First 2013 "Mods" and First "Problems"

[Pseudo-Fed]

So, I bought some stuff and put it on last night. I'll be damned if the simplest one didn't give me the most problem:

Pro Grip Tank Pad. I'm anal, so thoroughly clean area, lay it out, mark corners with blue masking tape, apply, roll edges, etc. No drama. PIC 1

Real time Industries' Reflective Bag decals. Same prep. Same lack of drama. Some small bubbles that seemed to appear while warming with a hair dryer because the 3M adhesive didn't seem to be grabbing the bags quickly enough. Oh well, bubbles. PIC 2

Kisan Technologies Tailblazer modulated brakelight bulbs. Plug and play bulb replacement. Simple, right? NOT! I could unlock the bulbs easy enough, but there was not enough wire slack to remove the left bulb assembly from the housing. Right side had plenty of slack. I ended up removing the grab rail (was going to for Givi install anyway), the rear side panels, and the center piece around and over the rear tail light assembly. OMFG! Then I ended up breaking one of 5 tabs that hold the tail light cover on from first trying to remove that cover. But, I was able to get enough slack to remove the bulb and do the "simple" bulb change. I did learn about how to remove those panels though, and I was flying without the service manual net.... NO PIC!

Also have Kisan's Pathblazer headlight modulator, but no time to install last night. NO PIC!

Givi SR357. Easy install. Had some gap at forward mounting points like some, but rack tighted flush with very little torque and seemed to form itself to the mount. I'm starting to think the Givi rack shape is designed to build some bracing lift into the rear section by having to torque the front section. Anyway, load limit now a recommended 21 lbs versus the recommended 7 lbs of the stock rear. I'm running the Givi Maxia E55 case. PICS 3-8

 

[Fairlaner]

nice.

R

 

[garyahouse]

Too bad about that wiring issue. And sad to hear about your broken tab. Were you able to generate some slack in the wires after taking it all apart... so it'll be easier to remover the bulbs next time? Is there slack now that it's back together? Just curios.

Gary

darksider #44

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

Too bad about that wiring issue. And sad to hear about your broken tab. Were you able to generate some slack in the wires after taking it all apart... so it'll be easier to remover the bulbs next time? Is there slack now that it's back together? Just curios.

Gary

darksider #44

No more slack, though I might have tried loosening the screw holding the wire mounts. After pulling the left bulb out and replacing, I was literally unable to turn the bulb back around to insert bulb first. With the tail plastics off I was able to bend the light housing down (it "floats") enough to get bulb assembly in bulb-first. The Kisan bulb is a slim halogen that is slightly longer than stock even. I like the brake light modulation of the Kisan product and it's working well. I used some electrical tape to cover the small broken bulb cover tab in hopes it won't fall off completely. Several other tabs holding that cover on, plus the plastics themselves so I don't foresee a problem with it coming loose. This was the OPPOSITE of this same product install on my FZ6 and FZ1, which were single bulb, easy out, easy in. Literally 30 second installs.

 

[SkooterG]

Pssst! Admore lighting kit for your E55.

 

[SouthernCruizer]

nice! but dont forget to do the "wrap" mod on your left side bag so that it doesnt open so far and crap spills out of it when on the side stand.

 

[Fairlaner]

that or use your brain Jeff......

R

 

[Niehart]

Got to love it… lots of mods on the bike and it still has a paper license plate. You’re my new hero!

PS: Pro Grip Tank Pad looks great but I like TechSpec. Techspec also make side tank covers.

https://techspec-usa.com/product_overview.php

 

[beemerdons]

nice.

R

+1, Gunny; Very Nice, Thank You Pseudo-Fed!

 

[Fred W]

Givi SR357. Easy install. Had some gap at forward mounting points like some, but rack tighted flush with very little torque and seemed to form itself to the mount. I'm starting to think the Givi rack shape is designed to build some bracing lift into the rear section by having to torque the front section. Anyway, load limit now a recommended 21 lbs versus the recommended 7 lbs of the stock rear.

