I´ve got Shad support arms on my K5 and a 55 litre top case that I don´t load with too much weight; sometimes volume but not weight. The supports arms are bolted to the subframe and to the bigger screws of the grab handle. The mounting plate, that is factory welded to the arms, cracked. The top case is big but not heavy, but stands out a bit and vibrates. I see the top case bouncing even if it´s empty. This is normal since it´s a long arm from the bike´s center of gravity. My question is; should I repair (weld) the cracks or opt for, say SW Motech Street Rack https://www.sw-motech-shop.co.uk/alu-rack-black-suzuki-gsf-600-650-1200-1250-gsx1400- (https://www.sw-motech-shop.co.uk/alu-rack-black-suzuki-gsf-600-650-1200-1250-gsx1400-). Then I´m afraid the vibration will be trasnmitted more directly to the subframe. The owners manual says no accessories at the back ! Any subframe cracks reported on the bikes ? Thanks.
My Givi support arms cracked on one side. I welded it up and have had no more issues. My topbox vibrates. I have new rubber buffers on order and l will be looking for some soft rubber to put between the mounting plate and topbox to eliminate the vibration.
I have the same set up with a 48 litre & had the exact same problem which is very common for this shad rack.
Had it welded at a local engineering shop & it has been fine ever since.
My SW Motech doesn't vibrate anymore due to those homemade support bars..
I have a shad as well so will keep an eye on it for failures. Thanks for the heads up.
Thanks guys for the replies. I do like the SW Motech, but without any additional arms. But, as said, I´m afraid of transmitting the vibes diectly to the subframe. Anyway, I´ve got Shad arms with a Givi box; made myself an adapter plate. I think I´m just gonna weld the Shads (4 cracks in them, one went through, not the arms but the welded top plate).
This was one of the reasons i went with panniers but i do have a sport rack for the tent and light stuff .