Go Back   Horizons Unlimited - The HUBB > Technical, Bike forums > Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear?
Top box a good idea? Top box a good idea?
Register FAQ Calendar Search Today's Posts Mark Forums Read
Equipping the Bike - what's the best gear? Anything to do with the bikes equipment, saddlebags, etc. Questions on repairs and maintenance of the bike itself belong in the Brand Specific Tech Forums.
Photo by Ellen Delis, Lagunas Ojos del Campo, Antofalla, Catamarca

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Ellen Delis,
Lagunas Ojos del Campo,
Antofalla, Catamarca



Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2
 
LinkBack Thread Tools Display Modes
  #1  
Old 23 Apr 2008
dpdaniel's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 35
Question Top box a good idea?
Hi,

I am heading around Europe this (Northern) summer with a mate for our first ever long distance bike trip (4 months), and have bought a 2002 BMW F650GS for the trip, which has a metal mule rack and panniers (38L x 2). Strapping a backpack on the rear seat as well.

Was wondering if people had advice about the pros/cons of adding a top box? And if so, which (economical) rack and top box would you recommend for this bike?

My initial thoughts are this would be great when we pull into a town, ie. to put the helmet, riding jacket and gloves inside and take out the light walking jacket and small pack (with guide book etc); meaning the top box is light when travelling too.

I don't think I will need one for more packing space, but my concerns with not having one are security and weather for the riding gear when parked in town. I guess the other option might be a pacsafe "stuff safe" bag locked onto the back.

Thanks guys. All advice greatly appreciated.

Damien

(I have tried a search of the forums and found only a couple of relevant things, so apologies if I missed something useful there, I am not great with computers!)
__________________
Keep passing open windows...
Reply With Quote
  #2  
Old 23 Apr 2008
Stephano's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
Posts: 887
Top Box/Topbox?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dpdaniel View Post
Was wondering if people had advice about the pros/cons of adding a top box?

(I have tried a search of the forums and found only a couple of relevant things, so apologies if I missed something useful there, I am not great with computers!)
Hi Damien
This is the thread you need: Topbox or not?
With top box spelled as one word you may have missed it in your search.
Regards,
Stephan
Reply With Quote
  #3  
Old 24 Apr 2008
dpdaniel's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 35
Thanks
Thanks guys. I checked out the earlier post, Stephan, and it did reiterate a lot of what I was thinking - cheers.
__________________
Keep passing open windows...
Reply With Quote
  #4  
Old 24 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
My 1999 F650 came with a top box for free (BMW clearing out old stock for the model change). I'm 5'8"/1.7m and the thing was right in the space your boot needs to travel through when getting on the bike. A few good hits from a size seven and the top box was loose. IMHO, if you decide you like them, get the shallower city case or the newer equivalent.

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #5  
Old 25 Apr 2008
dpdaniel's Avatar
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Jan 2008
Location: Tasmania, Australia
Posts: 35
Thumbs up good tip
Good tip Andy, I am about the same height - and I was worried about this point. I am going to go without the top box.

Cheers
__________________
Keep passing open windows...
Reply With Quote
  #6  
Old 25 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2006
Location: Tallinn, Estonia
Posts: 1,048
As you will see in the thread that was linked in earlier on by another member, some love T-boxes, other hate them and a few in between.

Personally, I think they are a good piece of storage, and I have not experienced problems having one. Those against have cited looks and instability as well as possible strain on the subframe over rough terrain as two main reasons against.

Looks is a personal issue, but my take on this is that I will fit something to my bike for purpose first and consider looks second. If I need it and it fits the bill, I fit it. As for weight and stability, I was on a heavy bike for our last overland trip and we were two up. A packed top-box is less noticeably when you are already carrying another human being on the back.
If it is empty, I doubt you will know it is there, unless you are cruising at a 120mph on the autobahn.

