Top box recommendations?

[nzspokes]

Im thinking a top box would be a great idea. My bike has no storage at all. Just been looking at say a 25L or there abouts. Will take a bit to save up for one so have time to investigate. Thinking a Givi micro 2 would do it. Will wait to see what comes up on TM.

Are Givi ones worth the money or the cheap ones on TM ok?

Also I have a tall packrack, will it work with that? I would have thought the box would not open with it.

[Hitcher]

Remember that a Ventura pack rack and an RJays pack bag to go on it is also an option.

When it comes to hard luggage, cheap is as cheap does.

[nzspokes]

Remember that a Ventura pack rack and an RJays pack bag to go on it is also an option.

When it comes to hard luggage, cheap is as cheap does.

Ive got a Ventura rack, yes they made them for my old girl. Action wreckers had one.

I also got a cheap Ventura bag off TM, a bigger one. It seems to act like a sail and also flap around alot. I also cant lock it which I would like to do.

[Gremlin]

I prefer hard luggage over soft, but they have their pros and cons. Soft can be only as big as the stuff you have in it, hard is always the same size, and perhaps not as flexible for carrying things. Hard is generally waterproof and lockable, soft needs a cover at least, to have a chance of being waterproof.

As for brand, I use Givi, they're not the cheapest, but they are good quality. As for size, I guess you've found the correct model already. The one thing you have to sort out is how to mount it to the bike. Not sure if your bike had a mount kit made for it?

[Nasty]

I have used both hard and soft luggage ... prefer the hard luggage .. yes limited by size but gear is safe and locked away a little more than the soft. just really depends on the sort of trips you are doing. The pack racks (soft) are great for some trips and used the panniers (soft as well) could carry shit loads but was always worried about the cameras etc that i tended to carry.

Givi is a great brand for the hard luggage and Ventura for the soft. That being said I used oxford panniers and they were awesome ... but getting off the bike to cover when it starts raining was a pain.

[HenryDorsetCase]

Ive got a Givi top box on the scroter. Its really good. 36L maybe?

[nzspokes]

I prefer hard luggage over soft, but they have their pros and cons. Soft can be only as big as the stuff you have in it, hard is always the same size, and perhaps not as flexible for carrying things. Hard is generally waterproof and lockable, soft needs a cover at least, to have a chance of being waterproof.

As for brand, I use Givi, they're not the cheapest, but they are good quality. As for size, I guess you've found the correct model already. The one thing you have to sort out is how to mount it to the bike. Not sure if your bike had a mount kit made for it?

I can make a mount as i want it further in from the back of the bike, I think they can bolt to a ventura with the bar cut off which gives me options. Quality is my concern and want to be able to have something lockable for weekend pootles. I think for a weekend camping my soft panniers and a top box would work, just need a smaller sleeping bag. Tent can be folded into panniers. But dont want to big as bike struggles as it is.

[nzspokes]

Hmm, just looked up. The Givi Im looking at is not recommeded for speeds over 60kph. odd. They seem to be cheap on TM and thats probably why.

[Nasty]

Hmm, just looked up. The Givi Im looking at is not recommeded for speeds over 60kph. odd. They seem to be cheap on TM and thats probably why.

Interesting since it handles well at 130

[nzspokes]

Im struggling to see why the cheap TM dont have a speed rating and the Givis do.

[caspernz]

Im struggling to see why the cheap TM dont have a speed rating and the Givis do.

Givi probably has to cover their butt. Mind you, my GIVI topbox has a sticker which recommends 3 kg load limit and 120 km/h max speed. You can always buy cheap and take the risk you're getting something nasty...

[HenryDorsetCase]

Givi probably has to cover their butt. Mind you, my GIVI topbox has a sticker which recommends 3 kg load limit and 120 km/h max speed. You can always buy cheap and take the risk you're getting something nasty...

I've had WAY more than 3kg in mine, and it was fine. You can get nearly a weeks worth of groceries in it!

[caspernz]

Haha, yeah I agree that the 3 kg limit is a bit of a laugh. It's quite noticeable how adding weight, that far back and up high, makes the bike feel quite different. I can put maybe 10 kgs in the topbox, or a 60 kg long legged pillion and it has similar effects on handling. That said, I'd take the pillion anytime....oh hang on, different reasons, sorry.

[nzspokes]

So I put a very low autobid on a TM auction. I won it at a huge $18.50. Seems ok and I think it may have added a little value to the bike.

My next bike will get a Givi but for the next few months this will be fine.

Note the photo is not my best work.....

[geoffm]

I have a cheap, huge topbox from Cnell on trademe on my scooter, and the same on the S (using the Venura) pack rack brackets and a homemade adapter. They are great, hold lots, well enough made and excellent value. Keep an eye out for his $1 reserve auctions and you might get one for $20 like I did.