RT 2014 top box and design changes

[Deleted account 260111001]

I should have known when I had a BMW tank bag for the new style RT that the ability to simply and easily attach and detach may not have been the same (in fact it uses Velcro tabs and takes much longer to attach or detach and is not so secure) that the top case may have also suffered at the hands of the same designer.

On the past three RT's I've had I've used the same 49 L top box and within reason I've been happy, it takes seconds to get onto the bike and even has a built-in carry handle when you want to take it into or out of hotels and other such places.

The latest model seems to attach by means of a rotary clamp inside the top box (so you need to empty the box before attaching it or detaching it) and who for those of us who are poncey enough to want central locking or an interior light (yes I know it's not proper motorcycling and who need to top box anyway when you were a lad you used to use your leather satchel and be done with it) you have to remove the rear seat to plug-in electrics.

So on the occasions when I'm out touring I normally leave the top case at the hotel or lodgings when out on day trips I may now have to rethink that approach. Is hard to understand what was going through the designers mind when they changed the attachment method and decided not to use the brass style contacts for the LED lights and central locking system. The panniers which also have central locking are left on lift off approach and I'm surprised that this has not been carried forward on the new RT. so if any of you are thinking of upgrading to the later model top box go into a dealer and try one out beforehand so you know limitations of such a box.

Before commenting on this message please refrain from sexual innuendo riding prowess or generally being a twat and showing yourself up is not big and it's not clever.

 

[knapdog]

I've also seen a youtube video somewhere showing the differences and how "better" it was to have the older style.
In fact, I've just bought one second hand and it could well arrive tomorrow.
I've always thought it preferable to leave it silver. This will suit most bikes. If you ever colour code it, you'll need to repaint it everytime you change to a new colour.

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

I just swapped mine yesterday for the newer style one via a well-known auction site (sold one to a chap in Scotland and bought a greatly reduced new style one) I'm sure the changes won't take long to get used to and I was considering having it wrapped in vinyl to match (no not the sort of fablon you get from B&Q perhaps a nice mock brick effect) but then I woke up from my dream and decided not to.
Of course now I'll have to fight the urge to buy the high-level brake light which fits into the top box.

 

[simondippenhall]

I fitted the top level brake light and think it's great, not least for safety. And I just put a big bag in the top box so I can bring that in to hotel rather than shed the top box which as the OP said is a bit of a faff to remove and refit.


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[Deleted account 260111001]

Simon, where does the brake light plug in? Is it a socket or cable in the box or does it need a complete run to the socket?

Also some sites suggest that the bike needs a software tweet to prevent it thinking it has a fault with the extra current load, was this the case with you?

 

[casbar]

I came from a Harley, so anything is mostly better. The top box for me. is no problem, I use the inner bags when touring, so just take the bag out and lift the top box off. It takes minutes few to disconnect the electric harness. So personally it works for me and is not a major issue. Each to their own though. I have also fitted Skene P3 running and brake lights above the number plate, so when I don't have the top box on, I have some extra bright brake lights. Good point though about the central locking working on the panniers without cables, I must try and disconnect the top box cable to see if that powers the central locking or is just there for the brake and interior light. Update dumb assumption - it has to be plugged in to work

 

[DC]

wobble its quite simple what was going through the designers mind when he designed all you speak off and that was £££££££ ,yes he wants you to purchase the BMW top box inner bag ,so you can leave the box in place and lift out the inner .

I agree with you though as the old system was flawless one clip and its off, this is the main reason I do not use or take a top box now ,I pack it into the panniers

 

[casbar]

wobble its quite simple what was going through the designers mind when he designed all you speak off and that was £££££££ ,yes he wants you to purchase the BMW top box inner bag ,so you can leave the box in place and lift out the inner .

I agree with you though as the old system was flawless one clip and its off, this is the main reason I do not use or take a top box now ,I pack it into the panniers

Good job I bought the bike used and got the bags thrown in then

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

I have the BMW factory bag for the top box, but if I'm out touring for a few days at the same location, I take the top box off and just use panniers.

I have a set of Kathy's Design pannier bags and prefer having a zip at each side.

My new top box does however have carpet, and when you press the open lock, the top rises under its own steam and looks nice.

I really hope those hardened GS riders don't read this post, (vis a vis carpet on a motorcycle), makes us sound like a right bunch of pansies instead of a slightly more civilised version of themselves.

 

[simondippenhall]

Simon, where does the brake light plug in? Is it a socket or cable in the box or does it need a complete run to the socket?

Also some sites suggest that the bike needs a software tweet to prevent it thinking it has a fault with the extra current load, was this the case with you?

I wimped out and had Bahnstormer supply and fit the brake light but looks like it uses existing cabling for central locking etc - just one cable that plugs in/out when you remove the box.

No problems after c 8,000 miles with it


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[neils]

RT--LC top box

Had my RT top box sprayed to match the bike---looks good. I paid £125 for the paint job but i suppose it depends on how long you intend to keep the bike to make it worthwhile.

The box is expensive but they are usually easy to sell--or put it on your new RT.

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

I have the Calisto Grey paint, but they don't seem to do that any more, They do white, bronze or black. so looks like next one will be a white one as not a fan of the other two.

I was tempted to have the whole bike wrapped to make a nice change, but never seem to have the time. I may ask at Canon when its in for 18k Service to price a new one, and use mine as PX. don't seem to keep mine for very long either.

 

[simondippenhall]

Bought my top box on a weekend in Ostend, back in the heady pre-Brexit days of a €1.42 exchange rate: the saving on top box and Nav V paid for the 4 day motorcycle trip


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[richardbd]

I've always thought it preferable to leave it silver...If you ever colour code it, you'll need to repaint it everytime you change to a new colour.

Yes, far better to leave it alone so that it never matches and looks crap on all of your bikes...

 

[Deleted account 260111001]

Your just jealous as some of us have carpet and our panniers don't look like giant hotboxes, silver is the new, er black, white er silver...