Top Box Recommendations

[Deleted account 210609001]

I must be getting old, because I'm thinking about getting a top box. I have the BMW expanding panniers, but tend only to use them for longer trips. I've come to the conclusion that the practicality of a top box for keeping camera, phone etc in would be useful.

My first inclination is to buy the BMW topbox to match the panniers (which I've been pleased with in terms of build quality and waterproofing). So three questions:-

1. Is the topbox easily removed when I decide I don't need it? Does it leave an unsightly mess of fittings?

2. Can I order it to have the same lock as the bike and panniers, or will I need another key?

2. Can anyone suggest an alternative make of topbox? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either?

Photos would be handy!

Thanks in advance,

Robin.

 

[rodsharp]

I think you will find BMW topbox to be as good as any. Not too big ,but expandable,same key,easy to remove /refit. The only trouble,as with all the add ons is the bloody price

 

[Blackal]

Some have had probs with the base of the Vario topbox - cracking, but I can't say that I have seen that.

If on tour - all you stuff it with is T-shirts and undercrackers (and the odd camera, documents etc) then it is a hard box to beat.

In its low configuration it is "set and forget" for everyday use

Al

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Thanks, Rod and Blackal!

Also, an an additional question: I've just read in the BMW Motorrad catalogue that it can be mounted in place of the pillion seat. Has anyone done this? Does it mean I can swap between top box and seat at will, or does the mounting plate mean the pillion seat cannot be fitted?

Do I need to choose where it's going to go and then leave it there permanently, or can I swap the whole thing between rear carrier and pillion seat whenever I want?

(I very rarely cary a pillion, but you can bet that if I remove this possibility, the need will arise almost instantly.)

Also, what is the rough cost of the BMW topbox, please?

 

[piebaps]

Bumw Top box is OK. For me at least it's been as practical as the panniers.

To get it on however you have to fit a mounting plate and this involves making some cuts in the plastic bit above the back light (bit of design genius that one! ).

Once fitted however, you hardly notice its there and the box clips on and off in a few seconds (sometimes off a little easier than on if you listen to a few reports on here, but mine has been OK).

Yes you can get it set up to match your key.

Check one out for size though. My AGV full face lid fits inside but my Schuberth Concept doesn't If you need to fit a lid inside it then this could prove to be a show stopper.

Can't help with others I'm afraid.

 

[Viking]

£305 for top box and fitting kit when bought with a new 1200 GS today..
Feels nice and solid to me. Not used yet, but hopefully that will soon change

 

[Blackal]

To get it on however you have to fit a mounting plate and this involves making some cuts in the plastic bit above the back light (bit of design genius that one! ).

Depends on what year bike you have. I have a 2006 GSA, which already had the "cutouts" already moulded in/out (depending upon how you look at it ) so required no modification.

The other query Robin had, regarding the placement of the topbox on the pillion rack............ You require an adaptor plate (more £££) and it sits side-on.

To be honest - it looks a bit wonky in that orientation, so I've not gone down that road.

Al

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

Bumw Top box is OK. For me at least it's been as practical as the panniers.

To get it on however you have to fit a mounting plate and this involves making some cuts in the plastic bit above the back light (bit of design genius that one! ).

Yes you can get it set up to match your key.

Check one out for size though. My AGV full face lid fits inside but my Schuberth Concept doesn't If you need to fit a lid inside it then this could prove to be a show stopper.

Can't help with others I'm afraid.

Mine's an 05, but presumably cutting the plastic doesn't expose anything vulnerable.

Not overly concerned about fitting a lid in to be honest.

£305 for top box and fitting kit when bought with a new 1200 GS today..
Feels nice and solid to me. Not used yet, but hopefully that will soon change

Enjoy!

The other query Robin had, regarding the placement of the topbox on the pillion rack............ You require an adaptor plate (more £££) and it sits side-on. To be honest - it looks a bit wonky in that orientation, so I've not gone down that road.

Al

Won't be going for that, then!

