Depends on the use case. I often use my 1250GS to run errands in the city. A top box is great in this case as it doesn’t add to the width of the bike, lets me store my helmet when I”m off the bike, gives me decent storage to get groceries etc and provides a backrest should I have passenger. It transforms the bike from a toy to a real daily driver.
Exactly what I use my GIVI Outback Trekker 42L for and long trips. But, Pavlin is correct in pointing out it is very easy to overload the topbox which causes structural issues. I'm very careful about what goes in it on long trips. It's invariably light stuff like a hat, nutritional bars, tubeless puncture kit etc. Then I use it to store my jacket and helmet when I stop somewhere on long trips.
I like tank bag for handy items such as gloves,tool,phone etc. Top-box I don't like but prefer strapping bags for bulky items such as shopping or travel-gear.
I agree. I have both but use the tank bag more. I have one that locks onto the bike and I also put a camel back bladder in it, the tube comes out between the zip closers and with a short hose i can hydrate on the go as i use a modular helmet. That's been reason enough to take it whilst riding in sweltering conditions.
Givi aluminium outback trekker top box for me. If a bikes designed to carry a 50 kg plus pillion, it can easily handle a top box ! It was brilliant for a three month wild camping trip around Scandinavia last summer, which included a lot of forest roads and trails. I don’t like a big tank bag cramping me in the riding position and I wear a smallish waist bag for quickly accessible items. Also I don’t want to carry around a bulky tank bag whenever I’m off the bike. A well made rack system engineered specifically for your bike with a good quality box should not just snap off or be a problem. I noticed your friends setup was home made, no surprise it broke. Enjoyed your video , still got a thumbs up ! Peace man ✌🏻
Both have their uses. With management on the bike she insists on a back rest - fair enough. But my preference is to keep the weight in front of the rear axle. Ride safe
I hope the mount is solid enough for back-rest purpose, we don‘t want to lose her with the topcase, especially if the topcase carries the purse with the credit cards. ;-)
It is very important that the topbox is fastened properly with 0 play. If it has any play it will magnify that clearance on a washboard road and cause stress failure. Keep only light items in top box . Have used one for many many years with no issues. I also use a small tank bag for convenience of items used often
With experience comes wisdom. You are always so generous in sharing both with your followers. You always prove that there is no such thing as one size fits all.
On a 1st gen Hayabusa I've used a tall tank bag, centralizing my load while placing a 4.5 gal fuel cell mounted in the pillion region; the cell is baffled and foamed to minimize slosh. Long haul IBA
As always Pavlin, another thought provoking video challenging my choices! So, I prefer both! But, my riding is generally confined to mostly paved roads. But.........on my adventure bike, no top box for all of the reasons stated. I prefer a top box when traveling cross country because, yes, in spite of all your sound advice and admonitions, I do carry too much stuff, hence the top box. Completely agree with your comment regarding over all performance as at high speeds, very noticeable. Thank you again! Pretty cold here in Oregon, counting the days! Take care my friend! Dave
@Pavlin ... Well said and 100% agree. Top-boxes are the biggest inducer of speed wobbles, have no benefit in my mind over a tank bag and in my case, being a bit old and "Arthritic" if I had one on my XT660Z i would never be able to get off
I have both a small givi top box and a magnetic tank bag, I mix and match depending on what I will be doing. If I have the top box on it will have a small first aid kit and a one piece waterproof inside with enough room to keep my helmet and gloves if I need to leave the bike for a short time. The tank bag has a small oxford tool kit, my mobile phone, thermal liner gloves, neck buff/balaclava, micro fibre cloth, ear plugs, cap, wallet, snacks, power pack and charging cables. I could quite easily just ride without either and use my pockets. 9 times out of 10 I remove the top box and just use my tank bag. I like to have both and like you say pro's and con's to both.
