How do u like your topbox?

[trflyboy]

I am considering a top box for my next motorcycle. I am concerned that carrying weight that high would affect the handling of the bike in a negative way.  Has this happened to anyone?
My alternative would be a tailbag strapped to the pillion, {i ride solo}. Thanks for the input.

[mugwump58]

I don't use it unless the saddle bags are full. I prefer to use them day to day. Just don't overload it. If I use it on a day or not camping trip it's to secure a helmet, long story lots of unhappyness, so it's actually empty except when I'm stopped.



Something else to consider is the ability to adjust your suspension to compensate for the additional weight towards the rear of the bike. I've found this to effect the handling more. With the EX buffeting by large vehicles is just a fact of life, you get used to it. Try "surfing" the bow wake of semis

[2wTraveler]

On longer trips I us the Givi V46 top box on my FJR. Although I try to keep lighter things in the top box and the heavier items in the side cases. It really doesn't change handling very much. I really like the Givi product. very well made and no problems to date...

[atypical1]

I used a top case exclusively when I had the Multistrada and loved it. I never felt any high speed wobble or handling issues with the weight that high. I travel pretty light though so ymmv.

james

[K Rider]

I am considering a top box for my next motorcycle. I am concerned that carrying weight that high would affect the handling of the bike in a negative way.  Has this happened to anyone?
My alternative would be a tailbag strapped to the pillion, {i ride solo}. Thanks for the input.

My K1200GT is more susceptible to buffeting when my Givi V46 top-box is installed. There are other GT owners that have commented having this occur. My previous motorcycle (BMW K1100LT) did not have issues with the top-box installed.

Your question is a good one, consider which motorcycle you are going to purchase and direct the question to the riders of that type of motorcycle.

Good luck,
John B.

[Skee]

I actually prefer a single Givi top box over dual side cases, if I'm only need to carry one or the other.
For day rides, I can usually get away with a second tank bag strapped onto the tail.

True, weight is higher, but that doesn't seem to make much difference.

Bike seems to respond quicker; less total weight = less inertia?

[Malks]

I could not go without my top box.  I have used tail bags before, but a top box is far more useful.  The main reason I bought the top box was to give me somewhere to put my helmet; it does not fit in the side bags.  It also comes in handy when I need to find a place in case I buy something while on a ride.  I have never noticed any negative handling issues since I installed it.

[garry]

My 46L topcase is the only luggage on my KTM. I've packed it pretty heavy and never noticed anything weird with the handling.

[Justin]

I use the top box 90% of the time on the Busa. You'd really need to put a lot of stuff in one to make a noticeable difference to the handling. Even with the aux fuel cell on the back instead of the top box it does not affect handling. And that's about 35 Lbs of gas.

[Skee]

Only times I've ever noticed any buffeting or wobble caused by the top box was when I was...

...Oh, that's right, we're not supposed to say triple digit touring anymore on this forum.




Just had to let that one fly.

[Brad1445]

Top boxes rule and I have taken my 2004 Busa to 150mph with it on no problem.

[DosEquis00]

I had mine stuffed over the recommended weight on my western trip. No ill affect on the handling of the bike at over the limit speeds.  

[chornbe]

I am considering a top box for my next motorcycle. I am concerned that carrying weight that high would affect the handling of the bike in a negative way.  Has this happened to anyone?
My alternative would be a tailbag strapped to the pillion, {i ride solo}. Thanks for the input.

I've learned to not live without it. Convenient for touring, commuting and runs to the store. Also a convenient backrest for pillions.

All around win.

[Orson]

You'll never break the 8 minute mark at the Nurburgring with a top box  

[stromgal]

Dang.  


Indispensable, as I rarely put the sidecases on the Strom. Those affect the handling far more than the topbox.

[Brad1445]

One more thing,

I swear this to be true, YOU NEVER get pulled over with the top box I promise.  I think cops either think your way old ir feel sorry for you.

Zero tickets, it males you invisible.

[mugwump58]

The combination  vest, side and top case for the ultimate in LEO repellent

[JonS]

Mine is a mid size one and I use it about 85% of the time. It's so handy and doesn't have any effect on the bike.

The combination  vest, side and top case for the ultimate in LEO repellent

Dorkyness has it's advantages.

