Nice review, thanks! I have the G46 which is very similar on my 2013 1200RT (nearly identical to your 2012) and agree 100% with what you've found. Not only is the G47 and G46 a lot less expensive than the BMW option, I think they actually look better than the factory case on the bike too. Thanks for taking the time to post this!
Greetings from the UK, just installed the same box onto my 2003 VFR800 today, purchased based on your review, so thanks for that. Although, I was surprised at how much force was needed to get it to click in, hope that gets easier over time. Installed the plate, no problem, went to put the box on and it kept rebounded, failed to engage with the lock. Took it all off again to check the plate and box were compatible, ended up turning it upside down on the sofa. But, I guess it really is designed to stay on permanently, if you go with the brake light kit. I didn't, but may do in the future. Ride safe
My top box does not require undue force to get it to engage. I'm wondering about two possible issues. First, is the mounting plate bent or warped? It might have come that way or it might have become that way if you torqued the bolts too much. Second, are you certain there isn't something bent or broken with the tabs that fit into the slots? On my copy it's pretty easy to click in and out. You need enough force to know you are pushing down, but it isn't a strain at all.
I have a smaller BMW top case that has worked but now that I am going longer distances I am thinking of buying a larger top case. This could be a great option. Thanks for the honest long term review.
Thank you for the review, I think I may order the 56 liter. I'm in the same situation as you, I bought a R1200RT and priced a BMW trunk. I think this will be just fine for the 1 trip a year I take on it.
I decided the smaller 47 was better for my needs since I didn't want too much box hanging off the back if I didn't need it. You have to think about how much you are really going to need to carry and how much will fit in the side cases too.
@@tinderboxarts I probably will have all the cases off it most of the year when I'm just riding around locally. Once a year I ride across the country with my brothers and a couple of friends so the more storage the better on a long trip I figure.
Just remember that the bigger case can also be a sail in the wind when you get crosswinds on a highway. I mean, if you need the space then get the bigger box. But, if you can live with the smaller one it will be a little less of a sail. That sounds like an amazing annual trip with your family and friends. I'm hoping we get a handle on covid and things start opening up again because I'd really like to take some longer rides while I am still able.
@@tinderboxarts oh for sure they are and that's definitely a down side. I also watched your video on flushing the brakes. I can't thank you enough for that, your videos have been a big help. This is actually my first BMW so I'm learning a lot on UA-cam. Good luck on getting some longer rides in, my brothers and I are getting older and we just decided we're going to keep doing it as long as we can. We've been riding together since we were kids riding dirt bikes. Probably 40 years at least.
Nice review, thanks! I've been comparing between Shad and GIVI, and I have to say I prefer SHAD because of the design of locking mechanism. Just the kye thing is a deal breaker. So with SHAD, it's unlocked all the time unless I decide I want to leave it out of sight with valuables inside and so then use the key to lock it. I can open it (not reaching for the key every time or worrying did I take it) and put say kid's school bag and when arrive to school just open it and take the bag out(just need one finger- there's no need for a key every single time I want to open or close it (it's nonsense and a pointless repetitive action). Like noone's gonna open and steal my stuff while I'm riding from home to kid's school or going to market to buy some foods. It's not like I am transporting gold or tons of money in it, it's usually a jacket, gloves, groceries, kid's schhol bags, etc.). The way GIVI designed this with key makes the joy of using it that much worse but I guess they see it necessary. I stay with SHAD.
Yours is a valid point, although I haven't really been bothered by the need to use the key every time. In fact, I find it helps me be more aware of my keys, since I keep the bike and box keys on the same ring. I open my top box pretty much every time I stop anywhere, so it reminds me to remove the key from the bike, use it in the box, and then keep it on my person during the stop.
