Topbox or not?

[Edventure]

Am setting off for a trip to West Africa in a couple of weeks.

My dilemma is whether to take a topbox or not

From what I read people say it unbalances the bike if you put too much in it, and of course by having it you can succumb to the temptation of overloading. I have toured a fair bit with one with no major probs but......

Cheers

 

[Betty Swollocks]

Good Question

I will watch with interest...

Doing Calum's Rd next year. I always use a topbox...handy for the helmet, but am considering dumping it to make room for camping gear.

My only worry is, the camping gear is probably the most expensive thing in my luggage, so, should I lock them in a pannier?

 

[Rich ZX12R]

Had BMW Luggage inc top box on two Adventures and have had no problems with balance or overloading. Nearly always riding two up and the top box carries water proofs, gloves and spare fleece for both as well as litre of oil, few light tools and has a power cable for charging I pod etc on the move.

Top box (& Bike) has been to Morocco, Bosnia, Poland and all points in between and would thoroughly recommend, if there are two of you. If you are riding solo... just take less stuff!

Big plus is security as you can just get of bike and walk away without worry of opportunist thief nicking stuff.

 

[Edventure]

Just been practising packing and I reckon the topbox is going with me, gonna struggle with space otherwise. Also agree with Rich, it should come in handy for locking valuables away.
Cheers
Ed