Pillion comfort with BMW topbox

[pnewm]

My other half is complaining that the padded backrest just ain't that comfy ... tried the box at it's smallest and expanded positions but it doesn't seem to make any difference. It's difficult enough to get her out on the bike as it is, so has anyone got any suggestions?

 

[Trevor Phillips]

Hepco & Becker topbox with backrest - needs purpose-built rack though. Try to find someone local to whisk your other half away for an hour, unless you're very rich - total cost will be about £250.
Trevor

 

[pnewm]

250 squids? ouch. Isn't there any clever company making something to fit on the original box (like an airhawk ....)?

 

[Skippy]

Do You have the box on because she wants something behind her as support or for stowage or for both?

Same problem with my beter half to be honest. I know you can get a back rest only for the 12. Something that was not available early days. Worth a try if the box is not required.

Good luck.

Skip.

 

[Skippy]

Better, Better, Better....

half ffs!.

 

[pnewm]

Do You have the box on because she wants something behind her as support or for stowage or for both?

Same problem with my beter half to be honest. I know you can get a back rest only for the 12. Something that was not available early days. Worth a try if the box is not required.

Good luck.

Skip.

Use the bike every day and the box gets used for stowage. Got the pads put on the box to make it more comfortable but they are either too firm or not in the correct place to be comfortable.

 

[Dinger]

I have the standard backrest/topbox and the missus has no problem, having said that she doesn't actually lean against it; it's just there.

 

[ssi]

Try removing the foam pads and get her a proper back protector that fits in her jacket so she can lean on that (if she already has one then thats fine). This may help.

I can tell you that Givi boxes all reduce the space available to the pillion as they sit about 3" approx further forward than the BMW box. Which is a shame.

 

[Ken H.]

My other half is complaining that the padded backrest just ain't that comfy ... tried the box at it's smallest and expanded positions but it doesn't seem to make any difference. It's difficult enough to get her out on the bike as it is, so has anyone got any suggestions?

BTDT. Took the pads off the case, now she is .

BTW if you do, and want to hid the holes, the bottom plate of one of the side cases will fit the front of the top box.

 

[GSWayne]

After lots of experimentation with the original pads, I gave up on them and I made my own pad. It is 6" wide x 10" high x 2" thick. It is made of a firm polyurethane foam that I glued to a piece of plywood and then covered with coated nylon. I put T-nuts in the plywood to attach it to the case. The plywood is a couple of inches shorter than the foam so the top box lid can open. On my F650GS with a Givi case she was totally comfortable without any padding on the case. I think it is a matter of where the pads hit relative to the armor in her jacket.

 

[Eric_Norman]

My topbox is without the backrest and have no complaints from the better half !!!

Shes keen to be on the back