1200GSA Toolbox

[Beemerman59]

Have been thinking about getting one of these - the sort that live behind the R/H pannier frame on the Adventure. I have seen 3 different versions, one from Twalcom (plastic) and another two from Spain and Italy - both metal. I have a few tools I would like to carry around with me such as compressor, tyre repair kit, odds & sods - you know the deal. This would save having to bolt the panniers on everytime I go any distance on the bike. Underseat storage is not an option for me.

Has anyone got any real experience with these boxes? I'm wondering about clearance to the brake caliper and if there's any issues with opening the lid with the standard indicators fitted.

 

[TJ]

Have been thinking about getting one of these - the sort that live behind the R/H pannier frame on the Adventure. I have seen 3 different versions, one from Twalcom (plastic) and another two from Spain and Italy - both metal. I have a few tools I would like to carry around with me such as compressor, tyre repair kit, odds & sods - you know the deal. This would save having to bolt the panniers on everytime I go any distance on the bike. Underseat storage is not an option for me.

Has anyone got any real experience with these boxes? I'm wondering about clearance to the brake caliper and if there's any issues with opening the lid with the standard indicators fitted.

I've got the Twalcom one fitted to my ADV, I'm only a few miles done the A4 from you if you wana have a look see. Have a look here post 1235 PM me.

 

[Brucey]

I have the GSEmotion one from Italy. http://www.bmwgsemotion.com/accessoring.html

Quality of construction is super and has been waterproof and no interference with caliper or any other parts of the bike. Only downside is I find the access door too small (and the edges a bit sharp, but that was easily solved). So, puncture repair kit and tool roll fit, but I would have to take my Slime Compressor out of its case to fit it in "oh the stress!!"

Chris

 

[bmwrover]

I have the GSEmotion one from Italy. http://www.bmwgsemotion.com/accessoring.html

Quality of construction is super and has been waterproof and no interference with caliper or any other parts of the bike. Only downside is I find the access door too small (and the edges a bit sharp, but that was easily solved). So, puncture repair kit and tool roll fit, but I would have to take my Slime Compressor out of its case to fit it in "oh the stress!!"

Chris

I second that , same item and same experience, would buy it again.

 

[ghiribizzo]

Also have the GSEmotion box.
The hinge is made for countersunk bolts. I drilled out the pop rivets and fitted stainless steel countersunk allen cap head bolts and nylock nuts.
Allows the door to fit better too.
Have a Cruz toolkit in there with additional tools to allow both wheels to come out and a puncture kit and gas bottles. Lidl pump in the topbox...

- Plus as someone said before about them, if asked, say it's an iPod case.

 

[Beemerman59]

I've got the Twalcom one fitted to my ADV, I'm only a few miles done the A4 from you if you wana have a look see. Have a look here post 1235 PM me.

Don't suppose you happen to know if a Slime pump fits through the opening do you?

 

[TJ]

Don't suppose you happen to know if a Slime pump fits through the opening do you?

Can't say about the Slime pump. The opening is H 120mm x W 62mm. I can just get an airman compressor in with a Plug and Go kit and a little space left.

HTH

 

[Beemerman59]

Can't say about the Slime pump. The opening is H 120mm x W 62mm. I can just get an airman compressor in with a Plug and Go kit and a little space left.

HTH

Thanks for that - I will measure the pump to see if it fits. It's that and a Stop&Go kit that I want to get in there mostly

 

[ballistic]

I originally bought the GSEmotion one from Italy. It's very well made, but I needed to saw off a corner of my rear rack to get it to fit properly... nothing that made the rack looked unsightly, but a bit of a hassle, nevertheless. I informed the manufacturer about this, so maybe he's modified it now.
The big downside with the GSEmotion one was the access into the box itself... the opening was quite narrow compared to the available width inside, which meant that you couldn't store larger items, like some compressors, for example. Also, the hinged flap wouldn't open fully... it was restricted by the rack, which made it difficult to load/unload stuff. In addition, it doesn't stay open on its own, you have to use one hand to hold it open, which is awkward. As someone above has commented... you'll get grazed hands/fingers until you remove the sharp edges, but again, the narrow access doesn't help in this respect.
Before my European trip this year, I swapped the GSEmotion for a Twalcom one. There were a couple of reasons for this... I prefer the black plastic construction because it matches the look of the GSA's tank... a little less bling than the GSEmotion one. The other (main) reason being that the access to the inside is much larger and the door itself comes off completely... it's so much easier to load/unload stuff... and it's slightly wider inside too, which means that I can stash much larger items.
I did 7000 miles on my last trip, with plenty of rough off-roading included, and the Twalcom unit was rock solid and totally water/dust proof. I have no hesitation in reccommending it.
Buy it from Adventure Bike Warehouse and they'll even fit it for you (is that right Jonno?)

 

[Mark Hooton]

GSEmotion

I`ve got the GSEmotion and it seems fine, I would agree with access (it`s a bit tight), and it doesn`t seem as waterproof as I would like but otherwise it`s good and does the job!

I`m sure the Twalcom one is bloody good too!

I actually tried to make one (I fool about with stuff like that) but gave up as I was trying to get a side access (if you know what i mean) but was struggling trying to get it waterproof.

I think either/or are fit for purpose but mebbe the twalcom one one just clinch it.......

Mark
www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk

 

[jeff]

Don't suppose you happen to know if a Slime pump fits through the opening do you?

Yes it does

 

[Beemerman59]

Thanks to everyone for the input. Looks like the Twalcom ticks all the boxes for me. Will buy myself one for Christmas then

 

[Beemerman59]

Bought, received and fitted the Twalcom. Looks like it will do exactly what I want which is to save fitting the alu panniers everytime I go for a long ride. So far have the tyre repair kit, compressor, spare bulbs, tape, tiewraps, few tools and visor cleaner in there. Still a bit of room left. Expensive purchase but worth it for me.