TOPBOX

[GSTourer]

I want to buy a topbox for my GS1200A.If I could afford a whole system i.e. panniers AND topbox I would go for Metal Mule..........but I cannot afford that at this moment.

However, I still need a topbox in the interim which would allow me to go away for extended weekends. I have looked at Metal Mule and the ones they do are fairly small, which would be no problem when combined with panniers, but as I said it won't be for the time being. Touratech do a LARGE topbox, the Zega XL (50 litres) which seems my only option. Or how about Givi at 52 litres.................but not sure in the long term how it would go with the Metal Mule panniers.


I have read of people not being particularly impressed with the quality of Touratech stuff and would appreciate any input and ideas.

Thanks in advance.

Ian.

 

[John Armstrong]

Does it have to be a tin one in the short term?

I know Chris Kelly was looking into them, might be worthwhile searching on his posts for some more info.

 

[GSTourer]

Hi John,

Thanks for the post.....................I guess it doesn't have to be and that was why i was also considering the Givi option. However, if i buy 'tin' and it is OK then when I do eventually buy the Metal Mule panniers I may be happy to stay with my existing topbox and save some cash.

Thanks.

Ian

 

[dadster]

have you seen this thread http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=120426&highlight=redcap i'm sure redcap will sort you out

cheers Dave

 

[John Armstrong]

IIRC Chris Kelly worked out that the TT topbox worked out at over £500

Almost makes the BM one look not bad value. Had a look at the H & B Xplorer topbox here: http://www.hepco-becker.de/_eng/frameset.php

 

[GSTourer]

Thanks all...................Redcap looks to be the best bet......good write ups from satisfied members and remarkable price.

Will get Xmas out of the way and give him a call.

Cheers.

Ian

 

[Big Nick]

I have the standard BMW aluminium cases but if I didn't I think I would have the standard BMW GS Varios which I reckon look good fitted to the GSA

 

[Rustle]

The metal boxes look "technical" and tough but I have a Givi 52L Maxia and whilst it might be criticised as a poor aesthetic match for the Beemer Alu boxes it's more useful than the tiny alu topbox. Takes 2 System helmets and gloves when you park up. Saves messing around in the panniers.

 

[VAL. H.]

I have the standard BMW aluminium cases but if I didn't I think I would have the standard BMW GS Varios which I reckon look good fitted to the GSA

1200 varios are good, but don't have much internal space The vario top box is my preferred and will expand to stow my full face (small shell) Arai.

For touring however I fit a 42ltr Givi style top box from ebay (£39.00 ish) it holds a full face plus some clothing. If your looking for a tide-me-over till you can justify the MM then have a look on ebay, you'll find loads. Put in a bid, I got mine for £29.00 ish. Sounds too cheep, it'll do everything a Givi will do just as well. It stays dry too

Can't be arsed to get the Givi52 now

Val

 

[essjay]

I got Civil to build me a custom top box. Looks the job - has two compartments

1) Small compartment that holds air compressor, plugger, slime, lock and tools
2) Big compartment that holds a lid, gloves, etc.

Can take a photo if you like

 

[Robbo1200ADV]

I have the Ali BMW top box for my 08 GSA and its great.They come up on E Bay and seem to go for £260 second hand or there abouts.You'll need Key/locks and the rack but very usefull bit of kit!!

 

[darkhorse]

don't metal Mule do two sizes of top box?

 

[GSTourer]

Essjay................Yes that would be great....many thanks.

Darkhorse...........Yes indeed they do, in fact they do two, 22litre and 32litre. Sadly the largest is not large enough to allow me to go away for long weekends.

The Givi or Givi style 52 litre (although I beleive they now do a 55 litre as well) sounds a viable option. Allowing me to go away for weekends now and I guess I could still use it alongside the Metal Mule panniers in the future when finances allow.

Thanks all.

Ian

 

[essjay]

I'll get a photo when I can. The box I have measures:

450mm wide
320mm tall
400mm deep

which more or less adds up to 58 litres. It sounds like a lot but doesn't actually look that big. I'll get a photo when I can - won't be until Thursday though

 

[essjay]

Some photos of my top box

 

[GSTourer]

Essjay,

Many thanks for taking the trouble to do that for me.....it looks HUGE !!!!

I think have made my mind up as to what I am going to do (subject to change ). Metal Mule Balanced pannier frame and matching exhaust, combined with a set of panniers from Roger (Redcap) on here. This will save something like £700 over buying Metal Mules own panniers........That's a lot of petrol or campsite fees. I will probably combine this with an Ortlieb bag for the rear rack.

How can Metal Mule justify the price of their panniers.....however good they are?

Thanks again.

Ian