Your way of loading the bike is indeed correct and tested.......after many kilometres 👍 Anyway, let's add my "thing" if I may, because I believe it still depends on many parameters what to choose... Top box is the safest way to store things on a motorcycle, even if someone knows how to brake the lock. Bags made out of soft materials are to be considered "lost", especially in metropols. Sure aerodynamics and weight distribution, change with anything we put on a motorcycle (windscreen, bags, mud guard etc), so we have to adapt. A rear rack with an metal plate, made of good materials, should handle most situations. See, people are buying cheap plastic plates and even loosing topboxes on the highway! As for the tankbag I went for one with a tanklock. More practical and doesn't scratch the tank 😉 ...you have to be able to choose, between different configurations, matching any trip.
Also a bag can just pe grabbed, which is not as easy with a top box. It needs to be broken to get it, or get inside it, which might take a couple of minutes and bring attention. Also, if the manufacturer puts a rack on the bike, designer to fit a big topbox, I might think they thought this through. The tank bag is convenient in the sense that it's easy accessible, without dismounting and you can easily take it with you, but this also means you can't leave it unattended, not even for a minute. I conclusion, each has its use case, and it shouldn't be a question of "tankbag OR topbox" but rather "when tankbag/when topbox". Cheers
Any luggage or extra weight you add to a motorcycle is best kept between the axles so a top box is not a good idea, bit like hard panniers normally sit further back than soft panniers, low and as far forward as possible is the aim at the rear and running a tank bag can offset some of the weight by moving it to the front to improve the front rear balance. A soft bag mounted to the pillion seat is a much better option, as you said Pavlin engineers try to get the balance of a bike the best they can, why try mess with it.
An interesting topic. In my opinion, the top boxes and side panniers that come with the bike from the factory are supposed to be of high quality that do not affect the balance and are not easily broken. Thanks for the video
I had a plastic bottle of water snugly wrapped in among my clothes in a top box. At the end of the ride, which was very rough and bumpy, I had an empty 2 litre water bottle and a lot of wet clothes.
I use a mixture of all storage options. 1. City commuting/Grocery - Topbox, Hard Panniers, Tankbag 2. Long Rides or With Offroad - Saddlebags, Tailbags, Tankbags Best of both worlds my man
I love the front trunk of my NC750X, fits my day pack while riding, then my full-face helmet when leaving the bike. But soft luggage is definitely more forgiving... Safe riding, thanks for another interesting video!
I use my topbox on black top riding and my soft luggage everywhere else. I already have pannier frames and rear plates so it is easy to swap in 1 minute. If the top box is not appropriately mounted it will pop open or do damage to frame work. Most topboxes are only rated to 5kg. If overloaded snappo. Great review Palvin.
I use a topcase on my scooter. Very convenient. A tankbag on any motorbike, because of weight distribution. The less you take with you the smaller your bags can be - which is a big plus while cornering or riding offroad. I don't like rucksacks (weight, falling down), except my Camelbak for carrying 3 liters of water. Cheers, Günter/Nürnberg
Long time ago I made extended trips with my bike (for example crossing big parts of Africa). At that time my tank bag it was big, big, big (perhaps it was called Elefantenboy?). There almost an entire house fitted inside. Comfortable it was not really. But a small tank bag like it was presented by you is probably something esential for long range adventure trips. I personally would have then in the back a more or less water proved soft luggage roll with perhaps even a big backpack inside for hiking tours. But for sure everybody has her / his own favourits.
Great vid makes seance personally box for local city use tank bag can be nuisance but agree with pros/cons givi boxs are stronger than you think and tip allways put strap around it
Great video, as usual. The Mosko Moto tank bag is used on my off-road bike and street bike because of the water bladder that I am constantly sucking on in the heat of the summer, plus the window on top is handy for paper maps. Yes these bags are pricey, but it is absolute quality in every detail. Buy once. cry once. The Hepco & Becker top box is used only on the back of the street bike when I am riding two up because it gives my passenger a back rest with a more comfortable riding experience. We generally have only light quick grab items in there. The H&B are expensive as well, but the quality is NOT there to justify their cost. Bought the top box with the frame to fit my street bike plus two panniers online sight unseen and I have to say I have total buyers remorse on that purchase. One thing to think about. On most bikes the TOTAL rating for the tail is around 10kg (22 lbs) or so. I, like many others, have been guilty of overloading the top box and, because of the geometry the top box hangs past the rear axle, this WILL lighten the front tire causing a possible unsafe riding condition.