Personally, I say go for it if you feel it would satisfy a purpose on your trip.
__________________
Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)
Reply With Quote
  #7  
Old 25 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
Make Your Own
I made a top box out of two cut down plastic milk crates lined with thin sheet alloy with a hinged lid and lock.Sprayed black to match my V-Strom, I only paid for some tie downs from a boat yard and a cool bag that fitted just right inside to keep things dry.
My main concern was security not looks and I don't think you can get much cheaper. I went for a ride and tested it up to 160 klms per hr without any wobbles, in fact the only thing I noticed was a whistle after about 100kph but that might go when I get my tent and sleeping roll strapped to the seat.
When I get back home I can undo the four bolts and off it comes (you can only get at them from inside the box) then someone else can have it.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #8  
Old 25 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: West Yorkshire UK
Posts: 1,785
Quote:
Originally Posted by Dessertstrom View Post
I made a top box out of two cut down plastic milk crates lined with thin sheet alloy with a hinged lid and lock.Sprayed black to match my V-Strom, I only paid for some tie downs from a boat yard and a cool bag that fitted just right inside to keep things dry.
My main concern was security not looks and I don't think you can get much cheaper. I went for a ride and tested it up to 160 klms per hr without any wobbles, in fact the only thing I noticed was a whistle after about 100kph but that might go when I get my tent and sleeping roll strapped to the seat.
When I get back home I can undo the four bolts and off it comes (you can only get at them from inside the box) then someone else can have it.
Cheers
Ian
I cut an ancient Russian 10 litre jerry can down the weld and fitted a catch and hinge. Looks like a dogs breakfast but is tough and the right shape. With foam fitted inside it makes a decent cocktail cabinet on shorter trips/rallys!

Andy
Reply With Quote
  #9  
Old 25 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Saudi Arabia
Posts: 173
My mate uses an old top box as a bread bin, ???? I wonder if you can use a bread bin for a top box.
Cheers
Ian
Reply With Quote
  #10  
Old 25 Apr 2008
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
I would personally ever have a topbox fitted if I was using hotels as opposed to camping, the pillion seat is for pillions NOT tent and sleeping bag, try putting your tent and 'bag' on the pillion seat then try getting on and off the bike a few times then you will see what I mean.
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #11  
Old 26 Apr 2008
royzx7r's Avatar
Contributing Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: Liverpool UK
Posts: 225
Whats all the problem with trying to get on your bike when a topbox or tail pack is fitted to back seat anyway??

With the bike leaning towards you on the side stand, hold the bars and put your left foot on the footpeg and just climb aboard...easy!

Ive had my bike fully laden and mounting the bike this way never causes me any problems kicking stuff.

Hope this helps
Roy
__________________
"Whats in that thing??", An R1 owner said.
Reply With Quote
  #12  
Old 26 Apr 2008
Registered Users
HUBB regular
  
Join Date: Aug 2007
Location: Vienna
Posts: 64
Quote:
Originally Posted by royzx7r View Post
Whats all the problem with trying to get on your bike when a topbox or tail pack is fitted to back seat anyway??
right,no problem, and a benefit for my back



my xt, fully packed and ready for a trip to india
ps: somewhere on this 17.000km trip,the subframe broke.
i noticed it at first, when i was going to ship back the bike from Delhi.
so maybe it happened,when my bike was sent from Goa to Delhi by train (hundreds of parcels were lying on my bike )
__________________
http://biketoindia.blogspot.com
Reply With Quote
  #13  
Old 26 Apr 2008
palace15's Avatar
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: LONDONISTAN, England
Posts: 1,034
Are you serious about this ?
__________________
'He who laughs last, was too slow to get the joke'
Never confuse the map with the journey.
Reply With Quote
  #14  
Old 26 Apr 2008
baswacky's Avatar
Gold Member
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2002
Posts: 127
So which bag is the kitchen sink in?

baswacky.
Reply With Quote
  #15  
Old 26 Apr 2008
Registered Users
Veteran HUBBer
  
Join Date: Mar 2007
Location: UK
Posts: 4,343
Question
Quote:
Originally Posted by hekoheko View Post



the subframe broke.
)
That seems quite understandable: what did that load weigh?
__________________
Dave
Reply With Quote
Reply
Page 1 of 2 1 2

« Previous Thread | Next Thread »

Currently Active Users Viewing This Thread: 1 (0 Registered Users and/or Members and 1 guests)
 
Thread Tools
Display Modes
Linear Mode Linear Mode

Posting Rules
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
BB code is On
Smilies are On
[IMG] code is On
HTML code is Off
Trackbacks are On
Pingbacks are On
Refbacks are On

Similar Threads
Thread Thread Starter Forum Replies Last Post
Is this a good idea? Forsellini SOUTH AMERICA 4 28 Feb 2008 20:21
Good idea or dumb idea? glendavidshort Trip Paperwork 0 9 Jun 2003 12:41
2- Way Radio's (good idea or not??) Roofracks Communications 3 9 Feb 2002 07:19
Shorty wants to know if XT is a good idea karter257 Yamaha Tech 5 28 Apr 2001 04:49

 
 

Announcements

Thinking about traveling? Not sure about the whole thing? Watch the HU Achievable Dream Video Trailers and then get ALL the information you need to get inspired and learn how to travel anywhere in the world!