[stromgal]

One more thing,

I swear this to be true, YOU NEVER get pulled over with the top box I promise.  I think cops either think your way old ir feel sorry for you.

Zero tickets, it males you invisible.

How I *wish* this were true.  

[chornbe]

How I *wish* this were true.  

+1 and then some

[Smoker]

How I *wish* this were true.  

Me too...

[Justin]

One more thing,

I swear this to be true, YOU NEVER get pulled over with the top box I promise.  I think cops either think your way old ir feel sorry for you.

Zero tickets, it males you invisible.

Funny thing... on the Busa it seems cops ignore me. I have passed a few lately and expected to get pulled over, but no. On the XX with the Givis on it I got pulled over a lot more - don't know why cops hated that bike.

On new years I rode down to Great Sand Dunes NP and had a chance to test out the Givi box, SWMotech tail rack on the Busa for sustained high speed (on roads like CO 17, aka "The Gun Barrel"). Didn't even notice the bag back there when cruising at 110-130. Also, love the fact that the Stateys roll with their radar blasting away on those roads, the radar detector saved my butt twice that day!

[jstark47]

I can reinforce some of the other responses.  I leave the topcases (Givi E46 on the Strom, OEM box on the Trophy) on all the time.  They're too handy to take off.  I only mount sidecases when I need more capacity.  I've noticed no issue at all with handling, assuming the loads carried are reasonable.   I often carry a laptop and work files in the topbox, no problem.

[Justin]

Me too...

Were you using a radar detector? Out here the state popos just leave their radar on when cruising the open highways of the state. Catch them every time with the radar detector.

[nantahala]

I couldn't do without the 46L Givi topbox on the VFR (don't have side cases).  Haven't noticed any handling effects and it's been loaded down very heavy and both on twisties and highway.  It's a good height for putting drinks on when you're standing around at gas stations, a camera tripod platform, a bearing surface for writing, general quick access for stuff, and the wife likes it for a backrest. I permanently keep all kinds of small stuff in it like a first aid kit, flashlight, strapping tape, small tools, etc.

If the topcase is off, the holder 'prongs' are also a perfect fit to stick a 12 pack into.  

I'm also a believer that a topcase and high vis are an LEO deterrent.

Matt

[ice-cycle]

I have a Givi 54 on my bike.  It is amazingly handy, and a permanent fixture, for groceries, work supplies, etc.

[Smoker]

Were you using a radar detector? Out here the state popos just leave their radar on when cruising the open highways of the state. Catch them every time with the radar detector.

Yes, but I was only going 9 over. Thought I was safe. Apparently he had nothing else to do that day. I mean, look at that road! How can you not speed with a 150hp bike?

[Justin]

Yes, but I was only going 9 over. Thought I was safe. Apparently he had nothing else to do that day. I mean, look at that road! How can you not speed with a 150hp bike?

Ouch, what a prick.. he must have been having a bad day or was under quota..

[tomek]

Does it effect handling ? Sure it does,it is a compromise,but our whole is a compromise.

First time I rode friend`s bike with tri bag system I almost lifted front wheel off the ground when I cranked the bike in the corner. All that weight back there does effects handling,no question about it.

Having said that is very easy to get use to the convenience of hard luggage,you just throw anything there ( groceries,six pack,itc) and fuggitaboutit.

Sooooooo,unless we are talking track days, I gladly exchange some handling for convenience of top/side bags.

Just saying.  

[mugwump58]

Ouch, what a prick.. he must have been having a bad day or was under quota..

The vest, I'm tellin' ya the vest.....

[zer0netgain]

I have the largest plain black Givi boxes in all three positions.  I use the top one all the time because I don't like tankbags (which I feel do more to impede proper handling than a top case ever does).

No handling problems.  Even fully loaded.  Frankly, the bit of extra weight should make you more stable.

Some would disagree, but when I had a racing buddy do a "technique class" at Deals Gap, he wanted one guy to take his tool bag off the bike.  That guy pointed out that it's always on the bike, and my buddy decided to let him leave it on.  You learn how to handle a bike based on what it normally carries all the time, and it makes no sense to master how to ride with just you and the bike if most of your riding involves an extra 30 lbs always stuck on the back of the bike.  The suspension can handle it...you just have to learn to handle it.