50 000km on my old restored Transalp 1987 in the last 5 years. 50% off-road. All with GIVI top box. Falls? Yes.... Scratches, no breaks. By the way, Yamaha and all the others made the bikes ready for loading a rear rack AND a passenger. Come on guys. Yes I feel it. But getting to stuff I need in the rain or any other time is immediate, no undoing anything. Will do the same on my 901 next month when I get the bike. Good riding season to all.
Thanks once again for your qualified discussion of this topic Pavlin. Where we place the weight on these bikes can really affect how they ride (particularly off-road) which - let's face it - is the reason we do this in the first place. For the ride! Unfortunate that the Yamaha has that type of fuel cap, as it isn't ideal for the tank bag. At least the Honda has a flush cap. I would still prefer the type of tankbag with a clear panel, as you previously used, as I still tend to rely on paper maps for the most part. I have a GPS, with all its wonders and shortcomings, but have travelled mostly by paper maps for well over 50 years now. One reported 'con' with the magnetic type tank bags is that they may scratch the paint a little, but in 'adventure mode' we shouldn't be too precious about this. But once again, I find myself in total agreement with your view of these matters. I have been minimising the weight of my bikes and gear for many decades at this point, and have always avoided having too much weight placed behind the rear axle for all the reasons you mentiion. A duffel-type bag on the rear seat is preferable, being flexible (and lighter) like other soft luggage. I often use a backpack, as that doesn't weigh down the actual bike, and moves with you. And your largely unbiased opinions would be best described as 'objective', rather than 'subjective' (if I heard you correctly). (Subjective is roughly the opposite of objective, and implies that you are affected by biases or preconceptions). I only mention this as your English is quite excellent, and quite sophisticated, for the most part. Much better than my Bulgarian! Like your commonsense (which is often said to be not that common!) it is very easy to listen to. Thank you.
I'm using plastic top box from shad with 38 liters and in my case this works perfect. I have it on my middleweight bike 500 class. Mostly I use bike for commuting, city ride, sometimes longer one day ride's. On the stop's I have place where I leave helmet and gloves at the same time I remove my u-lock to secure the bike. On the rides I have inside only some light weight gear like second gloves, gear to secure a bike, small emergency kit for tyres, small light portable tyres compressor, on longer rides some light camping gear like titan cooking set, other light small things. For me this works perfectly. It's light and aerodynamic (round and light plastic is for me better than heavier, non aerodynamic, and lot more expensive aluminum top box. In my opinion top box can be very useful when you choose and use wisely.
my top case is essential, and nearly empty ! i use it only to store helmet and jacket during stops. eventually there is inside rain's stuff, and some shoes for touristic halt.
Tank bag for me. I have one that can be extended so big that it fits way more stuff than the plastic box in this video. Of course I never use it fully extended because I wouldn't see anything behind it, but good to have that option. It is better to have the center of gravity higher between my arms than higher behind my back that makes the balance worse and pulls the front of the bike upwards.
I know a guy who had his Givi top-box frame break off. He set it well back and the vibration caused fatigue. You cannot swing you leg over and I personally hate them .
In my case Pavlin , you are preaching to the converted. The more trips I do the less thnigs I carry. In fact now on proper off-road trips that I do in pakistan, I no longer use my 250cc adventure bike, instead I have converted my Yamaha YBR125 to 200cc with an engine swap and it will now climb any incline at the high altitudes that we have. I use a small tank bag for my camera and a half empty 60l bag on the bak seat. It is more than enough.
