TOP BOX PRACTICALITY

[picos mestizo]

I'm circuming to the practicallity of using a Top Box for Longish European touring.
I don't like the look of them but bow to their convenience of which there doesn't seem to be a soft alternative.
Light, Strong & Well made is the main criteria.
Doesn't need to be quick release.
Light I believe rules out the more serious RTW offerings.
So which do I buy?

[scubabiker]

i can strongly reccomend the one i have, i think its kappa? its light, pretty spacious, yet compact and you can kinda lash stuff to the top because there is a lip thing...

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it was on my moped when i bought it, but i moved it over to the VF last year and its been so useful i havent taken it off!

[Mad Hatter]

I got one of these for the dommie, fits my tent inside it, reasonably light and strong enough for me to use as a set before I fitted it, also has a flat top so you can always strap stuff to it (thumbs)

http://www.maplin.co.uk/p/large-high-im ... rior-n14gr

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[Nicoli]

I agree, I can't stand how they look but just can't deny the practicality of them.

I have a LEXTEC one:

[boristhebold]

I have a Givi 55 litre. Its huge but due to where the top box lives, that's irrelevent. Really practical, can fit th best part of a fortnights kit in and also a full face kid and some riding gear (not at the same time as a fortnights kit)
Like this one

[AndyB]

I prefer to concentrate on the size/shape of the box rather than weight. A lot of the plastic ones are more aerodynamic than a square aluminium one but you lose out because you always seem to have wasted space if you're using an inner bag so you can just lift it out and carry it into your room or tent.

Square boxes also make better seat (thumbs)

Make? You get what you pay for as in everything in life but a decent box lasts for years. Plenty of people will make you a bespoke aluminium box so you can specify luggage hooks on the top, small hooks inside the lid to hold a net for spare maps etc and I've even known people put a waterproof plug on the outside so you can lock phones etc inside and charge them while away from the bike.

[PaulinBont]

Peli Case? Or ask Roger to make you an Ard Case top box to your own dimensions?

[scubabiker]

also, i have a GS too, i can take a pic of the box on the back of it to give you an idea of how it will look if you want?

[zimtim]

Trifibre.co.uk
(thumbs)

[92kk k100lt 193214]

Many years back toured for a fortnight with only a top box and tank bag and everything fitted inside except for the tent.

I now put all in the panniers but only for getting to my destination. Just keeps weight lower and more forward.

Detachable top box is fantastic because if you are camping in rain just take it in the tent and everything comes out dry. Or, if you don't camp in rain it might be raining in the morning....so you pack everything dry. Or, use an inner bag but they never seem a perfect fit. I do use a sailing bag, inexpensive, 'presentable', thin, strong, waterproof even if you put in a puddle. While you are at it make sure it will take your helmet.

I travel with a friend who has a non removable top box and is thinking of a change for removable.

The advice re 'square' ones and wiring a plug is sound too.

Some elastic straps glued to the underside of the cover for documents are extremely useful.

The 'square' aluminium ones are great and can be used as a seat/table top, its just my top box came with the previous bike and I don't want to go buying full new pannier/top box kit.