@@tinderboxarts Great point. I drive a TMAX 560 with keyless ignition (there're more scoots out there like XMAX300, KYMCO Ak550), meaning I have a remote control in my pocket and I don't have to take it out my pocket so no keys involved or reaching out for them. All some push power buttons and off your go. It's really convenient- plus the seat, gas tank lid, small compartment, steering rack and central stand all lock automatically after say 20s. If more scooters and bikes are going towards these remote controls then this key will be a problem IMO. I'm also a Tesla owner, no keys, just cellphone in pocket-it's way more convinient for everyday use and that's the future. For SHAD I keep the key in the seat in a case I have some valuables then I would lock the top box, otherwise it stays open (like a bigger compartment that's empty or has gloves). And if you move the GIVI box to the next bike that might have remote keyless system the situation and habits might be different hence an issue with the key and the particualr box. Stay safe :)
Great review! I am looking for top cases for my 2003 FZ1. Thanks to this review I think I found my case. Have been looking for a bike of comparable size and style that is outfitted, and yours fits the bill. Thanks again, and as always, shiny side up!
No, it's good and tight. The mounting plate is firmly mounted to the stock plate and when you install the box on the mounting plate you have to give it a solid push down to click in place. It's not going anywhere.
John, thank you for doing this nice review of the V47 top box. I purchased my 2011 R1200RT a year ago. Although it came with a BMW top box in like new condition, I think it is too boxy and ugly to keep mounted all the time. Problem is that with other necessities in my paniers, I end up carrying my helmet with me (into a store, etc.), which is a pain, so I am seriously looking at the V47. It's a little more streamlined and I think it looks better than the BMW box, which by the way weighs in at a hefty 20 lbs, twice as much as the V47, which makes a difference that far back on the bike. The BMW box seems to have a lot of waisted space between the inner and outer shells. Another reason I'm considering the V47 is for the lighting, since I am a big fan of being seen from all directions. I realize the optional light kit fits into the top lenses, but do you see a way that LEDs can be mounted in the lower lenses as well? Thanks again for doing this review; I appreciate all your videos, as I am also doing my own maintenance and learning as I go.
So, there are some people who have done homemade LED light fitment in the V47, and there is also a kit from the manufacturer. I'm not sure how bright the manufacturer kit is, but homemade lights can be made fairly bright. This is something I've considered myself, but I haven't gotten to the task yet. I have nothing but good things to say about the V47, though. It's been drama-free for me.
Yes, I would buy this topbox again without question. It's been flawless. As far as weight capacity, I think that will really depend on the bike and the mounting arrangement. My last long trip I loaded this up with a DSLR camera bag and lenses, tire kit and compressor, cleaning spray, water and food, extra gloves, and more. We had some days out west where the crosswinds were so bad that we were leaning heavily to one side in order to go straight, and doing that for hours. The Givi took it all in stride.
I have a 1998 BMW K1200RS and i just got a givi V47 top case and the bracket for it. The instructions on how to install it is practically useless. Any suggestions?
What are you having trouble with? It looks like your bike has a bracket (shown here: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0263/7053/9606/files/680f.pdf?2161) and then you would need the mounting plate as well. Did you buy the mounting plate with the bracket?
@@tinderboxarts hey there thanks for the reply. Yes after i wrote my first comment i realized that there were brackets needed. The diagram didn’t really explain that well. The pdf you linked wasn’t included. Thanks
Hi, thanks for this review! I was looking for the inner dimension, particularly from the middle notch to the back of the case. I am trying to fit my trolley for my work and I wonder if it would fit.
Is it possible to mount the box on the bike without the key ? For example if the key is in locked position and removed from the keyhole, is it still possible to push the box and snap it onto the bike ? Just asking as I faced a similar situation recently where my Key got locked in the box in the hotel room by accident and I didnt try to mount the box the bike , rather I went home, got my spare keys and returned to do it the proper way. But ever since that I have been thinking does the box lock onto the bike even without the key ? I am scared to try since it takes quite a force to snap the box on the locking plate and I dont want to break anything.
Yes, with the key removed you can just pop the box into place on the receiving plate and it will snap and lock. Obviously you can't remove the box without the key, though.