Tank bag for me. I’m riding not caravanning. I don’t even camp off my t7 as it’s too difficult to carry a firearm, bow or fishing rod. I’ve got hard and soft luggage but loading it up is like dancing with a large lady that’s carrying meals for 3 days. I ride a lot of off road at a reasonable pace.
For me a top box is a given as I ride a full dresser that comes with a built in tourpack. I don't really keep anything in the tourpack while riding, I use it as space to lock helmet and jacket up when off the bike for any length of time. I use the tank bag for storage or easily accessed items such as lip balm, sunscreen, phone and hard candies. Other than the phone I don't stress over those items growing legs and walking off. I'd be pissed off but they are easy to replace. If I was traveling off road on another bike I would ditch the top box for many of the reasons you mentioned.
I ride a VStrom 1000XT. During 68,000 km (42,000 miles) of riding I’ve experimented with riding with both a tank bag and top box on multi-day trips in addition to my pannier bags (also without either). My preference is NO tank bag and a top box. My top box is a Shad 45L. I typically carry things that I want for ready access. I carry snacks/water to alleviate lunch stops. Also carry a first aid kit, tire plug kit, air pump, hat, goretex over pants, waterproof gloves, and layers if needed. The top box is typically less than half full. I could get by without the top box but like the convenience. The biggest negative about it is that it lets you carry more stuff. The same for a tank bag. At first I liked the tank bag but found it is less secure on stops - easy for someone to walk off with it. The tank bag also lengthened fuel stops. In the end I found I just didn’t need it. The top box was far superior. For reference I ride mostly paved roads and good quality unpaved roads. The only time I ride without the top box is when I have a need to carry extra fuel. In that case, I replace the top box with a Rotopax (6L or 1.5 gallons) and I put a tail bag on top of the Rotopax.
Wrong aerodynamics?! Well we drivers sitting on a motorcycle impacts already the aerodynamics ;) it has impact on the weight distribution however to be honest adventure style motorcycles don’t matter much. Having a soft bag behind can have similar effect. It is a dilemma and no clear winner. It all depends on the use cases. Thanks for the insights. Helpful as always :)
Top Box is for me, coupled with a waterproof panier bag secured to the pavillion seat gives me easy space to throw fragile items (pastries, locally brought food etc) in the box along with a power socket for charging my devices. I have a large plastic tank also which does'nt help.
I absolutely dislike a top box. Take A Lot sells a seat bag in 3 different sizes in my country. Same as a tank bag but it is tailored to fit on your seat behind you. I prefer that much more. 🆒😎🤘!
There are also very solid tang bags that don't use straps to connect to the motorcycle with rings and can lock into place + put some locks on the zippers......But they are heavier, expensiver. But I use mine as a chest rest and ride for hundred of kilometers without even feeling any problems, and it fits almost eveything I need for a 2 day trip, even a 3 day trip..... Con is it's the size of a helmet :)) I also love a very good tank bag and side mounted bags/bag on the tail.....best way to travel.......Although you need to be more carefull where you leave your bike, because bags can get cut with a knife faster than aluminium....
Great video! I think you kinda got aerodynamics and weight distrobution messup around 11:00. The top box definetle worcens the aerodynamics of a bike. But so does a tank bag. YEs teh tank bag is usually hiden behind the windshield but the top case is hidden behind the rider. And as the rider is the biggest aerodynamic disruption on the bike a top box won`t produce any significant drag or disturbance compared to the rider. But any way from your expalnation I think you were reffering to the weight distribution and there your point ware valid.
Both top case & tank bag , but no big square metal boxes or hard panniers . If more storage is needed a soft water proof roll tote bag bungeed across the rear seat against a plastic givi type clip off top case . If you bust your top case lock ,you fix a hasp & staple & pad lock to case ,or wrap a cable net lock around it & rear rack. My rear rack comes as standard with bike & can take 15 kg ,the givi box is about 3 kg recommended to take 3 •5 kg ,I only put about 3 kg in it ,so have a good safety weight margin . The broken rack on that bike is a light sports rack ,with no extra bracing ,which is not meant to take the weight of a top box & contents , probably only meant to take about 3 kgs max .
