Top box or single pannier?

[TillyB]

Thinking of getting a vario top box for commuting duties and helmet storage when out and about. Given they are hard to come by second hand was wondering if buying a set of panniers and just using one is an option worth considering?

Buying a pair of panniers new is about 150 quid more expensive than the box and plate but I would have the other pannier for touring duties.

Anyone using a pannier in place of a top box care to comment?

Thanks.

 

[Davey B]

Why not get a Givi adaptor plate and buy a decent Givi top box ? Just a thought

https://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php/554000-Givi-V56NN-Maxia-4-Top-Case-–-Almost-New

 

[Skudd]

My lids don't fit in a Vario box

 

[zoltan]

I have the GIVI TRK52N Trekker Monokey Top Case Aluminium Finish - 52 Litre about £250 (BMW is around £380/350) including the adapting plate. Takes two helmets. Hand the box since 2013, excellent quality. Or hit ebay.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/206554

 

[TillyB]

Thanks for the replies. The only givi box I like the look of is the trekker outback. I’d. Still like to know if anyone uses a pannier as their primary luggage though.

 

[DANE]

Are we talking of using a single pannier mounted instead of a top box, or a single pannier mounted on one side?

If the latter, definitely not a good idea.

 

[TillyB]

Single pannier on one side, are you thinking the weight distribution is the bad idea?

 

[Monty B]

Your post seems driven by cost and that is fair enough, but it really is like wearing one earplug, one etc, etc...

Assuming there's no rack to buy, for the pannier or top box, I'd go top box for now and flog it on here/eBay/wherever later and go for a pair of panniers.

You say they are 'hard to come by used' and that isn't true at all - check the sales section here. The VFM aspect is you do get two panniers, albeit more expensive that a top box.

 

[Mr Bean]

Single pannier on one side, are you thinking the weight distribution is the bad idea?

Taking aside the helmet storage for a moment, will a non-expanded pannier carry all your commuting needs, otherwise they are wide and filtering can be a bit of an issue.

 

[zoltan]

I’d. Still like to know if anyone uses a pannier as their primary luggage though.

Used to use the Vario panniers before I had the top box, the designs of the one on the right (exhaust side) is not ideal, retracted there is hardly any space, expanded is ok. The one on the left takes the helmet ok. Expanded, both stick out past the cylinder heads so filtering may be an issue, retracted is fine. To give you an idea my top box managed to take the all the items which would fit in the two vario panniers. I also found it more convenient. Sold the panniers for about £450, I have a top box and I have a pannier rack for soft luggage if I am going touring.
You should be able to pick one set up from here or eBay. There is on for the right side for £250, rather expensive.

 

[DANE]

Single pannier on one side, are you thinking the weight distribution is the bad idea?

Weight distribution and turbulence can easily cause weaving, not my own experience, but friend binned a 750 Honda with one pannier which had been completely stable with both panniers in place.

 

[TillyB]

Used to use the Vario panniers before I had the top box, the designs of the one on the right (exhaust side) is not ideal, retracted there is hardly any space, expanded is ok. The one on the left takes the helmet ok. Expanded, both stick out past the cylinder heads so filtering may be an issue, retracted is fine. To give you an idea my top box managed to take the all the items which would fit in the two vario panniers. I also found it more convenient. Sold the panniers for about £450, I have a top box and I have a pannier rack for soft luggage if I am going touring.
You should be able to pick one set up from here or eBay. There is on for the right side for £250, rather expensive.

Thanks for the detailed answer. Really useful.

 

[TillyB]

Your post seems driven by cost and that is fair enough, but it really is like wearing one earplug, one etc, etc...

Assuming there's no rack to buy, for the pannier or top box, I'd go top box for now and flog it on here/eBay/wherever later and go for a pair of panniers.

You say they are 'hard to come by used' and that isn't true at all - check the sales section here. The VFM aspect is you do get two panniers, albeit more expensive that a top box.

Not really cost but value. Top box and mount is £490 and Panniers are £640. My original thinking was to buy a set of panniers And use one but based on other answers that seems not the best answer. I did have a look through the sales and saw two vario top boxes sold in the last six months, to me that’s not easy to come by. YMMV

 

[Monty B]

There’s a want to buy section too, next to the hold your hand section. Failing that, Google is quite useful. Good luck.

 

[Davey B]

You like the Givi Trekker.....£235
Get the appropriate rack and you should have a solution for c£300
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mo...ngQzvnjwuK5WiyFDQzygjLOawLEEZ_pBoCvxIQAvD_BwE

 

[TillyB]

There’s a want to buy section too, next to the hold your hand section. Failing that, Google is quite useful. Good luck.

Thanks. I did post in the wanted but nothing yet.

 

[TillyB]

You like the Givi Trekker.....£235
Get the appropriate rack and you should have a solution for c£300
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/mo...ngQzvnjwuK5WiyFDQzygjLOawLEEZ_pBoCvxIQAvD_BwE

Yes. Thinking the same thing. Thanks.

 

[Davey B]

As I said, I had one and it was pretty much a permanent fixture on the bike, might not look cool but bloody useful when you just need a helmet sized, secure space.

 

[theoneandonly]

topbox is the only way to go . most of my bikes have one fitted. they are also kitted for panniers too , but they , only go on when needed.

 

[Rushy]

I used to regularly ride / commute with one metal pannier on with no adverse effect if that is your question. I used the offside pannier as most of the time you are filtering down the outside of traffic so having a pannier on the rarely an issue and you never had to worry about hitting a car when you had to dive back into a small gap in the stationary traffic.

If you want a pannier that you can also use as a top box then I don't think any metal pannier will fit that bill as they are all toploader . There are a couple from some of the Givi range like certain Trekker models and also several Kappa panniers that can be used as a top box too.