Fixing top box on GSA in place of pillion seat

[bottleofred]

Hi all,

Is it possible to mount the top box with top box mounting plate on the rack in place of the pillion seat, obviously with the seat removed first?

Thanks in advance for the advice.

 

[Stujw70]

I think once the seat is removed, whip the top box fixing plate off.
Then move it forward, you should see the mount holes line up and bolt in place.

 

[bottleofred]

Hi and thanks for the reply.

I thought so. It just looks like it might need a spacer on the front holes.
Also I guess I need to know the torque settings so as not to knacker the frame when fixing it.

Thanks again.

 

[Stujw70]

I wouldn't worry about torque settings on something like that myself. Just do it up until it's tight, not really a critical area.

 

[bottleofred]

Ok good to know.

 

[twizzle]

Have you thought about throwing your leg over the bike and hitting the Top Box which is now located much further forward?

Just a minor point, but I saw a guy do just that once in France and ended up in a heap on top of the bike (Which was now lying on it's side!!))

 

[bottleofred]

Yep good point.

 

[Stujw70]

Easy enough to just step on the near side foot peg to get your leg over whilst on side stand.

 

[Bendy toy]

Have you thought about throwing your leg over the bike and hitting the Top Box which is now located much further forward?

Just a minor point, but I saw a guy do just that once in France and ended up in a heap on top of the bike (Which was now lying on it's side!!))

The side stand has minimal bending forces so can easily take your weight, so don't be scared to stand on the LH footrest and climb aboard as you would a horse. The bike might fall, if your boot really clouts the seat box but you'll be well placed to jump clear.

 

[seahorse]

Are you talking about the GSA ali box or the Vario? You can buy a mounting plate for the Vario box which fits in place of the pillion seat.

 

[bottleofred]

Thanks but it's the Ali box


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[Nice 'n' Fat]

I didn't realise you could fit an aluminium top box in place of the pillion seat

 

[Schtum]

Easy enough to just step on the near side foot peg to get your leg over whilst on side stand.

You're probably only going to need to do that if you have limited mobility in your hips. I've got the Vario topbox on my WC mounted on the luggage plate which replaces the pillion seat. I find it's just a case of standing to the side and doing a quick hurdling approach to get my leg over the rider's seat.

 

[Badboybez]

I didn't realise you could fit an aluminium top box in place of the pillion seat

Me neither - might have a go tomorrow seeing I'm packing for 5 days in sunny Scotland!

 

[X21ekx]

You sure can...
Oh it's not mine btw

 

[MattW]

Is there a good reason to fit the top box in place of the pillion seat?
If there is, I'm struggling to think what it is...

 

[younger06]

Is there a good reason to fit the top box in place of the pillion seat?
If there is, I'm struggling to think what it is...

A question I was too afraid to ask for fear of the backlash.

 

[Smug]

Is there a good reason to fit the top box in place of the pillion seat?
If there is, I'm struggling to think what it is...

The bike will handle better with the weight carried further forward. The disadvantage is that it could trap the rider on the bike in an off.

 

[oldnfat]

what would you be carrying that would cause ANY change in handling....gold bullion? If it is something really weighty you are better off having it down low rather than in the middle and high.....can't see any benefit other than people fancying a change....their choice!

 

[Schtum]

what would you be carrying that would cause ANY change in handling....gold bullion? If it is something really weighty you are better off having it down low rather than in the middle and high.....can't see any benefit other than people fancying a change....their choice!

The fact that you can't see the benefit doesn't mean that there isn't one to be felt in practice. Top boxes are notorious for upsetting the handling on bikes not only because in their usual position, you're hanging a weight out behind the bike's wheelbase but also because of the aerodynamic effects that result from having a gap between the rider and top box. Moving the box forward, does a lot to minimise those effects as well as those from the box acting as a rudder in cross winds.