Making an F4 Sport Tourer
by
Steve Long

If you are looking to add a hard bag set to your 1999-2000 CBR 600F4.  Here is how I did it.

I have included a parts list and a little advice.  Bear in mind that GIVI USA DOE NOT import the fit kit for a US CBR600F4. If interested in one, talk to California Sport Touring, they may be able to help.  The US bike does not have a rear passenger grab rail like the Euro version though the mounting bolts are present under the rear cowl.  You will see more on that later. 

What to buy (your shopping list):

Total Cost of Materials = $695.80

Step A:  Assemble the Wingrack (20 minutes)

1.        This is pretty straightforward.  Following the Givi instructions (though they are tough to understand at times since all are diagrams).   Assemble each side,  but do NOT mount the top rack just yet.

**You WILL need to install the turn signals since the Y252 fit kit uses the stock turn signal holes as mounting points.

2.  Optional:  I chose to buy a set of old REAR turn signals from a bike salvage yard in order to replace the Givi male wire plugs with the Honda stock harnesses.  I simply used solder less connectors and heat shrink tubing to make connections.  Orange is left.  Baby blue is right.

Step B:    Remove the rear cowling (20 minutes)

If you have the manual,  follow it.  The basics are:

1.        Remove the seat

2.        Remove the (2) screws under the rear edge of the seat

3.        Remove the (2) silver hex screws on each side

4.        Remove the (2) plastic retaining screws on the under side (pull the center out first, then the whole part)

5.        Disconnect the tail lights (push in and slide down)   

Step C:    Prepare the rear cowling  (60 minutes)

Here is where the FUN starts.  Since the US bike does not have a grab rail,  we need to make holes in the rear cowling to allow the upper mounting points to be accessed.

1. Remove the decals (Peel them off,  soak the adhesive residue in “Goof-Off” a few times then work the goop off with a soft CLOTH towel.  Once done,  wash with warm soap and water)

2. Turn the cowl over and locate the stencil where the Euro grab rail would go.  Note the two nubbins each side .  We will drill those out.
   

3. Initially I made a template and drilled in from the top to confirm these nubbins are in the correct position.  You can use a template for more accuracy.  Try your best to drill through the cowling at an angle that will be 90 degrees to the under base plate.

4. Clean up the  holes with a fine rasp (from the underside in case you slip!)

5. Insert the grommets.
   

6.  Make your risers that go through the cowling.  I bought Stainless Steel tubing (1/2” OD, 3/8” ID) and cut to four different sizes (7/8” through 1-1/4”).  1-1/8” long works the best.  I recommend having a metal shop cut them so they are ALL the same length and the ends are square and clean.
    

Step D:    Re-install the Rear Cowling (20 minutes)

1. Dry fit the rear cowl to make sure the holes line up.  Use the original screw holes for reference.

2. Re-install the rear cowling and rear taillight.

Step E:    Attach the Wingrack to the bike (30 minutes)

1.  Remove the rear turn signals.

2. Insert the risers into the grommets.  Spit is a good lubricant.

3. Attach the top mounting brackets with the included 8mm bolts.  I also used washers atop the risers to spread load a bit better.  Do not tighten completely.
   

4. Attach the foot peg supports.  Note the side with the ‘jog’ to it is for the pipe side.

5. Attach the turn signal supports.

6.  Line up each side of the Wingrack and begin to thread the attachment bolts to the support pieces.

7. Once all the bolts are attached and lined up cleanly, begin to tighten all mounting points.

8. Attach to top case rack where you like the best.  I chose all the way back to allow room for a passenger to use the backrest.
   

Step F:    Attach the Hard Cases.

1. Follow the directions and attach as you see fit.  Have fun!