Billy no mates luggage option

[comberjohn]

I think this has been mentioned before but thought I would bring it up as I've just done this today and someone else might be interested.
Have pretty much always had the passenger seat removed as I never carry one anyway. In fact, I don't think I'm even insured to carry a passenger.
Always thought the vario top box looked a bit lost stuck up and out back for no apparent reason.
Knew this kit was available and always intended getting one. Sent for it last week and arrived yesterday from Germany. Its a BMW kit and cost just over £18 plus p&p.
No instructions, but very straight forward to fit. The panniers can be added and removed without having to remove the top box.
The mounting plate itself, can be removed easily by a quarter turn on two tabs and unlocking with the key as if removing the passenger seat. Takes seconds to remove and locked on securely when not using the top box.
Need to take a bit of care when getting on and off, but I need to use the foot rests for that anyway. Very comfy with a back rest now and easy to see into the top box.

 

[younger06]

John, any chance you could post a full side on pic??

 

[comberjohn]

There's always one awkward sod!
I'll try and get a photo tomorrow.

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've had the same arrangement on my 06 GSA for the last 9 years

 

[Bendy toy]

John, any chance you could post a full side on pic??

Park bike on centre stand
Unclip top box
Place top box on pillion seat
Use moby fone to take your own picture
How hard can it be.

Only snags I can see are nowhere to strap additional luggage and swinging a leg over the bike just got a great deal more awkward.
Oh - and crap off the back wheel now doesn't get stopped by the top box.

 

[younger06]

Park bike on centre stand
Unclip top box
Place top box on pillion seat
Use moby fone to take your own picture
How hard can it be.

Only snags I can see are nowhere to strap additional luggage and swinging a leg over the bike just got a great deal more awkward.
Oh - and crap off the back wheel now doesn't get stopped by the top box.

Just thought John might have the photo already.............. why am I even explaining myself!

 

[comberjohn]

How much luggage do you need?
Still have the two panniers, top box and tank bag. Plenty for another trip back to the Pyrenees next September.
Remember, only need enough for one. Camping gear? Wash your mouth out!
Yes, the box did get a bit dirty at the back but don't see it being a big problem. Don't always have it on anyway.

 

[Schtum]

.....and swinging a leg over the bike just got a great deal more awkward.

You don't swing your leg over the bike. You stand facing it and hurdle over the seat with your right leg. I've got the top box on my WC fitted this way. The fitting kit for the WC is a hell of a lot more expensive though as it comprises a whole new top plate for the rear subframe and has an opening boot lid to access a storage compartment underneath.

 

[Bendy toy]

How much luggage do you need?
Still have the two panniers, top box and tank bag. Plenty for another trip back to the Pyrenees next September.
Remember, only need enough for one. Camping gear? Wash your mouth out!
Yes, the box did get a bit dirty at the back but don't see it being a big problem. Don't always have it on anyway.

So the box on the original rack really was stopping crap flying over to hit the rider. Moving the box at least gives the rider that "I've just been to Dakar and back non stop" look.

 

[comberjohn]

I'm afraid mine's a bit too clean and shiny for the 'Dakar' look. Despite clocking up over 13k miles since last March, it's probably cleaner than when I bought it. By the way, getting pissed off with people assuming it's gone into hibernation until next spring now.
I try to avoid the salt, ice and snow, though. That's what cars are for.
I'm at an age were commuting on a motorbike doesn't appeal any more.
The reason I liked this mod was because I like to carry photography gear, flask, maps, etc. in it and being short in the leg, I can now comfortably see into the top box. It never looked right, stuck out and high up for no apparent benefit to me, anyway.
For me, it's a road bike that can go down the occasional track and you can modify it to suit your own purposes.

 

[JerseyNeil]

I have had this set up for a couple of years. It's great when away because you know you can put a fair bit of weight in the top box. I have put my back out trying to cock my leg over the lot though...

 

[Bendy toy]

I once ripped a bike seat with the metal toe tip on a MotoX boot. All because I filled the pillion seat with two stuffed full dry bags. Sooner or later it had to happen. Sooner in my case.

Once they start spreading salt, it's always an issue. Even if it wasn't spread last night it's on the road and corrosion needs very little help. Spring is perhaps the most harmful because salt hasn't fully washed a way and warmer weather = faster rusting chemical reaction.