Installing Givi Bags and Top Case on 2007 V-Strom 1000

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It took me 4 hours to do this installation. I should have been able to do it in two, but I messed up a couple of these steps. Let's start.

1. Remove the rubber pad by pulling it up
2. Remove the rack (4 bolts)

3. Install the two top case bars on the rack. The notched bar goes toward the front. Go ahead and tighten them down. Then, replace the rack and start the two front bolts. Only turn them a couple of turns. You need to be able to move the rack around.

4. Remove the rear exhaust bolts to give yourself room to remove the bolts that will hold the rear connector bracket for the saddle bags. Install the rear connector bracket but do NOT tighten the bolts.

5. Slide the flat part of the side saddlebag brackets under the rack and install the longer bolts provided. Only put a couple of turns on the bolts. They need to be very loose.

6. Now the miserable part. I spent 90 minutes on this because my bolts weren't loose enough. Even with loose bolts the fit was difficult. The side saddlebag brackets connect with the rear bracket with a bolt on each side.

7. Install the front bolt on the side saddlebag brackets. The bracket goes behind the top hole on the passenger peg bracket. Since these are the last of the support bolts, start snugging the bolts. Don't forget the muffler bolts.

8. Once everything is tight, you can install the top case plate. It uses 4 bolts that run down through a diamond shaped washer. It is a pain in the butt to hold the nut in place under the plate. I found that a magnetic parts retriever held the nut perfectly and made it easy. Without the magnet, I would still be in the garage, swearing.

9. Check all of your bolts again and install the bags. Here are a couple of images of the finished job.