie. Phil's rack was very well designed and his mounting 'T's and screw were extremely hefty compared to every other rack I looked at for mounting the Coo Case.  When I did have a question regarding a bit of a problem I had with getting the hefty 't' brackets into place, Phil was there with advice and interest so as to make my installation easier and his rack better...something I don't see anyone getting from most basket makers.  AND I  doubt very much that any backet/rack manufacturers will be as personable and available as Phil was.  Phil will go above and beyond to make your rack fit and he is easy to get a hold of.

As for sturdiness...once again I mounted a Coo Case 64 (a good sized case able to hold two full face helmets with room to spare for gloves and such)....after the install my rack mounted basket is rock solid....Phil's rack has NEVER been an issue.  I worry more about the Coo Case adaptor than Phil's hefty machined Aluminum rack and 'T's.