[some_finn]

I have a 35 liter top box and have grown to really dislike it.
Of course if I would just cruise on highways the only issue would be that wind catches it a bit. But I usually do my utmost to avoid that and ride as small and windy roads as possible, including dirt roads some times.
When doing any "sporty" riding the top box is very noticeable as all the weight it adds is high and way back. When flicking the bike from side to side I first have to steer harder to compensate for the added inertia and then to counteract the extra momentum. Kind of makes the bike feel a bit sluggish and wobbly, like the tire pressure was way off or something.
I'm not saying it's dangerous and it's not possible to live with it, but I'd rather not. And of course a lot depends on the amount of stuff I cram in it.
I had the same box on my previous lower spec bike and at that time I really couldn't feel much difference but now...

[chornbe]

I have a 35 liter top box and have grown to really dislike it.
Of course if I would just cruise on highways the only issue would be that wind catches it a bit. But I usually do my utmost to avoid that and ride as small and windy roads as possible, including dirt roads some times.
When doing any "sporty" riding the top box is very noticeable as all the weight it adds is high and way back. When flicking the bike from side to side I first have to steer harder to compensate for the added inertia and then to counteract the extra momentum. Kind of makes the bike feel a bit sluggish and wobbly, like the tire pressure was way off or something.
I'm not saying it's dangerous and it's not possible to live with it, but I'd rather not. And of course a lot depends on the amount of stuff I cram in it.
I had the same box on my previous lower spec bike and at that time I really couldn't feel much difference but now...

IIRC, the KTM does hang it *way* up in the air and the farther away it is from the pivot point / CCoG, the more noticeable any weight will be.

[trflyboy]

Thanks everybody for the input.
I think I will include a top box on my next bike. But I think I will pack heavier items in the saddlebags. Try to keep the weight centralization low for better handling. (Thx Erik Buell)

[Croak]

One more thing,

I swear this to be true, YOU NEVER get pulled over with the top box I promise.  I think cops either think your way old ir feel sorry for you.

Zero tickets, it males you invisible.

If wishes were fishes....

[Castaway]

Lots of replies already so I don't have much to add, but I'll throw my two cents in anyway. I have a top box on my Superhawk all the time, even when I don't put anything in it (laziness .... and the good looks The security of a locking hard case is peace of mind. When weighted down I feel its effect (especially on the SH since it sits rather high and rearward), but it's nothing that can't  be adjusted for in riding.

[kendenton]

My 46L case almost never leaves the bike.  I try not to put too much weight in it - when I first got it I piled all my camera gear/laptop stuff in it and I felt it make the handling a bit wonky.  On trips I mostly use it for bulky but light items, and items I want to have quick access to.

The R1200RT we had in Europe handled fine no matter how much weight was in the topcase.  I think the empty BMW case weighed more than my packed Ducati/Givi one  

[expatbrit]

One more thing,

I swear this to be true, YOU NEVER get pulled over with the top box I promise.  I think cops either think your way old ir feel sorry for you.

Zero tickets, it males you invisible.

Sadly, I have disproved this rule. Pulled over by a saturation patrol on US 380.

Maybe it was the fact that my travelling companion's K1300S had no top box and broke the stealth field.

[MadOzodi]

Struggling with topbox vs tailbag myself.  The Sprint really puts a topbox up and back in relation to the bike's CoG.  I don't see myself having a pillion any time soon, but I would hate to buy a tailbag, then turn around and spend additional $$$ on a mounting plate and case.

Does anybody use a Coocase or Bestem?  

[Cheddarhead]

Does anybody use a Coocase or Bestem?  

I have a Bestem case on my ST1300.  Very satisfied with it...never had a Givi or a Hondaline case, so I can't compare them, but the Bestem does everything I want it to do...at a price that's hard to argue with...

Cheddar

[marcusorelius]

Saddlemen has 2 top-boxes at a cheap price, I have the small one. Just right for an ice cooler in the az summer! Duke likes his water cool!

[MadOzodi]

Thanks guys...I'll be looking into those.