What about soft top boxes? I was considering just this, as you have rightly pointed out that hard top boxes secured to our bikes will fail eventually but a soft top box tied down with secure pac mesh. I will need a top box of some kind, because my wife will fly out to join me every few months and without a backrest for her and extra space.
I had a 50liter topbox on my motorcycle but when its loaded and there is strong winds it becomes dangerous and the motorcycle doesnt handle well. I switched to soft luggage and never going back.
Wish i could use a tank bag, convenient, but i hate it being in my way to move forward. I use saddle horn bags on sides of my tank instead myself. I do use a shallow tail box but it's left mostly empty except for the nights food/beverage, usually end of day load.. For me, great setup
Depends on the trip. For on-road trips, top box is not really a problem, especially if you enjoy your trip at lower speeds. Even hard panniers have their purpose, when you travel on the tarmac. Wehn you go off-road, a top box and hard panniers are a burden, add weight and drag and possibly wobble to the bike, and they are prone to either breaking off the bike or breaking the mounts or the subframe, especially if your offroading gets a little rougher. Then the solution is soft luggage, well strapped and secured, either in the back or in the front, as you show with the tank bag. Personally I do not use tank bags, and I don't really find any practical use for them, because I don't do things while I ride and I don't need ready access to anything. Of course, I haven't been on trips longer than 6-7 hours from "civilisation" and never abroad - yet. So maybe my experience is limited. I have to point out that I don't drink a lot of water because then I need to stop very often for nature calls and I don't record my trips via cameras, so the only think I'd do on a long trip is have a cigarette break every couple of hours and maybe a couple of sips from a plastic bottle, even when offroading in the summer with 40C+ temperatures. But then you've stopped anyway, and you've gotten off your bike, so you can open your duffel bag in the bag and take what you need. Nevertheless, I've got many friends who do use tank bags and they consider them very convenient, eacch for their own purposes. Thanks again, Pavlin, for sharing your insight and experience!
I Agree with all your assessments but dislike top boxes or anything at the rear that encourages pillion passengers to lean backwards and thus front feel lighter
I always travel with 1 big waterproof bag on the back seat of the motorcycle or on the rack (with stuff I only need when I arrive at the Hotel or my destination). And I use a Tank bag for all the small stuff I want to access quickly (Small snacks, Water, Map, Camera etc.). I will never ever travel with a top case in long distance. I had a Topcase one time and I crashed the bike (lowside at around 30kmh or 40kmh). The Motorcycle wasnt badly damaged. But the topcase was not usable as the plastic broke in half. Imagine your topcase breaks in the middle of nowhere on a long trip and you must put your stuff from the topcase to your other bags which are already full. Yeah im not risking it.
I hate hard luggage. I travel very light (maximum 12 kgs) and around 30% of my luggage weight is tubes and tools to change them. I am now planning to buy the new Himalayan which will have optional tibeless spoke rims and i can drop the tubes/tools and drop the weight even further.
I like having the touratech top case on my r1200gs mainly to put my helmet in, when off the bike. However I did notice that it catches the wind and moves the bike around. So lately I leave the top case off on trips and use waterproof duffels. Been thinking about a Mosko Moto 30 liter duffel for trips
The other advantage I I found with tank bags is the fact that it makes the bike a little bit lighter by removing a little paint from the gas tank every time you use it. And I must say by looking at the average rider, nobody seems to care if their bike stays in good shape aesthetically. I prefer my bike to stay scratch free so that’s why I use a top box that doesn’t touch any painted surfaces.
