Givi light kit instructions-WTF

[Mogambo]

What is up with these light kit instructions? I know there are allot of you guys out there that can do this install without benefit of instructions. I'm just not one of them.

They show a picture of what appears to be sort of a circuit board unit that actually has the bulbs in it and the silver reflector as two separate items. I have the bulb unit already permanently attached into the silver reflector part and I can't see how the hell it attaches or how you connect any wires into it.

In fiddling around with the connector that goes in the bottom of the case and the connector that comes from the bike, I can't even see how it snaps in place. I see where the two springy contacts are, but it sure doesn't snap in. You push it in and it comes right back out. ?????????

These have to be absolutely the worst instructions I have ever seen. Obviously you guys have figured this thing out already, so the problem must be me.

Can anybody tell me or somehow show me what the deal is here? It's the unit for the E52 case, if that helps.

 

[Mogambo]

I think I see the one part of my question. The contact fro the wire from the bike fits into the hole you need to punch out in the top case mounting plate, correct? It DOESN'T "SNAP" in, it just makes CONTACT when you put the top case on. Is this right or am I still being an obtuse moron?

 

[Penforhire]

No, you're not being slow. Givi's instructions just suck.

You are correct about the set-up being a spring-loaded contact. Actually there are TWO spring-loaded pairs, one below the box (punch-out disc you noted) and one at the clamshell seam of the box. I recall some trouble adjusting the seam-contacts and pondering the crappy design at the time (e.g. why have a pressure contact at the front of the clamshell instead of just running continuous wires up the back of the box with a small strain relief loop?).

You won't be that impressed with the lights either when you're done. At least I wasn't.

 

[Mogambo]

Pen,

What about the circuit board (the flat piece with the bulbs attached) being already attached to the reflector frame? It's pictured as two sperate pieces. Without just ripping it out of there (breaking it) I don't see how to access the front of the circuit board to attach the wire. What's up with that?

While I'm at it, are folks access the brake wire from the bike under the seat or through the back of the bike (taking the tail light lenses off).

Sorry if this seems like a stupid question, but I have never mucked around with those wires before.

 

[Penforhire]

Gezz, I only vaguely remember needing to attach wires to the light board. I remember griping about the wiring path from the board mounting location (it wanted to pinch the wires badly). Maybe I'm just forgetful, Sorry.

I accessed my brake circuit under the seat (there's an old post about which color). There is not a lot of slack in those lines. I recall cutting heat shrink back to get a little more slack and tapping in an extra wire length to make things easier. I use Posi-Lock's products to make connections on the bike and so far, knock on wood, not one has failed.

 

[Fred H.]

You didn't say what Givi model you have, but if it is the V46, I have developed a much better/brighter light kit for the

V46 that works as both tail AND brake lights, draws less current (uses LED's), installed easier, and has a more reliable connector.

You can see photos of it here:

https://www.pbase.com/fredharmon/givibrakelites

 

[Toecutter]

You didn't say what Givi model you have, but if it is the V46, I have developed a much better/brighter light kit for the V46 that works as both tail AND brake lights, draws less current (uses LED's), installed easier, and has a more reliable connector.

Actually, Mogambo mentioned that he has an E52, or I would have pointed out your excellent kit to him earlier. BTW, haven't gotten mine installed yet. Soon, hopefully...

 

[Mogambo]

You didn't say what Givi model you have, but if it is the V46, I have developed a much better/brighter light kit for the V46 that works as both tail AND brake lights, draws less current (uses LED's), installed easier, and has a more reliable connector.

Actually, Mogambo mentioned that he has an E52, or I would have pointed out your excellent kit to him earlier. BTW, haven't gotten mine installed yet. Soon, hopefully...

Yes Fred, as Toecutter pointed out, I did mention the model case I had. Unfortunately the penalty for your oversight is severe. You must design, manufacture and ship me a new light kit for my E52 case for FREE. I'm sorry Fred, I don't make the rules here, but discipline must be maintained.

I will expect my new light kit by Wednesday of next week. In addition, full mounting and how-to, wiring diagrams must be provided that a two year old can understand. That way, perhaps I can get a two year old to explain it to me.

Footnote: This sentence is not subject to appeal.

 

[Fred H.]

Actually, I have gotten quite a few requests to make a kit for the E52, and I may look into it.

 

[Mogambo]

Actually, I have gotten quite a few requests to make a kit for the E52, and I may look into it.

I know this question is a bit premature, do you have any idea as to the price you might charge for one of these? Or............when you might be inclined to do it? Because it's electrics, I might be stuck with this kit. We'll see.

I actually got an email from the Chairman of Givi today, concerning how bad their instructions suck. He acknowledged that they left something to be desired and they are currently being re-evaluated. I don't think I've seen anything this bad before. I mean, they didn't even try. It boggles the mind.

 

[brazos parker]

I had enough trouble w/ the install instructions for my V46 that I never even attempted to install the Givi lightkit. It's still sitting in the box in my garage.

CEO of Givi America should have his a$$ kicked for allowing the miserable excuse for instructions to persist this long...guess he's too busy counting his stock options to worry about small things...like customers!

 

[Fred H.]

I can't say for sure where I would price a kit for the E52 yet, as I need to look at what all it would take to make one. Ideally, I would like to do it for close to the price of the Givi kit, but it would depend on how many LED's, circuit cards, and connectors it would take.

I will also have to look at an E52 first to see if it is even feasible. I have several other folks asking me to make one for it, so I may give it a shot if I can find the time. I have a lot of irons in the fire right now, so it would probably be at least a couple months or more before I could even start.

 

[Mogambo]

I had enough trouble w/ the install instructions for my V46 that I never even attempted to install the Givi lightkit. It's still sitting in the box in my garage.
CEO of Givi America should have his a$$ kicked for allowing the miserable excuse for instructions to persist this long...guess he's too busy counting his stock options to worry about small things...like customers!

I hear ya soul brother. Actually, I used OHFJR's rack and the case install was easy peasy. The light kit....is another story.

I have the CEO from Givi's email if you want it. He was actually trying to give me instructions himself and if I had trouble, give him a call. Stinky instructions, but all and all, a pretty hands on/same day response from the boss man.

Hey Fred, no t.v. tonight. Let's get crackin on that E52 light kit.

 

[boogahboogah]

When I saw how wimpy the Givi lights were, I sent 'em back to the dealer. Luckily he took 'em...