Givi V47 Tech Monokey Top Case

I purchased the Givi V47 topcase after having the E55 Maxia for a couple years and needing a replacement topcase for my new FJR. I preferred the lines and styling of the V47. Compared to the Maxia, the V47 is definitely not as large, but it will still hold quite a lot of kit. I can verify that it will hold two large helmets with no problem. The construction and quality of the V47 is excellent, and I wouldn't hesitate for a second to buy any Givi product again.

This top case looks create on my bike. It has plenty of room for my full face helmet, jacket and knee guards. It has a very nice and looking finish, very stylish. Also it the same as the "original" sold for this bike by the manufacture.

I really like Givi luggage. I have owned other brands (coocase, cheap box from Jcwhitney, etc.) and Givi has always stood out as a good design and value proposition. I do not know if they have changed their design, but the locking mechanism on this case is subject to the elements. What I mean by that:

I took a +2K mile trip through Canada this fall, and unfortunately it rained a good portion of the time. By the third day of riding, when I opened the top case to unload the top red button remained in the recessed position. It would not pop back out, and subsequently the key would not turn. The lid would not close and lock, and here I was in the middle of nowhere Canada at a campground in the rain. I took apart the locking mechanism and discovered that there was grit (sand, dirt, other road grime) in the channels that hold the button, which was creating too much friction for the button to release. I disassembled the mechanism and clean it to the best of my ability, and then lubed it with all I had; teflon based dupont chain saver. It is a dry lubricant. After two more days, the mechanism was sticking again, although not severe enough to require disassembly on the road. I was able to get it to operate smoothly after cycling it a few time. Not that it really would matter, but the trip was on paved roads (with the exception of going to and from the campgrounds).

I have completely disassembled it again and cleaned it once I got home, and I have had no more problems, but I have not ridden in the rain extensively either.

It looks great, it feels to be good quality, Unfortunately, I cannot recommend the product at this time based on my experience.

I stressed about the V47 vs the B33. I went with the V47 for versatility despite concern that it might be too big on my Versys. I do not mind the size at all. Works very well for me. I can fit all my riding gear in there other than my helmet. Of course the helmet fits easily without my other gear. My objective was to be able to wear all the gear and then have a secure place to store it all when I get where I am going. Fits perfectly.

Very Happy.

The case is a great size for my v-strom 650xt. It looks nice, mounts well and holds my helmet and/or jacket (not both). I usually end up chaining my helmet to the bike if I have to stow the jacket.
Two downsides:
1 - there is no document holder included (thought from the review that it was included with Monokey). Also, there are none available to order at this time:(
2 - it's not super visible. There's very little reflectivity. The lower metallic strip in the middle is not reflective. Also, the light kits only light up the top lights. I have no idea why there's a big "light" section across the middle that has no functionality at all.
Another thing I noticed is that sometimes it's tough no know if the case is really latched or not. It would be great to have a 2nd catch so I don't have to worry about the lid flying up mid-ride if I didn't close it properly.
I will probably purchase an admore led kit to make this more visible. Otherwise, the case functions really well.
They key and lock are large and sturdy - not like the ridiculously small key that came with my suzuki OEM saddlebags.

The Givi V47 is well made and provides good storage space. I only rated the "bang for the buck" at average, because for an FJR1300, it requires a specific mounting bracket that is sold separately which increases the cost of the unit. I'm sure I will be happy with the Givi.

I wanted the "tech" color so it would stand out a little more. The overall case/sidecases don't add too much weight but you do have to get used to riding a little differently. I have a 500x from Honda so the weight does change a bit compared to a larger bike. Overall, worth every penny (even it it's a bit much). I did have trouble finding some parts and had to go through a different vendor to get the special bracket for this though. No big deal. Waterproof is a must and they deliver!

Was a lil hesitant to make this purchase as I was considering a different set up, finally made up my mind and said I'd try it out. So after mounting it ... All 30 seconds of it, I was surprisingly pleased, fits great, looks good and extra storage. There were no negatives, no wind buffering no wobble no rattles nothing. I highly recommend this along with the phils rack for the concours 14... Excellent combo, very sturdy. We took a trip shortly after installing it and it performed flawlessly as if it were a normal part of the motorcycle.

Easy to take on and off of the bracket using the key and the large button. There is a separate button near the bottom to remove the unit from the bracket. It comes with a pair of keys. So far it has made my daily commute so much easier because I bundle up in the morning and wear normal gear in the afternoon (Nor Cal) and toss all my heavy cold weather gear in the trunk on my way home. I won't likely use it too much when summer comes around because I have a NC700x and it has its own front between my legs. I will go over why I marked this trunk down in certain areas.

Bang for the Buck:
This trunk was one of the more affordable options. I am concerned about the latching system malfunctioning over time. The latch is a little hard to close. It takes both hands and the little lips to close it are tiny. Remember, you probably wearing gloves when you go to open it. There are little holes to add LED lights. Why sell half a product? Where are the lights? Well they are $130 and not included. While it was on the cheaper side, it was still over $250. Don’t forget you will need a mounting plate designed for your bike. Also not included for around $90-$130.

Ease of install:
So on my NC700X, the install was fairly simple. My bike is set up for a trunk and adding one on was really easy. The bolts needed to hold the arms on were already on my bike holding the little handle bars on the sides. I was able to purchase a set of "damaged" plate arms from Revzilla for much cheaper, it worked great thanks! Once you get the arms and the plate tightly secured, the trunk comes on and off in about 4.6 seconds. Pop the key in, turn, push release button. Now you have a plastic suitcase because the case has a handle built in. A nice touch.

Performance:
Like I mentioned before, the door latching system looks a little fragile. So far, it's working but I feel like last as long as my bike does. My bike has a real time MPG meter and with the trunk on my MPG drops 15-25 MPG due to the added drag from the flat backing. Even so, my NC gets amazing MPG around 50 MGP @ 70 MPH with trunk on. Not a deal breaker for me, though 60-70 MPG is way more fun. I have no way to myth bust this, I'm just going off my own observation. I can feel the added drag at highway speed. Again, no lights?

Finish:
Excellent! It looks great, no complaints. All good.

Durability:
It's doing great so far. Not a scratch. I'd improve the latch system, too hard to close. I'm afraid it will break. I hope I am wrong.

Over all, I do recommend it because it really comes in handy. The ability to pull it on and off in seconds really makes this trunk an excellent choice for any bike. Maybe not a cruiser, I know you have to look super cool and all. This might look too dorky. One of these days I want to put the LED's in for more visibility.

2014 Honda NC700X

Got this to replace a cheaper box I bought when I first got my bike.
Excellent quality, very solid and sturdy when mounted.
Easy to take on and off with the monokey mounting system.
Can only be opened with a key, would be nice to have the option to lock or not.