Applications are different. Top Box is ok when commuting within the city. For long trips with off road trails involved, tank bag is a better option but only if it doesn't compromise handling when riding in standing position.
i bought my ktm 890 with a top box from day 1.. wanted to look cool like all the GS bikes.. first offroad trip i fell and the top box corner hit me right in the spine.. it hurt for 3 weeks.. since then i've only used a tank bag from Enduristan which is extendable if i need more water or food on a trip.. and it feels so much safer and better and lighter!
after finding out that my alu topbox on my GS, empty, weighted more than the stuff i put in it and a few cross winds and motorway sketchy moments, i havent used a topbox. Soft luggage for the win hands down.
@@motorcycleadventures great. Here i was panicking at 12k miles. I assume your bike been running fine so far? You need plenty of tea and patience to get to them. If you make a video, it would be awesome as it is one of the worst access points for spark plugs!
Hi Pavlin, Like usual great video, I really love how you explain everything, and leave it to everyone to choose the best option which suits you! Want to ask you something from your latest trip to Magadan. What currency you have in Russia 🇷🇺 except rubles, I sow how you take the money from ATM in SperBank. Is it possible to use Visa, Mastercard or other cards from European Banks , or cash 💸 in what currency is good to have it. Sorry for questions not related to this video, much appreciated if you have time to reply or advise. Igor
I also not like topboxes. For the reasons you already adressed. When going even slightly offroad the topbox constantly get a bashing. It will break no matter what. But i also do not even like hardcases on the sides. A bike needs to stay the same as possible can. On some bikes hardcases are even dangerous to use. Like the ktm 1190r. Above 140 kph you can get a tankslap easily. And then you could die. Luggage is not so innocent as people think. What is that material on you saddle is being called ? Heard good things about it from riders a did meet in Georgia. They used it also.
@@motorcycleadventures Thank you. Tried so many things for my ass. A sheepskin worked the best. But still not able to ride 8 hours painfree. I will search for it and order it. Need to try it.
Topcase: NEVER unless on a Full-Dresser big american tourer for a 2-people setup. Instead use a saddle-bag or dry-bag solution or a mix of that, similar to the reckless system of Mosko-Moto - there are cheaper versions - not all with quality. The cheapest quality solution that worked 28 years for me was a simple very rugged Ortlieb dry bag, or 2, not the flimsy versions. Ok, I can see the pizza-boy delivery or urban transport scenario for the people, but nothing else to me. Especially not Camera Gear. Camera gear belongs in front of me where I have direct access and where it‘s most next to the center of gravity, instead of bouncing around at the extremities of my bike. Tankbag: if necessary, always. To me there are 3 types I chose based on the tour and bike used: 1. classic rugged big = Harro Elefantenboy (I have that and used it for 30 years, only for big tank classic naked bikes) It‘s fairly waterprotected (no issues in multi-hours rain) if treated by a decent hydroprotect spray before the tour and for riding weeks in deep rain, I suggest to get the rain-cover. 2. modern organized bladder free access = Mosko Moto Nomad/Nomax (I have that and used it for 2 major tours, it collects wasps and big flying object like no other and is not fully hard-core rain water-proof even with the shower-cape it comes with, but is universally useable, even as a backpack if you‘re organised and keep the organisation along the trip, so all is at the right place) 3. modern small waterproof = Enduristan/Mosko Moto (I don‘t have them, yet, and typically I don‘t like them because they‘re too small and another item I have to carry around and can‘t leave on the bike, but bikes without quick-access bag/luggage require some little bag, so it makes sense). This is the ONLY one I would use for off-road riding across streams, big muddy puddles or anything. I do not understand why people believe the Nomad/Nomax is any good for hard off-road in mixed conditions, just dump it sideways into your toilet and you see what‘ll happen. All 3 can carry a Route-Notes, a Map, and/or your 2ndary phone (Neverever