SW Motech rear rack WARNING!

[uniqueadventures]

Hi All

Just thought I'd post a warning based on my experience, in case it affects anyone else.

I have had the SW motech rear rack fitted since about november. In principal I think it is a great system. I love how it leaves the bike looking pretty good without having to take off every last bit of the rack.

However, I was riding along in the rain the other day (the roads over here in the UK have taken a battering recently - I have never seen them in such bad condition, pot holes everywhere) anyway, it was dark and wet and I nailed a BIG pot hole it was such a huge impact I was convinced I should have a puncture. The tyre and wheel seemed to survive but when I got home and went to remove the top box I realised the right hand pin on the GIVI adaptor plate had been completely sheared off, meaning that for the last few miles of my journey the topbox with my laptop in it was not very securely held on!

I have uploaded some photo's to show the damage.

http://www.triumphrat.net/memberalbu...php/photo/9916

[DEcosse]

Wow!
It will be interesting to see what SW-Motech has to say when you let them know about your failure.
Please let us know when you get a reply from them.

[KitNYC]

Good to know, especially since it looks like I'll have to replace my factory rack with one of those.

To be fair, though, I, uh, er, I mean, my friend, once hit a pothole on the Williamsburg Bridge doing the ton & heard his lefthand Givi saddlebag hit the tarmac; that was a failure of the hardware on the bag itself.

Cheers,
-Kit

[uniqueadventures]

I have had a negative response from motohaus the UK supplier - they forwarded me an email from SW Motech Germany who are suggesting that I had dropped it or something...!

I will post the emails when i have time.

My first impression is BAD customer service...I may have to chill on this for a while before sending a reply!

[AimoPaukku]

DID YOU NOTICE THIS?

Max. Load On Rear Carrier: 7,5 Kg (16,5 lbs) inclusive

case and adapter or the motorcycle manufacturer’s
weight limit, whichever is less.

There are two adapterplate models if someone havent noticed.
This information is useful only if you have allreary topbox you want to use.

I have used always SW-Motech Monolock boxes
That is just one more reason why you all shoud.
I have ridden couple of times with my 35L topbox full of beercans.

GIVI/Kappa Monolock


GIVI/Kappa Monokey

[Tifighter]

Hmm...I have one of these that I am preparing to install. Keep us posted...

[DEcosse]

Originally Posted by uniqueadventures

....
My first impression is BAD customer service...I may have to chill on this for a while before sending a reply!

Stay cool and send them a polite but firm reply, pointing out exactly the conditions under which their product failed; then explain that this is a wondeful opportunity to get free publicity for their terrific customer service response on the World's largest Triumph forum.
Of course you are confident they would be delighted to utilize this medium to show their merits and you couldn't possibly think the opposite image would be something they would even remotely consider conveying, given their good community standing.

[Tri-oomph!]

They suggested you dropped it. Send them photos of the top box and bike with a date stamp in the photo so they can see your box is intact.

[DaveM]

I would do exactly what DEcosse says and I am sure you will not have a problem.

DaveM

[a1fa-]

This is very disturbing. I have the same rack on my bike. My girlfriend rests her back on the Givi V46. We both expressed concerns over wimpy mount. The original GIVI mounts have molded plastic instead of those little screws holding a whole topbox.

If you need help we (owners) can sign a petition to have them RMA this item. It is very dangerous. I would not have bought it if I knew that their mount is so lame.

!!! GRRR !! !!