I notice that a lot of people tour with panniers but not a topbox, I'm guessing this is because the panniers give you a larger load platform for tyres/tents etc than you would have with a topbox being there?

Am considering a topbox to give me somewhere secure to store my camera (I have Metal Mule panniers and rack already) on my XT600E and just want to consider the pros and cons before ordering one as they're not exactly cheap!

KISS.

Put the camera in a pannier .. that is secure!

A top box adds more weight .. higher up.

Me? .. the camera goes in the tank bag where I can get at it quick for those shots you have seconds to take.

If you have too much in the panniers consider a) less stuff. b) putting the expendables on top of the panniers {food?}

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Regards Frank Warner
motorcycles BMW R80 G/S 1981, BMW K11LT 1993, BMW K75 G/S

Hi,

I have TT 41lt Panniers, 31 topbox and 22lt BMW tank bag, my bike is totally stable riding at 95mph and I don't even notice the topbox as I like to keep the heavy stuff at the bottom of my panniers. As long as you put the lighter stuff like spare food drink maps n stuff in there no problems.

Bin the topbox or use it as sink at home

For smoooooth paved roads in Europe or N-America they are OK, but as soon as the going get's rough, it'll shake and vibrate like there is no tomorrow

It'll kill the top box carrier frame and/or rear subframe in a matter of time on the most bikes.

Good example is Long Way Round - I'm 90% certan it was the top boxes that played the most important roll killing the rear subframes. There are many examples with other different bikes as well. Aside of high load the subframes have to carry, if you put additional vibrations adding the non-elastic top box, it's the right solution of the equation for 'camel' to break it's 'backbone'.





Elastic waterproof luggage roll is the way to go - more room, it sits more low, better waterproofness than any top box (I've even sinked my roll completely underwater with no leaks) the mass is better distributed, better stability for the bike (it's "elasticly" suspensioned), it adds additional security when crashing (I use mostly soft stuff in the roll, clothes, sleeping bags etc that take lot of room, but have little weight - much better bike's maneuverability, unlike the heavy and high siting top box). They have volumes up to 90 liters and they cost virtually nothing, around 20-30EURos or so (seen any top boxes of that size and price?):

As said, if you stick on the smooth roads only, then top box will do as well.

And NEVER-EVER put an expensive laptop or other electronic devices or fragile stuff into top box if you're going on the rough roads for even just a little - I've had my lessons in the past, starting with blown s and stuff... :P

Tank bag is the most stable place I've found on the bike after solid side panniers. Top box is the most vibrating place. Thus I keep my camera in the tank bag + rain cover when raining, adding a bit additional foam between, so the lenses and camera body don't hit or scratch each other going through the bumps on the road. You'll have quick access to your camera when needed - you don't have to get off the bike even. Most of tank bags work as rucksacks too, so you can just zip it off and take all the tankbag with you on going to a photoshoot session. Convenient.

Ride safe! Margus

We needed a top box as were two up on our trip and we needed the space. Personally I had no issues with the topbox on the GS: it had my camera kit it in as well as camping gear. Not the best place, but the camera did not suffer and it was all locked, too. The top box also locked the panniers shut, too.

We had two panniers, a top box, a tank bag and two roll-bags over the panniers. Retrospectively, a ridiculous amount, but when prepping: your minimum is always less than you realise!
This got wittled down over the course of the trip as we realised that we did not need it all, leaving us with one half full roll bag, up over the top box. Not the best place, but the most convenient at the time.

I agree that packing light is a good plan (although you might not believe it when I packed for the trip). If we had not needed the box, it might well have stayed at home. That said, it doubled as a back rest for the other half!

Bottom line is we went on some pretty nasty surfaces and the GS survived, despite weighing over 450kg with riders and luggage. If you can do without, great, but I think you learn to adapt and it is a useful storage area: use if for lighter stuff perhaps, or stuff you use frequently, like sleeping bags, stove and food.

Consider your bike, and consider the frame strength and bike weight to see if the added weight will be a major disturbance to your ride, or a risk to the frame. Top-boxes do not have to be a 50ltr jobby: they can be small, too.

If you DO need it, just ride accordingly: it will not make your journey impossible.

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Adventure: it's an experience, not a style!
(so ride what you like, but ride it somewhere new!)

I agree wholeheartedly with Frank & Margus. Better use the space - even if you're two-up - for a luggage roll. The biggest rolls take 80L. Keep the camera in the tankbag for quick access.

IMHO the top box is also potentially dangerous in the case of an accident. Something soft behind you is safer. On rough terrain many people even prefer soft bags instead of metal panniers for safety reasons.

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Only when we pause to wonder
do we go beyond the limits of our little lives.
(Rod McKuen)