the primary, please!). The cons of the tankbag: - access to the tank, that‘s really really minor, clip - done and yes a pro for the topcase - durability? Really? My Mosko Nomad I ordered in US well before there was a Europe distribution has now what 5-6yrs and looks like new, my Harro I have bought as a student - used, well used (like 60-70% good shape) and replaced it 3 years ago after 25+yrs yearly long-range travels with another used one, last edition from the late 90s? Cleaned it, re-foamed it and it shines in full strength like new. I know nobody that uses his topcase that long!!! Actually in Quality the soft version lasts much longer than a dead rattled topcase, cheap tankbags don‘t (i had one for 2 yrs, looked good, was crap). - safety? LOL, just like the tankbag you can enter any topcase flimsy lock as quick and simple with an average screwdriver or multitool, no pro/con between both. Now really important: - Nylon Straps damage your paint and surface, rather quickly, the edges bouncing and the flat sides rubbing, even micro-rubbing with and without dust/sand. Don‘t worry, they‘ll destroy the shine immediately if not more. Use Tape to protect the regions you mount them, replace the tape yearly or when necessary. - Rock-Straps and other flexy straps. These are great - for one thing only - quickly attach something lightweight (up to a 5L Gas-can) to your bike, some for even lesser items only. If you use them in the motorcycle-type (strong ones) for your main luggage, remember to not tie them down super-hefty, they live and work with the stretch, push them but not too hard. Important, replace them every 5 years, as the rubber gets slacky or can potentially rip apart, I noticed that already after 3 years. I have them as accessories today only for a jacket or something similar, or as rescue. I always use (and carry 1 long spare) very strong certified automotive/Logistics straps (no stretch at all with all my weight to it), I tie my stuff down very hard, it does not come loose (like the BS advertisers of the new gimmicky straps like to play them down, the crappy ones from the drugstore, yes, but they‘re sh t). In my experience my 270kg dropped bike falls on a backmounted drybag, slighly larger than the bike‘s core and it still didn‘t move, no shift, you can lift the bike with just pushing the strapped bag. The spare is for rescue, pulling the bike, being pulled, holding stuff, whatever, sometimes zip-ties, wire, duct tape doesn‘t do it.
Here in Ireland we call it a w@ncer box😂😂 so tank bag, but seriously a textile tail pack strapped on the pillion+soft panniers is what I use,,,ps:top box subframe killer
@@motorcycleadventures A tankbag is good for things that are easily accessible ... cash/documents etc. ... I use my topbox for other stuff and a space for my helmet. We all choose our own thing but for me it's always both.
I have a topbox,there i just put small stuff,food etc. on the passenger seat i have a kriega us30 bag and on my bag kriega hydropack 3,thats it. I hate tank bags
Givi Top Boxes are garbage my friend… they are the most wobbly in the whole industry. My BMW F650GS came with a Givi top box from original factory equipment. First thing I did was replacing it with a more rigid alternative (in my case: Hepco & Becker, as I already had H&B hard luggage for my other bikes) -> ever since: No wobble, bulletproof mounting and for street/pavement-only trips I only have to put the top box on the bike I ride and have all essentials with me: Tools, Tyre Repair Kit & Compressor, Hammock, Powerbank). But again: No matter the presumed rigidity, I remove the damn thing when going offroad, as it causes just too much punctual stress and disadvantageous torque at the rear of the bike.
Using a garbage tail box meant for scooters on adventure bike is not a wise decision period, it does not need justification. Meanwhile, a decent tail box from, say, Givi out of all your points will leave just one - weight. Otherwise: - it has decent Mul-T-Lock core, good luck opening it with screwdriver - the mechanism is solid enough to go through many years of abuse, probably more than zipper on your tank bag - mounting rack - if you don't cheap out - is not breaking ever. I'd rather believe that your swingarm bends than the rack breaks completely. - aerodynamics-wise - saying it as an engineer - you would've been right if there were no giant vertical thing IN FRONT of the tail box, called "rider".
