KS8 with the new Givi 300B

All cleaned up and with the new gear.

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Installing a Givi Box

Unlike in other bikes, the Kymco Super 8 doesn't need a bracket to mount the storage case. The rear carrier of the bike serves the purpose and looks great as well, though there is some drilling involved.

After the holes have been drilled, it's just a matter of placing the screws into the mounting plate, through the rear carrier and installing the plate cover.

If you're not the DIY type, just ask the service technicians to install the case on your bike. They did it on mine, free of charge.

GIVI E300B. Product and Installation, Php 3,500 (at Motomarket, Libis, Q.C.)

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Giving in to getting a Givi Box

I've been fixating on getting a storage box (top case) ever since I got the bike. I like the look and feel of a scooter with a rear storage box. I however couldn't justify the need for it, until now.

I put off getting one for a bit as I use the KS8's floor space for my bag and other stuff I bring along. And besides, the underseat storage fits everything else.

But as the rains set in, I was increasingly troubled trusting my backpack's rain cover for protection. So I finally gave in and decided that it was time to get a box.

As I went to the bike store, I was quickly attracted to the white-topped E300B. It matched the red-white-black color scheme of the KS8. It was a bit pricey-er than the other options but it was a great match. It also had a better latch position than say the E26 Series, which can be pried open with bare hands.

(Photo from: http://www.giviusa.com/cases-top-case/Monolock-/E300B)

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Rain Gear

Since its been raining on and off since I got the bike, and was determined to ride to and from work, I needed to get some rain gear.

At first, I was hoping to get the 'regular' plastic/tarpaulin raincoat and pants from the hardware store. When I was already there, memories of my childhood raincoat went flashing back. I remember these things were so stiff, and eventually broke at the seams, especially under the arm and at the crotch. The worst part was these now cost nearly 600pesos a set! I wasn't willing to shell out this much for this kind of quality.

Did some research and found a Komine Rain Suit which was great as it had a  reflective colored jacket and black pants. It looked really cool. The downside was it cost around 2,500 bucks! And I wasn't willing to shell out this much, period. Though you may want to check it out as its a great looking product:

(Image from: motoworld.com.ph)

I found a reasonable compromise with a Givi Rainsuit. It came in all black with reflective stripes. It looked nice, fit was great, and allowed full range of motion. It looked like something you can wear outdoors, not just when riding. And it was priced at 1600pesos. Reasonable enough.

The test came the following day as I rode in the rain. The pants were kinda hot to wear as these did not have vents. So I was dry from the rain but a bit sweaty on the legs. 

The jacket was great! It was vented and allowed the wind to keep me cool. I got a size twice larger so my riding jacket fit nicely inside. The cuffs and neck were snug and didn't let rain through. The nice thing was the high neck area which nearly touches the bottom of my helmet. This near overlap prevented rain from trickling from the helmet and entering the jacket. Here's a photo of the Givi Rainsuit:

(Image posted at Motorcycle Philippines Forum)

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