[chornbe]

Saddlemen has 2 top-boxes at a cheap price, I have the small one. Just right for an ice cooler in the az summer! Duke likes his water cool!

Wait... did you actually cut a hole in your side case so your dog can stick his head out while you ride?

[marcusorelius]

Some one gave me a scuffed up one (still have 2 non-modified cases) I also added a windshield for the little bugger too!

[expatbrit]

Struggling with topbox vs tailbag myself.  The Sprint really puts a topbox up and back in relation to the bike's CoG.  I don't see myself having a pillion any time soon, but I would hate to buy a tailbag, then turn around and spend additional $$$ on a mounting plate and case.

Does anybody use a Coocase or Bestem?  

Givi on an SW-Motech rack for me (on the Sprint). I have noticed that -- at speed -- the vibrations can be felt in the rest of the bike. A little disconcerting, but nothing 'serious' or 'bad'. The convenience of lockable, waterproof storage is worth the trade off and the rack makes it easy to take off and stash.

I went from a cheapie Cortech tailbag to this, and was happy with the upgrade. Being able to lock up the helmet and to have the laptop in a waterproof container was worth it for me.
It is high up and WAY back there. Sort of feels like you're being followed by a giant UFO.

[squeezer]

Add one more "can't do without." I love it. My laptop doesn't fit in the side cases, so commuting would suck. And it's nice to feel more secure when ducking into a restaurant while touring.

I felt side winds a bit more on the slab when I first put it on. It wasn't enough of a change to matter.

[Mr.Black]

I have the Large Coo Case on the Bandit. Sometimes I have to reach back to check if its still there. I know, where would it go? The point being, its totally unnoticeable (is that even a word?) at any speed or condition. It holds two large FF helmets and as been said before, I way over loaded it once or twice with no adverse affect.

[MadOzodi]

Giddiup...I'm sold on purchasing a top case.

Bah, to hell with the price, I'm gonna buy the one I think looks the best!

 

[chornbe]

Giddiup...I'm sold on purchasing a top case.

Bah, to hell with the price, I'm gonna buy the one I think looks the best!

 

LOL There ya go!  

[ST-DocLizard1]

A Givi E36 on the 919 and the Pan European Box on the ST. I got hooked on the concept when I bought my CB750 Ltd back in 1979.

I don't leave home without them. Absolutely indispensable.

Doc

[gsJack]

I put a 33 liter Givi box on my 02 GS500 back in 04 and it's never been off except to carry it into a motel a few times.  Wouldn't leave home without it going on a trip or to the corner store.  It's got about 70k miles on it now and has never leaked a drop thru the heaviest of rains.  Wet days were always a problem with soft luggage over the many years I used it.

[chornbe]

I put a 33 liter Givi box on my 02 GS500 back in 04 and it's never been off except to carry it into a motel a few times.  Wouldn't leave home without it going on a trip or to the corner store.  It's got about 70k miles on it now and has never leaked a drop thru the heaviest of rains.  Wet days were always a problem with soft luggage over the many years I used it.

What a great little bike those are.  

[spd2918]

I've got the Honda box on my ST1300.  I wouldn't be without it.

Riding alone:  It only carries light things like my wallet, extra gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra gun.  That way I can put my helment and other things in it when stopped.

When riding twoup:  Her purse, camera, stuff she wants quick access to.  She must be limited on her choice of stuff or it will be full and heavy.  On those big trips when you do put heavy stuff in it and on top of it you should be very aware that you bike will want to wheelie under regular acceleration.

[chornbe]

I've got the Honda box on my ST1300.  I wouldn't be without it.

Riding alone:  It only carries light things like my wallet, extra gloves, sunglasses, sunscreen, extra gun.  That way I can put my helment and other things in it when stopped.

When riding twoup:  Her purse, camera, stuff she wants quick access to.  She must be limited on her choice of stuff or it will be full and heavy.  On those big trips when you do put heavy stuff in it and on top of it you should be very aware that you bike will want to wheelie under regular acceleration.

That's why you should only equip certain bikes in certain ways. This clearly would be the best platform for a top box.

[Castaway]

On a side note, the rubber seal that's recessed into the closing lip (?) is no longer stuck in place - it needs some glue. Anyone else run into this problem? The best solution is .... silicone adhesive? Suggestions?

