Vario Top Box security

[hfrsstevesi]

I have recently bought a used vario top box and fitting plate which I have successfully fitted. Fortunately I had no issues with the rear support bolts that fit into the subframe. I fitted everything loosely first which probably helped.
I am dissapointed however at how tightly the topbox clips on to the plate. It will twist slightly from side to side as if there is too much play (my Givi fitted tightly on my previous bikes). The previous owner had drilled a couple of holes in the bottom of the box and plate to put a couple of bolts through to ensure the box did not come off but this seems to defeat the easily removal aspect of the box. Is this normal and am I being paranoid?
I notice in other threads that earlier boxes have been known to come off in use, something I am not too keen on after spending so much.......how do I know if my is the earlier or later design and is this an isolated occurence?
I have thought of sticking on a couple of foam pads on the underside of the box to take up the slack or do I just use the extra bolts (I would prefer not to)
Any advice gratefully accepted ......Cheers Steve

 

[swissrob]

earlier boxes were a bit loose, put a piece of foam matting under it and then its solid.

there was a design change for the locking mechanism but cant remember how it looks.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

'Newer' top boxes

Mine was new a couple of years ago, so i imagine it is the latest version; it is very easy to put on and off and rock firm when in use; (A previous Givi box, fitted by the same BMW concessionaire, was very troublesome with a common problem of sheared off support screws. Top boxes are extremely useful - mine holds my helmet when I am parked, but I hesitate to carry more than a few light items in it

 

[miked]

I drilled two holes in the bottom of mine and run a 12" cable tie through and around the plate underneath.

It's never going to come off and when I want to remove the box, I just cut the tie.

On long trips, I keep a few ties in the box, very good for holding anything else that might break as well

 

[swissrob]

there is an enduro fitting kit from BM that clmaps the box down so it will never come off - about £30 from what i remember

 

[JethroDog]

The rubber knobbies on the base of top case like to fall off (say, as you pull the box across the tent floor as you are crouched in your tent during a howling wind/rain storm). Your knobbies might be missing (there should be two of them). When properly mounted on the plate, you will eventually see rubber marks on the passsenger seat base because the fit is quite tight. I've done some rough off roading with the top case expanded and full without any problems.

chris

 

[tunnie]

no issues with my Vario top box, its solid, no movement side to side. Maybe its a poor base?