Better subtract 10.14 lbs from that 21, 'cause that's how much the behemoth Maxia E55 weighs.

In other words, you technically shouldn't even carry that case empty on the stock luggage rack.

 

[networkguy]

I like your progrip tank protector. I got one too

 

[FJaRkie]

Looks great Pseudo-Fed. I have the same Givi trunk that I'll be installing on my Gen III after I pick it up on the 28th so its great to see how it will look. Most places I see that show the SR357 don't show it will fit the 2013. Is there something special needed or have they just not updated their webistes perhaps? They also come with the grab-rails I suppose?

thanks.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

nice! but dont forget to do the "wrap" mod on your left side bag so that it doesnt open so far and crap spills out of it when on the side stand.

Or, put it on center stand before opening, which is usually what I do. Lots of gun crap in the bags usually, and I hate when a heavy range bag slides out onto the lid, testing that little strap.

But, what is the "wrap" mod?

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

Givi SR357. Easy install. Had some gap at forward mounting points like some, but rack tighted flush with very little torque and seemed to form itself to the mount. I'm starting to think the Givi rack shape is designed to build some bracing lift into the rear section by having to torque the front section. Anyway, load limit now a recommended 21 lbs versus the recommended 7 lbs of the stock rear.

Better subtract 10.14 lbs from that 21, 'cause that's how much the behemoth Maxia E55 weighs.

In other words, you technically shouldn't even carry that case empty on the stock luggage rack.

10 Lbs. Sounds about right, though I feel I can exceed 21 using the SR357 more than I can exceed 7 stock. I used to run a Shad SH50 on my FZ6. I like the Shad too, but it has to be 50% heavier than the Givi. The Shad had nice heavy construction, but no linkage to keep the lid up, and it bit my hand more than once. Like the Givi, but it's hard to latch closed. I have to pinch it between my left forearm and right hand, hard, to close.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

Looks great Pseudo-Fed. I have the same Givi trunk that I'll be installing on my Gen III after I pick it up on the 28th so its great to see how it will look. Most places I see that show the SR357 don't show it will fit the 2013. Is there something special needed or have they just not updated their webistes perhaps? They also come with the grab-rails I suppose?

thanks.

It absolutely does fit the 2013. "No change from tank back on 2013s", except passenger footpeg placement, little hose hanger under left frame rail, and some other stuff I don't know. Luggage fitment identical though. First GIvi product I've been this thrilled with. Though I admit I like the look of the bike with stock grab rails and luggage rack better than with Givi. Maybe I'll get the Givi rack painted to match the bike. The Premier Cycle Accessories site I ordered from (In stock, $135, free shipping) is updated to show that it fits the 2013.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

Pssst! Admore lighting kit for your E55.

I'm an electrical weenie. So far have only managed direct plugs to the battery for tender and Gerbings. Would love instructions. Or, I'll install some 3M Scotchlite stuff behind the red "reflector" looking E55 panels.

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

Got to love it… lots of mods on the bike and it still has a paper license plate. You’re my new hero!

PS: Pro Grip Tank Pad looks great but I like TechSpec. Techspec also make side tank covers.

https://techspec-usa.com/product_overview.php

Those look nice. Might consider them. I actually don't have any tank protection on my FZ1. Two schools I guess--I could just use the bike, see if I get scratches, then buy the pads to cover them up before I sell, or get the pads, scratch THEM up, and then remove from the bike. Decisions.

 

[FJaRkie]

So I see Premier Cycle has another option that will also work with our Givi Trunk. I like the looks of it a bit better than the Givi but I assume the Give Rack make for easy on and off of the trunk

where it looks like th Premier may be more "permanent"? Is that correct. What is the primary difference besides the looks and more $$? Also, is the Givi Rack plastic or metal?

 

[Pseudo-Fed]

I like your progrip tank protector. I got one too

Yours is different. Me likey. Nice placement!