Thanks for replying, I just wasted my time a lot to fetch the spare keys out of sheer panic of locking the keys in it seems. Could have snapped the boxes on and driven home and then unlocked it with the spares. Sheesh :-( @@tinderboxarts
Does it make any noise while driving on more iregular roads? For example, a Givi b47 owner told me that his case, on iregular roads, makes a bit of noise because there is a little gap were it shuts (where te seal is)... So on bigger bumps the top and bottom plastic hits each other. Any similar problems?
No, not at all. When the top shuts you actually have to give it a little squeeze and it clicks shut. And there isn't any play between the box and the mounting plate, either. I've forgotten on occasion to click the top shut, but it still stays put.
Yes, you need the key to remove the box from the mounting plate. There's a release button toward the bottom, but the button is locked until you turn the key.
Nice review, thanks! I have the G46 which is very similar on my 2013 1200RT (nearly identical to your 2012) and agree 100% with what you've found. Not only is the G47 and G46 a lot less expensive than the BMW option, I think they actually look better than the factory case on the bike too. Thanks for taking the time to post this!
That's how you make a review. Cheers.
Yep, had the same on my little CB500X (only with a Hi Viz cover..) for about four years..
Never had a problem with it..
Season's greetings..
Ed.
Greetings from the UK,
just installed the same box onto my 2003 VFR800 today, purchased based on your review, so thanks for that.
Although, I was surprised at how much force was needed to get it to click in, hope that gets easier over time. Installed the plate, no problem, went to put the box on and it kept rebounded, failed to engage with the lock. Took it all off again to check the plate and box were compatible, ended up turning it upside down on the sofa.
But, I guess it really is designed to stay on permanently, if you go with the brake light kit. I didn't, but may do in the future.
Ride safe
My top box does not require undue force to get it to engage. I'm wondering about two possible issues. First, is the mounting plate bent or warped? It might have come that way or it might have become that way if you torqued the bolts too much. Second, are you certain there isn't something bent or broken with the tabs that fit into the slots? On my copy it's pretty easy to click in and out. You need enough force to know you are pushing down, but it isn't a strain at all.
Great review. I've ordered one for my VFR and am looking forward to finally getting a hard bag on the back. Cheers!
Nice, I'm sure you'll love it.
Literally just fitted one to my VFR today, was surprised at how much force was needed to get it to click in, hope that gets easier over time
Excellent review ! To the point content without the waffle. Thank you
I have a smaller BMW top case that has worked but now that I am going longer distances I am thinking of buying a larger top case. This could be a great option. Thanks for the honest long term review.
Great review. I have a black bike and I think this will look better on it than the black box with red reflectors.
Love the review mate, I’m looking at this brand of box for my bike .. your video sold me on it
Glad it was helpful!
Thank you, I just ordered the same top box to match the Givi boxes that came with my V-Strom
this video is for a different bike, but if you want to add brake lights it would work similarly on your bike: ua-cam.com/video/TijicYveZ80/v-deo.html
You're a natural spokesman! Good video
Thank you for the review, I think I may order the 56 liter. I'm in the same situation as you, I bought a R1200RT and priced a BMW trunk. I think this will be just fine for the 1 trip a year I take on it.
I decided the smaller 47 was better for my needs since I didn't want too much box hanging off the back if I didn't need it. You have to think about how much you are really going to need to carry and how much will fit in the side cases too.
@@tinderboxarts I probably will have all the cases off it most of the year when I'm just riding around locally. Once a year I ride across the country with my brothers and a couple of friends so the more storage the better on a long trip I figure.
Just remember that the bigger case can also be a sail in the wind when you get crosswinds on a highway. I mean, if you need the space then get the bigger box. But, if you can live with the smaller one it will be a little less of a sail. That sounds like an amazing annual trip with your family and friends. I'm hoping we get a handle on covid and things start opening up again because I'd really like to take some longer rides while I am still able.
@@tinderboxarts oh for sure they are and that's definitely a down side. I also watched your video on flushing the brakes. I can't thank you enough for that, your videos have been a big help. This is actually my first BMW so I'm learning a lot on UA-cam. Good luck on getting some longer rides in, my brothers and I are getting older and we just decided we're going to keep doing it as long as we can. We've been riding together since we were kids riding dirt bikes. Probably 40 years at least.
