Hi Chamberlin,
A most interesting read on your project. Kudos!
I noticed in your earlier pics, you had a Givi Trunk Rack. I was wondering it the brackets still allowed the original plastic bolt covers to be fitted on, or would the Givi rack leave the rectangular slots bare and empty?
The reason for my question is: I presently have the original Guzzi rack for my Breva v11 (same rear as the Norge) with a universal Monolock plate mounted on it. But it's low, and fully opaque (not like your base plate what has a hole in the centre.
I like that setup for two reasons:
1. The baseplate sits higher - Givi's bracket angle is higher than the Guzzi's flat bracket
2. The hollow in the centre of the base plate
Both factors allow the brake lights to be seen from a higher point (eg busses/trucks. Increases safety.
But it rains heck of a lot in the tropics and at times, in torrents.
So having even the small plastic cover back on allows water access control.
I look forward to hearing your experience.