[Zerosum]

I started riding with one about two years ago.  Honestly, I never know it's back there unless I've got something really heavy in it.     People warned me about how the luggage would mess up my CoG... I guess I'm not that sensative to it.  

[rodm850g]

Guys,
I have an OEM honda box on my ST 1300. It is a handy thing to have whilst riding two up and for the most poart a LEO deterrent....but its like sticking a 75 lb kid on the end of my bike. No stability problems at speed, any I have ridden and when you see it you'd think it was oem to the bike ...however it is for the VFR same as the ST but saved a bunch of money.....I'll keep it but many times I leave it at home.....
Rod


[/img]

[Wanderer]

I bought a givi topbox for a backrest and it only goes on when I have a pillion, it's her equivalent of the tankbag and holds the inclement weather gear if we bring it.   I do love having it though, it's super convienent and doesnt effect handling.  It does however produce some odd squirming of the bike at 70+ mph when riding alone due to the wind hitting the flat face of it.  I imagine securing a rolled up sleepingbag or equivalent on the pillion seat would fix that.  Aesthetically it's not my favorite look, especially if I drop the side cases, but you couldn't ask for a better solution to carry stuff.  

[vlad]

I started riding with one about two years ago.  Honestly, I never know it's back there unless I've got something really heavy in it.     People warned me about how the luggage would mess up my CoG... I guess I'm not that sensative to it.  

Same here. People read too much into the COG issue in this case (sic!). If you ride so hard that you feel the difference with a top case - you don't need/want a top case anyway. I don't feel any difference whatsoever and I do ride hard and fast relatively frequently. Even if there was a noticeable difference it would be by far offset by the convenience.



Side cases come on only for multi-day rides, but even the fully loaded setup like this does not impede ride feel/stability to the point of making a ride noticeably more difficult.

[gator Larry]

Have a medium sized, off-brand top box on my 08' Concours 14 and won't leave home without it. I keep the side bags off unless I'm on a trip .The top case is all I need. Convenient, useful, secure and stable- i have hit 140mph+ with the top bag on, no problem and have ridden in some very strong cross winds, again, no problems.

Same is true for my K110 LT Beemer- Huge top bag on that bike and I love it.

GatorLarry

[Mr.Black]

I like it on top.

[Mr.Black]

Same here. People read too much into the COG issue in this case (sic!). If you ride so hard that you feel the difference with a top case - you don't need/want a top case anyway. I don't feel any difference whatsoever and I do ride hard and fast relatively frequently. Even if there was a noticeable difference it would be by far offset by the convenience.



Side cases come on only for multi-day rides, but even the fully loaded setup like this does not impede ride feel/stability to the point of making a ride noticeably more difficult.

A moose and a shipwreck. Where the hell do you live?

[vlad]

A moose and a shipwreck. Where the hell do you live?

  I live in Toronto (Canada, of course).

Moose encounter was on Highway 60 through Algonquin Park (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Algonquin_Provincial_Park), some 300Km North of Toronto. They are quite common in the area in the spring as they come closer to the road attracted by salty water from melted snow.

The "shipwreck" is in an intentionally placed tour boat replica near St. Catherines, ~100Km South of Toronto (http://www.waymarking.com/waymarks/WM5PH6_La_Grande_Hermine_II_St_Catherines_Ontario).

I know this will do nothing to disperse misconceptions and stereotypes about Canada and Canadians, but what can I do. Taking pictures of my bike in Walmart parking lots and Shell gas stations is just not my thing .  Here is another one you may find interesting (do you see the ghost?):

[Malks]

The ship was really nice until some a**hole torched it several years ago.

[tigertom1965]

You Canadians just have too much time on your hands!  

How long did you stand in that time lapse photo anyway?

[vlad]

You Canadians just have too much time on your hands!  

I'm afraid so, especially in the winter. I'm not completely integrated - my hot European blood prevents me from engaging in such winter fun as hockey fights, dogsled races, ice fishing, etc.

How long did you stand in that time lapse photo anyway?

It was a simple long exposure (~9 seconds, IIRC). I just got out of the frame after a few seconds and the magic happened. That hairpin is on one of the very few twisty roads around Toronto, BTW.

