I now own some Givi Panniers!

[movenon]

Nice resto.  Looks good on your bike. Hard bags is one thing I really miss on the FJ. Thanks for the pictures.   
George

[aviationfred]

Hard bags is one thing I really miss on the FJ. Thanks for the pictures.    

Looks like you got a smokin' deal. The benefits of the forum, we all at times come across such a good deal that we can't pass it up, even if we can't use it. Through this forum and friendships made, we know other members that are looking/need the item that we can't use and give them the opportunity to enjoy it.

Hard bags are the way to go. They are an item that is not missed until you have had them

After doing 3 coast to coast rides in my early 20's with soft luggage and a 15 year lay-off from riding. I vowed to myself once I got my current FJ that I would get hard bags to ride the long distances with.

2nd Coast to Coast ride. Rest stop in Alabama 1993



Fred

[motogp52]

You'll love the Givi set up!  I've run with Givi hard bags for years and have really enjoyed the convenience of having them.  They look really good too! 

[X-Ray]

Just a quick update now that I've finished the topbox rack and arms. Finished and painted, took a little bit of time to bolt it together as the arms are still not dead straight and true, (from being dropped too many times), but its ok. I do like the way the smaller side panniers can be used as a top box as well,      Will redo the pinstripping on the cases when I find some I like.

[ribbert]

Ray, the bike and luggage look great but I'm surprised you haven't launched the standard mirrors yet, unless you plan on admiring the top box in them while riding.

I really want hard luggage. I just spent a couple of grand of my bike that in hindsight would have been better spent on luggage and a new helmet.

I'm even excited about my crappy RJays top box, it's fantastic (thanks again Tony) I'd be like a dog with two tails if I had a full set.

Noel

[X-Ray]

Noel, sometime soon we have really got to catch up and compare notes. You know its funny, I don't mind the original mirrors, guess I've never used anything better to compare with. In fact with the resto '92 I have sitting in the shed now, I was going to reorder original FJ mirrors for it, maybe I shouldn't?  

As far as the Givis go, big thumbs up from me    (Oh and thanks again Doug, (Baldy) legend extraordinaire  )

[Steve_in_Florida]

...models are the older E36 sides and E45 topbox.

My original `90 FJ (being restored) came with those bags and an aftermarket tubular-construction rack. VERY useful, and can hold a LOT O' SHIT. The top bag has an attachment that serves as a wrap-around backrest for a passenger.

My latest `90 FJ came with the Givi Wingrack II rack and a more contemporary (slightly smaller capacity) bag set, but still comparable. Everything is compatible with each other. If I were more ambitious and wealthy, then I'd get a lockset that was common to all bags, and only have one key! (right now, there's three different ones.)

With the three bags, you can effectively distribute the weight of heavy items in the low bags (changes of clothes, toiletries, camping gear), then use the top bag for commonly accessed things (oil, chain lube, lunch, helmet/jacket storage at stops). Get to the rally, set up camp (from side bag 1), stow the clothing and camp supplies (from bag 2), and now you have TWO EMPTY PANNIERS in which to transport BEER and ICE.

...In fact with the resto '92 I have sitting in the shed now, I was going to reorder original FJ mirrors for it, maybe I shouldn't? 

No. You shouldn't.

I switched to one of the Honda OEM sets on my `90, and now I see the light. The `92 will get the same treatment. Plus, if you shop around for the model you need (Remember, Honda OEM!), you'll find them much cheaper than the Yamaha parts.

Yes Virginia, there REALLY IS a difference!

Steve