The real, travel experience with top boxes taught many to leave them at home! Weight is already enough, but I will discuss the rest as well. Any lock could be open! Solid means different for different people and uses! If the rack doesn't break it will be the subframe, even worse! Just because you have the rider doesn't make things much better, if you are a top box lover, you should know already all the negatives. Thanks for your time and use whatever is good for you!
@motorcycleadventures I have around 100k miles of experience in all kinds of terrain in the US and Canada - and all of them are with the same Givi tail box, which follows me from bike to bike. The key to the subframe not breaking and center of gravity issues is being reasonable in what stiff and how much you load into it - after all, you're bit putting 7kg of stuff into the tank bag, do you? Just treat tail box as a bigger tank bag and it will work wonders. As to the "any lock could be open" - my tail box lock is harder to pick than my bike lock.
Top boxes are only good if and only if: 1. You are doing mostly road trips 2. You have a very heavy duty metal bracket that can hold up to 50kg static weight or up to 12 kgs under normal riding conditions. 3. You use plastic or hard plastic top box and not alloy metal boxes. Plastic is always lighter than any alloy. 4. You avoid potholes and aggressive riding on uneven road/offroad terrain as much as possible
Not a fan of the top box. Looks stupid. Top heavy. Let's you carry more junk than you really need. If you need all the garbage you should buy a car. Travel light as possible and you will go further than you can imagine.
poor presentation, I have the impression that it is forced by a MOSKO gadget, you probably expected more. If the customer can only afford a plastic bucket closed with a screwdriver and additionally tied with shoelaces, I doubt that he will consider buying good quality MOSKO products, drive safely🤘😎
Greetings Pablin from CDMX. I have been traveling by motorcycle to work daily for more than 12 years and at the beginning I already had 3 plastic boxes and the story always ended badly. They vibrate, they make a lot of noise, they break and the system fails. and all to carry my raincoats and rubber boots. Now I carry that in a small 10L dry bag and changed the boots for covers. I tied her with a net. The rest when I travel goes in a Tank Bag and another 20L waterproof bag that goes largely in the back seat and not in the tail. It drives better and I feel calmer without worries thanks to your advice from several years ago when you discussed the subject. Everything you say is true and happens. Take good care of yourself and receive a hug from your friend the Hairdresser Arturo.
I absolutely dislike a top box. Take A Lot sells a seat bag in 3 different sizes in my country. Same as a tank bag but it is tailored to fit on your seat behind you. I prefer that much more. 🆒😎🤘!
Rule of thumb: Top Box is perfectly fine and preferable if you ride exclusively on paved and well-maintained roads in civilized areas. Also, they can even benefit aerodynamics, depending on your overall fairing structure (happened to me on my 35 year old Kawasaki 1000cc in combination with my 110 kg torso 😅 -> creating a much smoother airflow) But for ANY OTHER TRIP: Go for the damn tankbag and horseshoe soft panniers! It reduces the load on the rear frame tremendously and distributes it much more evenly.
Sounds like excuses to me, instead of clearly placing your preference, that it makes total sense to you and that is absolutely fine, don‘t laugh those 110 are pretty common ai eros dynamics ;-) and I call them fluffy air flow, especially on seat heat level. ;-)
I have nothing against topcases, but I need to tell you about some hidden feature of every one; if you want something destroyed put it in your box without any filling so it can move freely and go explore some backroads 😅 🇵🇱🤚🇧🇬
Top box also makes difficult to get on the bike for us that do a ‘kickover’ to mount the bike (I avoid standing on the pegs to mount). Top box great for running to the store for a six pack, but otherwise would not recommend unless riding a cruiser/big brick on long trips. Hard luggage (panniers) also a bad idea for offroad riding (Lucky, just a bruise getting hit during a foot dab in the sand).
Good morning sir, tony here I'm riding since 14 years old, I'm 62 now I always have a top box never had a problem with it . I haven't done as many miles as you but I'm a very experienced motorcyclist swear by the top box wouldn't be without it