Nice review, thanks! I've been comparing between Shad and GIVI, and I have to say I prefer SHAD because of the design of locking mechanism. Just the kye thing is a deal breaker. So with SHAD, it's unlocked all the time unless I decide I want to leave it out of sight with valuables inside and so then use the key to lock it. I can open it (not reaching for the key every time or worrying did I take it) and put say kid's school bag and when arrive to school just open it and take the bag out(just need one finger- there's no need for a key every single time I want to open or close it (it's nonsense and a pointless repetitive action). Like noone's gonna open and steal my stuff while I'm riding from home to kid's school or going to market to buy some foods. It's not like I am transporting gold or tons of money in it, it's usually a jacket, gloves, groceries, kid's schhol bags, etc.). The way GIVI designed this with key makes the joy of using it that much worse but I guess they see it necessary. I stay with SHAD.
Yours is a valid point, although I haven't really been bothered by the need to use the key every time. In fact, I find it helps me be more aware of my keys, since I keep the bike and box keys on the same ring. I open my top box pretty much every time I stop anywhere, so it reminds me to remove the key from the bike, use it in the box, and then keep it on my person during the stop.
@@tinderboxarts Great point. I drive a TMAX 560 with keyless ignition (there're more scoots out there like XMAX300, KYMCO Ak550), meaning I have a remote control in my pocket and I don't have to take it out my pocket so no keys involved or reaching out for them. All some push power buttons and off your go. It's really convenient- plus the seat, gas tank lid, small compartment, steering rack and central stand all lock automatically after say 20s. If more scooters and bikes are going towards these remote controls then this key will be a problem IMO. I'm also a Tesla owner, no keys, just cellphone in pocket-it's way more convinient for everyday use and that's the future. For SHAD I keep the key in the seat in a case I have some valuables then I would lock the top box, otherwise it stays open (like a bigger compartment that's empty or has gloves). And if you move the GIVI box to the next bike that might have remote keyless system the situation and habits might be different hence an issue with the key and the particualr box. Stay safe :)
Do I have a choice on what type of dead bug I can get?
Great review! I am looking for top cases for my 2003 FZ1. Thanks to this review I think I found my case. Have been looking for a bike of comparable size and style that is outfitted, and yours fits the bill. Thanks again, and as always, shiny side up!
Excellent review. Thanks for taking the time.
how much overhang is there for mounting givi trekker pannier boxes; i see some may not open with a v47 on a tiger 900 ??
Does the top box vibrates or rattles when you ride?
No, it's good and tight. The mounting plate is firmly mounted to the stock plate and when you install the box on the mounting plate you have to give it a solid push down to click in place. It's not going anywhere.
John, thank you for doing this nice review of the V47 top box. I purchased my 2011 R1200RT a year ago. Although it came with a BMW top box in like new condition, I think it is too boxy and ugly to keep mounted all the time. Problem is that with other necessities in my paniers, I end up carrying my helmet with me (into a store, etc.), which is a pain, so I am seriously looking at the V47. It's a little more streamlined and I think it looks better than the BMW box, which by the way weighs in at a hefty 20 lbs, twice as much as the V47, which makes a difference that far back on the bike. The BMW box seems to have a lot of waisted space between the inner and outer shells. Another reason I'm considering the V47 is for the lighting, since I am a big fan of being seen from all directions. I realize the optional light kit fits into the top lenses, but do you see a way that LEDs can be mounted in the lower lenses as well? Thanks again for doing this review; I appreciate all your videos, as I am also doing my own maintenance and learning as I go.
So, there are some people who have done homemade LED light fitment in the V47, and there is also a kit from the manufacturer. I'm not sure how bright the manufacturer kit is, but homemade lights can be made fairly bright. This is something I've considered myself, but I haven't gotten to the task yet. I have nothing but good things to say about the V47, though. It's been drama-free for me.
