Mounting Top Box

[ianran]

I have a twin spark 650gs that I want to bung a top box on. How easy is it to mount non standard ones?
Do I have to replace / add a rack?
M&P have some dirt cheep ones with mounting plates but will the stcky out bit on the back of the std gs rack foul it?

 

[VAL. H.]

I have a twin spark 650gs that I want to bung a top box on. How easy is it to mount non standard ones?
Do I have to replace / add a rack?
M&P have some dirt cheep ones with mounting plates but will the sticky out bit on the back of the std gs rack foul it?

Bikes 04-on mount the top box directly to the OE rack. The standard box is 31ltrs. You should be able to find a good SH one for £50.00 or less.

The after market boxes will all need an extra rack to attach the supplied fitting kit to.
A cheep rack will cost you at least £30.00 + your budget box (bargain price £39.00?? ) that may be holds 36 ltrs or less.

The pucca BW box look more apealing now?

 

[Freakboi]

The OE top box leaks terribly in wet weather though.

 

[marky-mark]

The OE top box leaks terribly in wet weather though.

I've heard this before, however i have the OE top box & have ridden in some pretty bad rain with it & its never (noticably) leaked...i do use the inner bag as well but even so i can't say that my top box has ever leaked.

I think its because the hinges are a bit flimsy & it doesnt take much to twist & distort (when open) just enough to mean that the lid doesn't seal properly...

 

[Beemerboff]

If you do much dirt road riding you dont want much overhang - I mounted a large Givi style plate on the short rack on my R100GS where it overhung by about 60mm and it cracked through in a couple of months.

The second plate was backed up with a sheet of 19mm structural plywood and seems to be standing up OK.

If you are planning a decent trip on dirt roads I would consider bolting the top box to the rack in addition to the catch - the constant vibration will eventually wear the catch / mounting lugs and you stand a good chance of loosing the box - dont ask!

Never had any problem with the OEM BMW kit on the F650 GS apart from leaking in the rain .

 

[Freakboi]

When I say it leaks terribly I am speaking from personal experience. It's a shame because it does fit very well and is otherwise solid but peeps should just be aware, is all.

 

[ianran]

Bargain price was £15.00 !!!!

So no oem doesnt sound so good!!
\Thanks for replies maybe I should have bought a triumph

 

[marky-mark]

Freakboi - you are a PITA, my topbox leaked on me this morning & i'm convinced its all your fault!!!
(although it did chuck it down this morning which could have partially contributed to the leak)

 

[Freakboi]

I've no idea what a PITA is, lol, but... I did tell you so Like I said, it is a shame 'cos otherwise it's a decent box for the money. I only use it if I'm doing shopping on way home from work or if I need to stash my helmet whilst off the bike so given it's wet-weather limitations it's still good value but I would be very wary of packing clothing etc in there unless well protected.