Top case - narrowing down options

[borat]

I am narrowing down my options for luggage. I’m definitely going SW-motech pannier racks for the quick release option. Probably one of the supported aluminium top loaders for panniers but still working out which. Stuck on top case though and wondering what people are using. My main requirements:

- Want something that can accommodate a backrest for the mrs (probably most, but not sure?)
- Able to store 2 helmets, as when i travel with the wife it’s likely to be always with the top box for comfort and short trips and will be useful to just chuck the helmets in the top case.
- Ideally an unobtrusive rack… it’s annoying that nobody does something that fits on the OEM rack.. the extra scaffolding bothers me lol.. Assume there are no quick release options for top case racks?
- Relatively easy to get on and off and store as wont be on the bike all the time. Pros of top loaders are they are more uniform in shape so prob easier to shelve. But expandable ones maybe less obtrusive to hang on the wall
- I’m shallow.. so looks do matter, only a little bit!

Of course, the OEM vario is an option as they seem to be back up for sale now and recall is only on panniers, which i dont want anyway. But it’s bleeding heavy so probably fails 4!
I like the Shad SH58x carbon expandable.. would be nice to just expand when needed for the lids… but not sure how well they hold up
Some of the aluminium options are ok, but not sure they will do 2 lids and whether all of them have backrest options. Also not sure how pillion comfort is with the flatter profile, so anyone with picky pillions your feedback would be welcome!

Cheers!

 

[TheStammeringBiker]

Both Givi and Lone Rider do a plate that attaches to the OEM rear rack (the one with the electric built in).

Only 1300GS I’ve had both the Givi Dolomite and now the Lone Rider. The Givi had an optional backrest but the Lone Rider has one built in but my missus didn’t like it.

I think the bigger Lone Rider MotoCase might fit 2 helmets but the Givi Trekker 58 I’m pretty sure that does. Both aluminium cases obviously and quite bulky.

 

[MikeS]

I am similarly fussy and top boxes so I have two. A big 52 litre Kappa (Givi) box for taking 2 helmets etc and smaller Givi Dolimiti 30 Litre as it looks much better and for most rides provides enough space. You just need to find the right plate for your bike. The Givi Aluminium plates are very smart and there must be one for your bike I would have thought. Both boxes can have a back rest. The smaller box doesn't take a helmet though. The other benefit of having Givi kit is can move it between bikes if you have more than 1 or if you change your bikes regularly. I move mine between my DR650 and R1150RT all the time.

 

[mw3230]

I’ve seen a review on YouTube about a £150 case from China (Temu I think). It looks good. A friend of mine also has one and I’d find it difficult to see any difference between it and the BMW case I use. It includes a quilted, removeable liner which adds protection for your helmet not found in some more expensive cases. Definitely a contender in my opinion

 

[borat]

I’ve seen a review on YouTube about a £150 case from China (Temu I think). It looks good. A friend of mine also has one and I’d find it difficult to see any difference between it and the BMW case I use. It includes a quilted, removeable liner which adds protection for your helmet not found in some more expensive cases. Definitely a contender in my opinion

Interesting. Do you have a link?

 

[leadfarmer]

Ideally an unobtrusive rack… it’s annoying that nobody does something that fits on the OEM rack

If you have the aluminum vario rack then the Givi SRA5143 fits straight on, it’s very nicely finished so looks fine if you take the box off

It puts the box far enough back to leave plenty of room for my pillion in a million

My preference for the top box is the Givi TRK52, I’ve had one for years, currently it holds 2 Neotech 3 size XL helmets

Post in thread 'Top box Adapter Plate'

Jan 17, 2024

Plate arrived today so I fitted it tonight, didn’t take any fitting pics as it’s just 4 screws, a few spacers and a spot of blue thread locker

The finish is nice with a sort of brushed look black anodizing, not that it matters as my top box stays on permanently

• leadfarmer

• 

As for boxes, there’s plenty of choice but I’d definitely go for top loaders, I find them much better than clam shells

Here’s a thread with some different options including my setup

Post in thread 'R1300 Bmw luggage'

Jan 22, 2024

• leadfarmer

 

[borat]

Thanks @leadfarmer I was hoping for a rack that is easily removed, which I guess this isn’t as it mentions using thread lock. I dont think there is an option like that though, as i imagine they are all bolted on, so unless someone does a quick release option like the SW pannier racks, probably just have to live with it or pick the vario case.

So you dont use a backrest for your pillion?

 

[leadfarmer]

So you dont use a backrest for your pillion?

No, never bothered with one, she’s been riding pillion for over 30 years with a couple of different top boxes

Firstly, she has a back protector in each of her jackets so I don’t think it would make any difference to comfort

Secondly, I don’t know if she really leans against it that much, I think it’s more psychological knowing that it’s there so she can’t fall off the back

 

[mw3230]

Interesting. Do you have a link?

Do an amazon search on ‘motorbike top case’. There are a lot to choose from at prices less than I mentioned above

 

[borat]

Do an amazon search on ‘motorbike top case’. There are a lot to choose from at prices less than I mentioned above

Thanks i was looking on Temu as well. What i cant tell is what they fit onto? Searching for gs1300 just brings up loads that dont seem bike specific

 

[mw3230]

Thanks i was looking on Temu as well. What i cant tell is what they fit onto? Searching for gs1300 just brings up loads that dont seem bike specific

I don’t think they will be motorbike specific, more like a universal fit with brackets which will bolt onto various OEM racks. Of course with Amazon’s user friendly returns/refunds you could order anything you like the look of and see what you thought at no risk