 

[Blackal]

Regarding the modification to the plastic at the back of the rear rack - it is simply the pairing off of some of the plastic accoriding to a pre-defined marking.

It is real-easy and shouldn't put you off the job.

Al

 

[Wapping]

Bumw Top box is OK. For me at least it's been as practical as the panniers.

To get it on however you have to fit a mounting plate and this involves making some cuts in the plastic bit above the back light (bit of design genius that one! ).

The newer bikes (my 06) has the cut outs already there, pre-moulded.

Not sure about Robin's 04, easy job to look and do, though.

PS Hope my old box etc are still doing the bizzo.

 

[GSmonkey]

The other query Robin had, regarding the placement of the topbox on the pillion rack............ You require an adaptor plate (more £££) and it sits side-on.

Yes you require an adaptor plate, which I think is around £20 - but the box doesn't sit side on, it sits in the normal orientation. Also gives benefits in weight distribution. I used to have my vario topbox in mounted on the pillion all the time.

 

[Andrew Lodge]

I must be getting old, because I'm thinking about getting a top box.

Don't, just don't, you know deep down that it is wrong. Be strong and resist the lure of the dark side.

 

[Blackal]

Yes you require an adaptor plate, which I think is around £20 - but the box doesn't sit side on, it sits in the normal orientation. Also gives benefits in weight distribution. I used to have my vario topbox in mounted on the pillion all the time.

Yeah, you're right - it does sit the same way . I imagine when mounted on the pillion rack - that it will safely hold a lot more weight (not being cantilevered out the back of the bike).

Al

 

[piebaps]

PS Hope my old box etc are still doing the bizzo.

It certainly is TYVM

 

[camel_landy]

1. Is the topbox easily removed when I decide I don't need it? Does it leave an unsightly mess of fittings?

2. Can I order it to have the same lock as the bike and panniers, or will I need another key?

2. Can anyone suggest an alternative make of topbox? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either?

Photos would be handy!

Thanks in advance,

Robin.

1 - Yes, No.
2 - Yes - Can be same key.
2 - Err What happened to 3??



FWIW - The cracking & falling off issue was solved a while ago.

I use the top box all the time for commuting. When you arrive, it's easy enough to pop it off with 1 hand.

HTH

M

 

[Our Gee]

I have a Hepco Becker "Journey 42 "Top Box which I previously had on my Aprilia Futura. The Box is mounted on a Hepco "Stand Alone" Rack and is very solid. Appearance is very good, with the box being Black with a Silver Panel which matches the Tank Panels and Frame. The Box also has a very comfy Pillion Backrest.
Mike Tee

 

[Geordie Steve]

I tend to have mine mounted on the rear carrier during the summer months and on the pillion position during the winter. Partly because Jo isn't interested in riding pillion when it's cold, and partly coz I like to use the back rest when it's really cold (presses the heated jacket into the small of your back. mmmm)

The box and mounting plate come off in seconds if you want to fit the pillion seat.

When I want to re-fit the rear rack it takes about 15 minutes - half of which is spent trying to remember where I put the nuts and bolts for safe keeping...

 

[robb]

2. Can anyone suggest an alternative make of topbox? What are the advantages or disadvantages of either?
.

I can recommend a GIVI V46.
Big enough for laptop bag not too big that illegals trying to hide in it at ferry ports. The GIVI 52 litre one is toooo big.

 

[Deleted account 210609001]

I tend to have mine mounted on the rear carrier during the summer months and on the pillion position during the winter. Partly because Jo isn't interested in riding pillion when it's cold, and partly coz I like to use the back rest when it's really cold (presses the heated jacket into the small of your back. mmmm)

The box and mounting plate come off in seconds if you want to fit the pillion seat.

When I want to re-fit the rear rack it takes about 15 minutes - half of which is spent trying to remember where I put the nuts and bolts for safe keeping...

Thanks, Geordie Steve! That's what I wanted to hear. My credit card is twitching; I feel a trip to the dealers coming on...