Best rack for Givi?

[jawntybull]

I'm looking at adding a Givi top box to my GS500F (06 model); something like the E460N Maxia. Has anyone used a topbox like this? I want it to put my helmet, jacket and maybe boots in when I commute into the city, so I can go to business meetings without carrying all my gear.

Also, there seems to be a number of different options for the rack. It seems that the top box comes with a plate that you attach to a rack - can anyone recommend the best rack to suit the GS? I have found a few posts on this but they are a bit old...

thanks!

[the mole]

Mine came with a Ventura rack and I made a custom stainless rack to replace the POS plate that came with my Chinese topbox...doesn't help you much,but the Ventura rack would be easy to fit and if you get the flat rack (without the vertical frame for the bag) the plate for the Givi should bolt onto it.
The topbox has been a great addition to the bike, although it won't quite take the helmet upright which means there isn't room for jacket and boots as well. I usually put the helmet on the  seat lock and the rest in the box. Suggest taking all the gear when you check out boxes to see what fits. I also find it annoying that you need the key to open or close it, it would be an advantage if you could latch it without locking if you wanted to.

[gsJack]

I had a Suzuki luggage rack on my 02 GS when I bought a E33 Givi Monolock case with mounting plate and it clamped right on the Suzi rack but started to crack the frame where the rack mounted so I had to add a couple braces made from aluminum angle.  It's been on there solid as a rock for over 5 years and about 60k miles since.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GiviRackPics.jpg

The Suzuki rack is no longer available. I'd get a SW-Motec rack if I wanted one now for a newer model GS, it's a solid 4 point mount you can see mounting details on the link:

http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/238/210/

Or I might just make a simple one for myself like this:

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v443/jcp8832/GS500_givi_rack.jpg