[vulcanbill]

Givi on an SW-Motech rack for me (on the Sprint). I have noticed that -- at speed -- the vibrations can be felt in the rest of the bike. A little disconcerting, but nothing 'serious' or 'bad'. The convenience of lockable, waterproof storage is worth the trade off and the rack makes it easy to take off and stash.

I went from a cheapie Cortech tailbag to this, and was happy with the upgrade. Being able to lock up the helmet and to have the laptop in a waterproof container was worth it for me.
It is high up and WAY back there. Sort of feels like you're being followed by a giant UFO.

I was NOT happy with the SW Motech top rack on my Sprint.  It moved way too much.  In contrast, the Givi on the VFR is rock solid.  The FJ and Bandit have the full wingrack so they're like rock.  I wouldn't buy another SW Motech top rack mount.

To answer the question, I also consider it an extension of the bike.  I load mine up with stuff.  Kim keeps her nearly empty to stow her helmet at stops.  Only after exceeding the recommended weights by a significant margin does one notice it back there.  Then it's just wheelie ballast.  

[Crackedpot]

The ship was really nice until some a**hole torched it several years ago.

That's a bummer, I know that ship. I used to go past it on the QEW (is it the Queen E or the Queenie?) from Bufflao to Toronto all the time.

Where's that hairpin turn located? I'd imagine there are some decent roads up toward Cottage Country.

[vlad]

Where's that hairpin turn located? I'd imagine there are some decent roads up toward Cottage Country.

Forks Of the Credit Road: http://www.youmotorcycle.com/forks-of-the-credit-rd.html (note, the video on this page was not taken on that road but other details are accurate.

To justify bumping an old thread, I just came back from a three week ride through US fully loaded with the biggest top case there is (52L). I can attest to the fact that all that load (about 160L in all) did not affect my Bandit's handling enough to reduce the fun in the twisties to any noticeable measure. And it was heavy, so much that it was quite a challenge to prop on the center stand to lube the chain. Also, I didn't get pulled over in 15,000Km although I might have often appeared as excessively speeding . Needless to say, with hi-vis helmet, modulated high beam, reflectors, etc. I'm far from invisible day or night.

 

The detailed ride report is at http://transcontinental.xxc.cc for those interested.

[Chuck 500]

I added this JCW large (40L) box to the NT a few weeks back.  It stays on all the time.  Very convenient for commuting.  Took a 1,000 mile trip and it made packing the bike much easier.  I have not noticed any adverse handling with the box.  The cockpit seem quieter, possibly due to altered air flow behind me.  I ride solo.

Of course, pics or it didn't happen.





Keep the shiny side up,

Chuck

[Giaka]

Of all the top cases I have used I like my givi E45 the best. I tried a few JCW cases and they pretty much fell part after one year (the latch system) and to be honest I never felt it was all that secure. Having said that they never fell off the bikes.  

The E45 with a rack on top is a very versatile top case.

[02Tac]

I run my topbox all the time, only comes off for cleaning underneath of it.
http://www.bestemusa.com/product_info.php?cPath=251&products_id=683

[Computer Guy]

V46 on my FJR did not seem to affect handling, but on the highway I experienced lots of back pressure from the wind when I moved up the windscreen.  This did not happen without the topbox.

[paul13131313]

On my 2009 CBR1000RR,I finally found a Renntec sportrack on which I installed a Emgo travel trunk.Got the backpack off my back during my commute.
I carry a XXL cover for the bike and plastic suit hanger to hang one pc. suit/helmet,in the main compartment.Work shoes in one plastic bag and windbreaker,winter hat and glove liners in another in middle compartment.Spare AAA batteries/radio,ear plugs.motrin and cold tablets in outside compartment with room for two 20 oz. Pepsi's,two banana's and two apple pies for lunch! My backpacks big,orange and not as convenient as the top box.
All of this goes into the topbox,packing tightly to full which is good as in no shifting weight.It clicks off baseplate with key and back on without.It fits very snugly on baseplate with no vibration issues.
This rack,topbox setup did'nt workout due to mounting issues with the rack.I'm going to try again with a Hepco-Becker sport-rack and perhaps larger,lighted topbox.
No issues with handling/wind resistance during commuting/mountain twisty riding and a great expansion of under passenger seat trunk space!
I only run a topbox due to being able to split lanes.
I have a Bags Connection Speedpack and tankbag from a previous setup and talk about pressure build up!It has a humongus capacity,but when you get up to speed,the pressure buildup is painful on the ears.No pressure at normal speeds though and these are my choices for sport touring.The tank bag,an Engage Sport,expands up to where you can rest your chin on it!From TwistedThrottle.com.
I chose bags/topbox no wider than the mirrors for normal splitting of lanes.On my commute,a topbox no wider than my shoulders,so I can pull in the mirrors to get through some tight spaces. TopBox's Rule!

