Anybody got any photo's of topboxes on a 80 GS / 100GS they can post, especially the impact, or not it has on the pillions seat area.
SWMBO prefers having one fitted
SWMBO prefers having one fitted
Topboxes
- Thread starter John Armstrong
- Start date
Sylvester
Registered user
Topboxes are the work of Satan. You must never fit one to a motorcycle, ever.
Topboxes!!!! On an Airhead 
Topboxes!!!! On an Airhead
Not even something like: http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showpost.php?p=1559927&postcount=1
BeemerBaz
Registered user
Topboxes are the work of Satan. You must never fit one to a motorcycle, ever.
........ and what would your alternative be then to safely secure something to a bike overnight if on a long tour and you need all the luggage carrying capacity possible and it also acts as a back rest for a pillion ?
Let's start by saying 'I know top boxes are frowned upon by many here.......'
On a G/S there is a the problem that the rear subframe has an upright pillion grab handle that looks almost to have been designed to prevent the fitting of a topbox. I was thinking that a small Pelicase, (http://www.peliproducts.co.uk/casexm/1300.html ) could be bolted to the rack part of the carrier to provide a flat area just above the height of the grabrail and that onto the top of this could be fixed a Givi mounting plate to take a detachable Givi topbox. The positioning of the Givi plate and topbox could be adjusted to provide a suitable backrest for the pillion.
This would give a small amount of permanant storage on the bike and allow for increased carrying capacity if required.
I was thinking of doing this on my R80ST which has the same subframe as the G/S.
Nick
On a G/S there is a the problem that the rear subframe has an upright pillion grab handle that looks almost to have been designed to prevent the fitting of a topbox. I was thinking that a small Pelicase, (http://www.peliproducts.co.uk/casexm/1300.html ) could be bolted to the rack part of the carrier to provide a flat area just above the height of the grabrail and that onto the top of this could be fixed a Givi mounting plate to take a detachable Givi topbox. The positioning of the Givi plate and topbox could be adjusted to provide a suitable backrest for the pillion.
This would give a small amount of permanant storage on the bike and allow for increased carrying capacity if required.
I was thinking of doing this on my R80ST which has the same subframe as the G/S.
Nick
If you have a look on ebay there's someone selling a bracket / givi mounting plate that came of an ST IIRC. But look at how the bracket isn't central on the plate
The hard bit is getting a topbox that looks appropiate, doesn't loose seat area, reasonable price, sensible mounting, can put more than a spare pair of shoes in it etc etc
Paul Rochdale
Registered user
Paul Rochdale
Registered user
if your pillion is leaning back on the topbox, it'll feck the handling (what there is of it on an airhead) 
Thunder
Registered user
Any information available on how the cases have been mounted to the rear subframe?
Paul Rochdale
Registered user
Thunder
Registered user
Good man, glad you had the camera that day!
Of course my next question is does anyone know where I can find these blocks?
Thunder
Registered user
But there isn't much room for a pillon is there . . .
Bob.
(Bereft of Top Box).
Pillion? What's a pillion?
Pillion? What's a pillion?
They'd be nice and safe inside that box
Anyway, anything less useful to a house removals firm
Sylvester
Registered user
To many permutations for a simple guy like me to think about but if I were to consider fitting a top box (note the "if") I'd fit the single seat and leave the pillion at home or make sure the pillion had their own bike and thus carried their own Sh$t. My comment was directed for everyday use. I take my alu boxes of for everyday use and stick every thing in a rucksack or bungee it to the pillion or rear standard rack. Even on tour I'll put most of the stuff I don't want nicked in a rucksack and take it with me when I get off. I suffer from a rare disease "topboxitus" although I don't think its that rare amoungst the airhead community. As for practicality, since when has touring on an ancient 15 year old air cooled bike been practical? We do it cause we love it.
Topboxes? We don't need no stinking topboxes!
Beemerboff
Registered user
I had the large Givi on my R100GS , and the back seat boss liked it there too.
However , a few downsides-
- unless the top box is packed tight everything rattles to bits in no time flat
-the first mounting plate vibrated apart- I backed up the second one with a bit 18mm ply and it is OK so far
-The latching mechanism will eventually wear and the case will bounce off down the road if you dont get to it first - a couple of BRH bolts through the bottom and through the mounting plate and the ply backing stiffens everything up.
-Being a hard case you cant squeeze odd shaped items in so actual capacity can be a bit restricted.
Best use I find for it is locking up my gear when I am parked.
The Ventura type of rack and bag is a much more useful and versatile bit of kit, without most of the drawbacks, but not as secure.
I do a bit off road on the GS- pure road riding might not have the same problems, of course.
However , a few downsides-
- unless the top box is packed tight everything rattles to bits in no time flat
-the first mounting plate vibrated apart- I backed up the second one with a bit 18mm ply and it is OK so far
-The latching mechanism will eventually wear and the case will bounce off down the road if you dont get to it first - a couple of BRH bolts through the bottom and through the mounting plate and the ply backing stiffens everything up.
-Being a hard case you cant squeeze odd shaped items in so actual capacity can be a bit restricted.
Best use I find for it is locking up my gear when I am parked.
The Ventura type of rack and bag is a much more useful and versatile bit of kit, without most of the drawbacks, but not as secure.
I do a bit off road on the GS- pure road riding might not have the same problems, of course.
...Of course my next question is does anyone know where I can find these blocks?
wot he said
TIA.
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