Ducati uses the same box with their branding on their $26,000 V4s Multistrada.
Looks like a great match for your bmw!!! Any weight capacities? Still liking it?
Yes, I would buy this topbox again without question. It's been flawless. As far as weight capacity, I think that will really depend on the bike and the mounting arrangement. My last long trip I loaded this up with a DSLR camera bag and lenses, tire kit and compressor, cleaning spray, water and food, extra gloves, and more. We had some days out west where the crosswinds were so bad that we were leaning heavily to one side in order to go straight, and doing that for hours. The Givi took it all in stride.
Excellent video. You talk like a profesional dude!
---and it looks it was specifically made for your bike!!! ;-)
It does fit well with the RT.
So is that plate that the box is sitting on the universal monokey plate?
That plate is the GIVI model E193, and it is designed to work with the 05-13 RT.
I have a 1998 BMW K1200RS and i just got a givi V47 top case and the bracket for it. The instructions on how to install it is practically useless. Any suggestions?
What are you having trouble with? It looks like your bike has a bracket (shown here: cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/0263/7053/9606/files/680f.pdf?2161) and then you would need the mounting plate as well. Did you buy the mounting plate with the bracket?
@@tinderboxarts hey there thanks for the reply. Yes after i wrote my first comment i realized that there were brackets needed. The diagram didn’t really explain that well. The pdf you linked wasn’t included. Thanks
Glad you got it sorted!
Hi, thanks for this review!
I was looking for the inner dimension, particularly from the middle notch to the back of the case. I am trying to fit my trolley for my work and I wonder if it would fit.
The most restrictive dimension front to back inside the bottom half of the case is 13 and 3/8 inches.
@@tinderboxarts thanks very much!
Is it possible to mount the box on the bike without the key ? For example if the key is in locked position and removed from the keyhole, is it still possible to push the box and snap it onto the bike ?
Just asking as I faced a similar situation recently where my Key got locked in the box in the hotel room by accident and I didnt try to mount the box the bike , rather I went home, got my spare keys and returned to do it the proper way. But ever since that I have been thinking does the box lock onto the bike even without the key ? I am scared to try since it takes quite a force to snap the box on the locking plate and I dont want to break anything.
Yes, with the key removed you can just pop the box into place on the receiving plate and it will snap and lock. Obviously you can't remove the box without the key, though.
Thanks for replying, I just wasted my time a lot to fetch the spare keys out of sheer panic of locking the keys in it seems. Could have snapped the boxes on and driven home and then unlocked it with the spares. Sheesh :-( @@tinderboxarts
Does it make any noise while driving on more iregular roads?
For example, a Givi b47 owner told me that his case, on iregular roads, makes a bit of noise because there is a little gap were it shuts (where te seal is)... So on bigger bumps the top and bottom plastic hits each other.
Any similar problems?
No, not at all. When the top shuts you actually have to give it a little squeeze and it clicks shut. And there isn't any play between the box and the mounting plate, either. I've forgotten on occasion to click the top shut, but it still stays put.
Do you have to use the key and turn it to make the box removed from the plate?
Yes, you need the key to remove the box from the mounting plate. There's a release button toward the bottom, but the button is locked until you turn the key.
Good review, thanks. 🙂
Great review!
Thanks!
will this fit on 2022 kymco xtown 300? thank you
Probably there is a way. Givi makes generic mounting plates, so you just need a place on your bike to mount that plate.
@@tinderboxarts thanks mate.
Thx- well done!
Thank you!
Thanks! 🌈
I added a V56, bigger is Better.
Ha! Are you a Texan?
@@tinderboxarts Nope, True North Canadian/ Displaced Australian. 😎
Nice top box but that plate is so ugly. I think its better to save a bit longer and get the BMW box.
I never see the plate since my top box stays on all the time.
You can buy aluminium plates. My friend has one on his XR and used the v47 box.
56 Litre
will be much better for this big bike,,
It's a trade off. Bigger means more storage, but it also means more of a sail on the back of the bike.
@@tinderboxarts good advice ,,,
Great review!