[ConPilot1]

I live most of my life out of my topcase. Givi E45, and I love it. It's been on and off the bike probably 1,500 times with no issues. It's an excellent case and I won't
consider anything else than GIVI for future topbox options.

That said I had a JCShitney $40 case prior to owning this one and a metal latch component broke, the box flew off the Connie at 60 MPH on a cold December night,
shattered into a billion pieces on a 4 lane highway spewing my daily go-about-life shit all over the road. It was not fun, and didn't realize I lost the box until I arrived at
my destination.

If anybody ever considers one of these cases, they're fine, but make DAMN sure you permanently bolt down the case to your rack in some fashion.

Do not ever trust the latching mechanism on the JCWhitney cases.

[FiremanBob]

The Givi E52 sits on my Bird all the time. It is very convenient, and with the brake light/turn signal LED kit the cagers have no excuse about seeing me. I still need a tankbag for things that I need to access while still on the bike, such as the sidestand puck.

[paul13131313]

That's the bigger case i'm looking for,Thanx!

Of all the top cases I have used I like my givi E45 the best. I tried a few JCW cases and they pretty much fell part after one year (the latch system) and to be honest I never felt it was all that secure. Having said that they never fell off the bikes.  

The E45 with a rack on top is a very versatile top case.

[Robus]

I like the way my RT handles better without the top box. It comes off when I am on a pleasure ride. But I commute on the bike and need the carrying capacity, so stays on most of the time.

[Cablebandit]

I changed from a Givi V46 which was perfect for the Strom to a Givi E55 on the Concours.  I needed the extra space of the 55 for carrying camping gear when traveling 2-up.  I most likely will never buy anything but a Givi bag.  They may cost a little more but I think in this case you get what you pay for.

[ConPilot1]

The E45 with a rack on top is a very versatile top case.

THAT's the accessory rack I wanted for my E45, but couldn't get it at the time, discontinued. I had to settle for the flat plastic platform job.

[Hardware]

The RT comes with hard panniers and I bought the BMW topcase from the dealer (they keyed it to my ignition key).

The topcase only goes on for extended overnight trips when I need the space.  For a sporting local ride, all luggage is left in the garage.  For running errands or commuting, the panniers get the nod.

I can't bring myself to run the topcase alone.  A bike looks...wrong with only a topcase and no side cases...just my subjective opinion.

[camaroz1985]

I have the Coocase S48 on my bike, and I use it every day.  The reason I got it so big was to be able to put two helmets in it.







Even was able to fit a set of headers for my 24 hours of lemons car in it (shorty headers for a 302)

[ManWorkingHere]

St. Nick dropped off my birthday present on the 6th today.

A nice Givi 46 topcase for my Kawi C-10.  A nice mounting kit completed the deal.

Thanks, Santa!


So far, I really like my topcase.....   I will let you all know how well it rides when I get the bike back out in Spring.  

[Rincewind]

Another happy V46 owner.  I have been using it for over 4 years over 2 bikes - ZERO complaints.

[Pat S.]

I am considering a top box for my next motorcycle. I am concerned that carrying weight that high would affect the handling of the bike in a negative way.  Has this happened to anyone?
My alternative would be a tailbag strapped to the pillion, {i ride solo}. Thanks for the input.

   I have a Givi V46 on my ST1300 and it works great. Only lightweight  items such as clothing are ever stored in it---nothing heavy. Heavier items go low and to the front of the saddlebags balanced from side to side close to the center of gravity.

                                                                                              Pat