Stock Trunk

[vwtom]

Can you guys help me with questions about the stock trunk - does it mount to the rear rack?  Or would I need something else?

Is the stock 47L a good truck or would the Givi be a better choice?

Thanks.
tom

[VirginiaJim]

I wouldn't mount anything to that rear rack if it weighed more than a pound.  Get a metal rack from Philipintexas.  He makes a quality product.

[IRULE]

Tom, I can't on speak for the givi trunk. Yes, you do need a givi rack/plate before you can install the givi trunk. I love the givi trunk, good construction, I have this trunk for over 8 years.

[OregonLAN]

Yes, the stock trunk comes with a plastic Monolock bracket that mounts to the stock rack using t bolts. Most people replace the OEM rack with metal aftermarket rack because the OEM rack has a tendency to bounce/flex with a trunk attached.

The Kawasaki 47L is essentially a Givi Monolock case. It's a good case, but it's not as well constructed as the Givi Monokey cases. Google Monokey vs Monolock and watch the videos.

I spent a little extra money and went with Phill's Rack and a Monokey case. The construction and fit of both are top notch and I can remove the case in seconds.

[BruceR]

If you look on Givi website, their E470N IS the Kawasaki trunk.  I don't know all the differences between monokey & Monolock.  All it does is hold rain geear, and sometimes our helmets so it is perfectly adequate for my needs.  But definitely Phil's rack, or one by another manufacturer, would be a good investment.  The factory rack will allow the topcase to move around a bit. It just doesn't feel that sturdy to let my wife lean back on it.

[philipintexas]

The Kawasaki trunk comes with a universal mounting plate like the one pictured below. If you keep the stock rack you will have to use a mounting plate such as the Kawasaki trunk.  The Givi monoKEY trunks can be attached directly to an after-market rack with the optional ($20) mounting kit as shown in the second photo. The mounting plate offers some fore/aft adjustment, while the monokey is fixed in a single position.

[Cold Streak]

+1 on the above info.  Just like to add that I have the Kawi trunk and used it for a couple of years, 20k mile, on the plastic rack.  Said rack broke.  Luckily I saw it before I lost the trunk.  I never put anything too heavy in the trunk either.  Kawi replaced the rack under warranty but I chose to make my own replacement.

[vwtom]

+1 on the above info.  Just like to add that I have the Kawi trunk and used it for a couple of years, 20k mile, on the plastic rack.  Said rack broke.  Luckily I saw it before I lost the trunk.  I never put anything too heavy in the trunk either.  Kawi replaced the rack under warranty but I chose to make my own replacement.

Just to be clear Cold Streak - the truck was good...rack was junk?  Just looking at a Kawi trunk, have no problem getting good quality rack for it - just want to make sure I understand.

Thanks to all.
tom

[Cold Streak]

That is correct.  The trunk has been great.  I like that it matches the paint color of the bike so it looks like it belongs.  I wish it was a little bigger is my only gripe. 

The plastic rack they supply stock on the bike isn't so great.

[lt1]

I have almost 30k miles on my 08's stock rack and OEM 39L trunk.  The trunk bounces/wobbles at higher speeds (80mph or so) or over rough pavement, but everything has held together.  I've run it empty to overstuffed, both in weight & volume.

I bought the OEM trunk thinking quality would be better than aftermarket, and that I would get a matching key.  In retrospect, all I really got was and extra-cost piece of grey (neutron silver) plastic that says Kawasaki on it.  Considering the price difference, I would just go w/ a Givi trunk were I to do it over.  As much as the 39L wobbles on the stock rack, a more solid rack would probably not be a bad idea with a larger trunk.