Have YOU ever wondered who has ridden around the world? We did too - and now here's the list of Circumnavigators!
Check it out now, and add your information if we didn't find you.

Next HU Eventscalendar

HU Event and other updates on the HUBB Forum "Traveller's Advisories" thread.
ALL Dates subject to change.

2024:

Add yourself to the Updates List for each event!

Questions about an event? Ask here

HUBBUK: info

See all event details

 
World's most listened to Adventure Motorbike Show!
Check the RAW segments; Grant, your HU host is on every month!
Episodes below to listen to while you, err, pretend to do something or other...

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

2020 Edition of Chris Scott's Adventure Motorcycling Handbook.

"Ultimate global guide for red-blooded bikers planning overseas exploration. Covers choice & preparation of best bike, shipping overseas, baggage design, riding techniques, travel health, visas, documentation, safety and useful addresses." Recommended. (Grant)



Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance.

Ripcord Rescue Travel Insurance™ combines into a single integrated program the best evacuation and rescue with the premier travel insurance coverages designed for adventurers.

Led by special operations veterans, Stanford Medicine affiliated physicians, paramedics and other travel experts, Ripcord is perfect for adventure seekers, climbers, skiers, sports enthusiasts, hunters, international travelers, humanitarian efforts, expeditions and more.

Ripcord travel protection is now available for ALL nationalities, and travel is covered on motorcycles of all sizes!


 

What others say about HU...

"This site is the BIBLE for international bike travelers." Greg, Australia

"Thank you! The web site, The travels, The insight, The inspiration, Everything, just thanks." Colin, UK

"My friend and I are planning a trip from Singapore to England... We found (the HU) site invaluable as an aid to planning and have based a lot of our purchases (bikes, riding gear, etc.) on what we have learned from this site." Phil, Australia

"I for one always had an adventurous spirit, but you and Susan lit the fire for my trip and I'll be forever grateful for what you two do to inspire others to just do it." Brent, USA

"Your website is a mecca of valuable information and the (video) series is informative, entertaining, and inspiring!" Jennifer, Canada

"Your worldwide organisation and events are the Go To places to for all serious touring and aspiring touring bikers." Trevor, South Africa

"This is the answer to all my questions." Haydn, Australia

"Keep going the excellent work you are doing for Horizons Unlimited - I love it!" Thomas, Germany

Lots more comments here!



Five books by Graham Field!

Diaries of a compulsive traveller
by Graham Field
Book, eBook, Audiobook

"A compelling, honest, inspiring and entertaining writing style with a built-in feel-good factor" Get them NOW from the authors' website and Amazon.com, Amazon.ca, Amazon.co.uk.



Back Road Map Books and Backroad GPS Maps for all of Canada - a must have!

Your ad could be here, on EVERY page of the HUBB, or the whole website, or as many as you like!

New to Horizons Unlimited?

New to motorcycle travelling? New to the HU site? Confused? Too many options? It's really very simple - just 4 easy steps!

Horizons Unlimited was founded in 1997 by Grant and Susan Johnson following their journey around the world on a BMW R80G/S.

Susan and Grant Johnson Read more about Grant & Susan's story

Membership - help keep us going!

Horizons Unlimited is not a big multi-national company, just two people who love motorcycle travel and have grown what started as a hobby in 1997 into a full time job (usually 8-10 hours per day and 7 days a week) and a labour of love. To keep it going and a roof over our heads, we run events all over the world with the help of volunteers; we sell inspirational and informative DVDs; we have a few selected advertisers; and we make a small amount from memberships.

You don't have to be a Member to come to an HU meeting, access the website, or ask questions on the HUBB. What you get for your membership contribution is our sincere gratitude, good karma and knowing that you're helping to keep the motorcycle travel dream alive. Contributing Members and Gold Members do get additional features on the HUBB. Here's a list of all the Member benefits on the HUBB.



All times are GMT +1. The time now is 00:13.

Contact Us - Horizons Unlimited Motorcycle Travellers Website - Archive - Privacy Statement - Top