Top Box Dilemma....

[WindyChuffer]

I have the BMW top box on my GSA. I've always found it a little small, but its been fine until I changed my laptop from a 13" Mac Book Pro to a 15".

The 13" went inside a small rucksack, which fitted in the top box fine. When I get to work, out comes the rucksack and in goes the helmet & gloves.

However the 15" laptop is just a tad too big; its an uncomfortably tight squeeze.

I like the top box as its (relatively) secure and waterproof, and as its BMW, uses the same key as ignition.

Been looking at Kriega tailpacks / rucksacks. Looks promising but not convinced. Don't really want to wear a ruck sack.

Considering getting the top box chopped and extended, but thats a bit drastic.

So need some suggestions...

 

[MikeS]

I have always used a Givi or Kappa box on my GS's.

 

[claw]

I fitted a Givi maxia 52L with a universal fitting kit, loads of room and looked great and will easily take two helmets.

Just fitted a Givi Trekker 46L to replace the above, its a bit smaller but matches the bike.

I thought about the oem pannier but it was too small for my needs.

Picture attached is with the Givi Maxia (which will be on ebay soon)

 

[Hexme]

Windy,

I had the same dilemma last year under the very same circumstances. I adapted an old F800 top box to fit but was never happy with the space. Eventually I did the same as CLAW and fitted a Givi, ticks all the boxes.

Hope this helps

Tony

 

[Paul Wakefield]

Go back to the 13" Mac. HTH.

 

[Hexme]

I fitted a Givi maxia 52L with a universal fitting kit, loads of room and looked great and will easily take two helmets.

Just fitted a Givi Trekker 46L to replace the above, its a bit smaller but matches the bike.

I thought about the oem pannier but it was too small for my needs.

Picture attached is with the Givi Maxia (which will be on ebay soon)

Colin,

Have you got any pictures of the Trekker on you bike? I currently have the Maxia on mine but just seen some pictures of the Trekker, they would appear to suit the bike really well.

Thanks

Tony

 

[thosoneill]

I have the BMW top box on my GSA.
The 13" went inside a small rucksack, which fitted in the top box fine. When I get to work, out comes the rucksack and in goes the helmet & gloves.

i cannot even fit my lid into the bmw topbox - the givi is certainly much larger but o so ugly

 

[JohnnyBoxer]

i cannot even fit my lid into the bmw topbox - the givi is certainly much larger but o so ugly

The Givi looks so much cooler, blends nicely with the metal GSA panniers

 

[claw]

Colin,

Have you got any pictures of the Trekker on you bike? I currently have the Maxia on mine but just seen some pictures of the Trekker, they would appear to suit the bike really well.

Thanks

Tony

Just done a few photo's.

The Givi is larger and can take two full face helmets Schuberth and AGV, the Trekker can take the Schuberth with room left for gloves and other bits and bobs.

 

[Hexme]

Thanks Colin, you're a star. BTW Is the same fitting plate used for both?

Tony

 

[claw]

Thanks Colin, you're a star. BTW Is the same fitting plate used for both?

Tony

Yep, fits on no bother

If your interested in getting one, you can get one from Italy and it'll save a few pounds place on ebay compared to the UK price....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GIVI-VALIGIA-...=Ricambi_e_Accessori_Moto&hash=item20b9c8e3ea

I think if you make them a lower offer of around €170 you may get it even cheaper.
I got mine second hand but i'm pretty damn sure this is where forum member sven got his from.

 

[Hexme]

Yep, fits on no bother

If your interested in getting one, you can get one from Italy and it'll save a few pounds place on ebay compared to the UK price....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GIVI-VALIGIA-...=Ricambi_e_Accessori_Moto&hash=item20b9c8e3ea

I think if you make them a lower offer of around €170 you may get it even cheaper.
I got mine second hand but i'm pretty damn sure this is where forum member sven got his from.

Thanks again

 

[stever1]

Just fitted a Givi Maxia 3 55ltr topbox to my 1200gs complete with brake lights.
definitely the dogs dangly bits.

 

[sven]

Yep, fits on no bother

If your interested in getting one, you can get one from Italy and it'll save a few pounds place on ebay compared to the UK price....

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/GIVI-VALIGIA-...=Ricambi_e_Accessori_Moto&hash=item20b9c8e3ea

I think if you make them a lower offer of around €170 you may get it even cheaper.
I got mine second hand but i'm pretty damn sure this is where forum member sven got his from.

Yep - got it from them for 170 Euros + shipping

Only took around a week to arrive from Italy too.

 

[WindyChuffer]

I bought a Kriega US30 tailpack to try out. Its big enough, expandable, collapsible and totally waterproof. Also clips on / off the bike in seconds and comes with 10yr warranty. Fekkin brill piece of kit for £89.

First impressions - very impressed.

Also got the Kriega Kube 4 to put the Mac Book Pro 15 in. Again, a great piece of kit and a bargain at £15.

I may be selling my 1 month old BMW Top Box & rack soon...

http://www.kriega.com/products/-US30-DryBag-.html

 

[petkostas]

Backpack
All the other boxes feel on the ADV

 

[WindyChuffer]

Back pack = sweaty back.

Not want you want when you turn up to work in your work shirt.

Back packs are a bit like marmite - you love them or hate them. They do have their place - IMHO, mostly on the really technical stuff on a small light bike where you want to keep the bike as light as possible.

 

[jonny5859]

Back pack = sweaty back

not if you strap it to the back seat, that's what my friend does.

you can keep the top box as it is and strap the bag onto the seat, arrive at destination remove bag and there you go...

 

[WindyChuffer]

not if you strap it to the back seat, that's what my friend does.

you can keep the top box as it is and strap the bag onto the seat, arrive at destination remove bag and there you go...

Of course. And I did think of that. In fact I do have a Kriega R20 rucksack too. However I wanted something that I could secure quickly, easily and securely. The US30 does exactly that. Will post a pix. Also works in conjunction with the top box - although have removed mine for now.

Have had bags held on with bungees / straps bounce off the bike before and I really don't want to be risking that with a £2K laptop! There's no way the US30 is going to fall off.

 

[jonny5859]

sorry my fault i didn't read the post saying you got the Kriega US30 tailpack to use..

when i originally posted i should have said i was re-fairing to a tail back such as that and not a £20 ruck sack per say, my bad.

yea you don't wanna take any chances with a laptop, hope it works out well for you, looking forward to the pics!