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Datapoint - I ended up getting a screaming deal on an SR89 kit from ebay. It fit my 2009 just fine. Givi and the Kymco forum were both not so helpful when queried about this fitment issue. Hopefully there's enough data here now to make a decision.

I carry a Stop-n-Go Tire Plugger kit and a Slime air compressor. I've used it on my own (moto) tires a couple of times, and have used it another couple of times for riders stranded along the road. It's really saved my bacon. I also carry AAA RV+ in case I need a tow, but haven't had to use it yet with the two wheelers...

Does anyone know of a hand guard kit that will fit the X500? I tried an Acerbis kit that was supposed to fit, but wouldn't due to the plugs that are spot welded inside the bars for the bar ends to attach.

I've been involved in a similar discussion on another list as of late. One of the things you need to take into consideration when estimating mileage is the type of fuel you're putting in. The states that mandate and provide oxygenated fuel and fuel with ethanol, tend to have less energy per gallon, showing up as fewer miles per gallon.

Some of the empirical data from that discussion came from Ironbutt riders that were charting their mileage during their ride, and comparing it to this chart:

http://www.mobil.com/USA-English/GFM/Files/US_Gasoline_Map.pdf

Would it not be nice if you could just pick up a phone? It must be nice in this economy that Give is making so much money that it  does not need your money enough to reply to your question?

It was a lot easier to try and contact them via their web form/email than trying to find a phone number on their contact page:

http://www.giviusa.com/Contacts/Givi-nel-mondo-en/

50/50 - The diaphragm could stick to the top or stick to the body. Really doesn't matter either way, just inspect it and put it back.

I have some Givi Monokey cases (E460 and E21) that I want to adapt to my 2009 500Ri. Which plate and bracket kit am I looking for? I've read the SR89 kit (NOT the SR89m) works for 2005-2009 and the SR91 kit works for 2009-up.

Which one really works?

Mine is a 2009. Some of the rides I take are long and varied, including going over mountain passes in inclement weather. I've outfitted all my other bikes with heated grips and heat-trollers to add heated gear (just a jacket liner). I used to just try to cover up and stay dry, but once I found heated gear, that all changed. I try to use it as much as possible now, because if I can stay warm, it doesn't really matter if I'm wet. I'll dry out when I stop for the day.

Hypothermia on the other hand, can kill a ride (not to mention the rider!) very quickly. Last year, a couple of friends and I took a quick 400 mile ride to lunch on the other side of the state. Even using their rain gear and jacket layering, they arrived at the lunch spot, shivering and miserable, not wanting to continue home after lunch. Me? I was a little chilled on some spots, but my hands and core were warm, which made for a great ride. They changed their minds after they warmed up, but they got cold going back, too.

Most times, with bikes that have low output charging systems, guys will just install a volt meter to keep an eye on things. When voltage starts to get low, they'll just turn things off until voltages start to go back up. I'm planning on doing that to my X500 (hey, I'm learning the lingo!) when I wire in a power distribution block, relay, heated grips, and heat-troller. Even though I carry AAA, I don't like to interrupt a ride with a dead battery.