Rack help again please

[nozza]

Rack help please
I’ve searched the site looking for tips on how to fit the Givi rack and got total bewildered so I thought I’d ask the question myself.
How the hell do you bend the dam struts if that’s the best way, thinking of borrowing a torch n warming em up first? Nearly pull my tripe out today when mi ikle vice came off the bench wi me following.
Cheers big balls nozza

 

[Bigtwin]

Bend?

Are you trying to make the wrong one fit the bike? I've fitted 4 of these to various bikes, inlcuding the 1150, and they are were pretty much spot on - certainly nothing more than a helping push to line up a bolt hole etc??

 

[nozza]

Cheers Bigtwin, just checked the box and the Givi site it’s the same code SR684 R1200GS. When I fitted the top plates the struts are at least 10mm out of line and would be under too much strain if I wer to slacken off all bolts then tighten up again.
I’ve read that a lot of people have had probs with these plates, looks like you wer one of the lucky ones (why not me ) Too late to send back its got vice damage to the finish now. Oh well thanks for getting back to me.
“Who do I know wi a gas axe”
Cheers Nozza

 

[Bigtwin]

Sounds like a bit of bad luck. Mebbe the new ones are not so hot, or BMWs quality control isn't so hot either?

I don't think a bit of damage is fatal to sending it back - if it's not fit for purpose, that's that - it's reasonable that you would have tried to fit it.

 

[nozza]

Just been looking through previous post 'again' and one guy did contact Givi about this prob, they sent him new struts n spacers so might go that way. Its just that I'm in patient sod and want it on now. Plus my lady wont go on the back without top box and we could do we a weekend away on the bike.
Nozza

 

[Bigtwin]

Just been looking through previous post 'again' and one guy did contact Givi about this prob, they sent him new struts n spacers so might go that way. Its just that I'm in patient sod and want it on now. Plus my lady wont go on the back without top box and we could do we a weekend away on the bike.
Nozza

Thinking about the 1150, I didn't actually start with the Givi fittings (got that later for paniers) I just lashed the top box mounting plate on the existing rack with some "J" bolts etc - worked a treat.

Assuming you have a seperable mountain plate, is that an option in the meantime?

 

[harry]

I went round half of europe with my Givi baseplate held to the 12's rack with big beefy cable ties

 

[Bigtwin]

I went round half of europe with my Givi baseplate held to the 12's rack with big beefy cable ties

...and the other half....

 

[Humbug]

Have you got the top plates the wrong way round by any chance?

 

[nozza]

thought i had but no, just back from my buddy and hes going turn me a spacer for the right hand side strut so will try again at weekend. Thanks guys for the replies
Nozza