Topboxes

[super-duper-moto]

Ok, before I start, I'm not having a go at anyone who uses a topbox!
I just wanted to say that everyday at work I see this same guy who works just down the road and rides a yzf r1. He uses a topbox and it infuriates me! It look ridiculous! I dont know if its the particular box or not but it looks shit!

I know they are useful and are sometimes a necessatie, so fair play to him, he dont care!

All I'm saying is that it looks shit on supersports and suchlike!

I dont know if its just me or if this pisses anyone else off, please post and let me know.

Chris
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Current bike: FZ6 Fazer (08) (2008)
Previous bikes: VFR400 (D) (1987), CG125 (Y) (2001), Gilera Runner 50cc ('05)

[iooi]

Why is it a problem ? Is it your bike ? Nope.

Leave the guy alone, its his choice.

We got to have something to carry our sandwiches in
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Just because my bike was A DIVVY, does not mean i am......

[Dazbo666]

My personal preference, I wouldn't use one - I prefer my magnetic tank bag
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1st bike (Sept'06 - May'10) : 1991 GPZ500S / Current bike (since Nov 2009) : 2003 Suzuki Bandit 600N
Word of the day : DILLIGAF

[Trixie]

It doesn't p1ss me off in the slightest.

That bike may be his only form of transport - so I can see why he would use a top box. So what if it doesn't go with the "sporty" image of the bike? A top box will be more practical than soft luggage (i.e. you can lock it and it's waterproof).

And even if the bike isn't his only form of transport, then why not again? It's his bike!
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Dead nobodies in company cars...

[krebsy]

Best thing I ever fitted to the Divvy and the ZZR (well, bar the replavement exhaust ) has been the rack and box on the back. Makes carting stuff around so much easier.

K.
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What's my New Year's resolution?

1280 x 1024.

[EuropeanNC30R...]

It's a well-known fact that the activity of fitting top boxes to sportsbikes goes hand in hand with loitering in public toilets.

[krebsy]

What about Sports-Tourers?

K.
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What's my New Year's resolution?

1280 x 1024.

[EuropeanNC30R...]

Hanging around in the viewing gallery of your local swimming baths, on OAP night.

[super-duper-moto]

[Hairy Ben]

Top boxes rarely look good on any bike..

But, the thing is, they're just so damn handy and useful you really don't care.
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...and thus true enlightenment is achieved.

I think, therefore I am... I ride a BMW, therefore I smell of wee...

[Mister James]

The trick is to make sure you already have an ugly bike, then the topbox stands every chance of actually improving the looks - as with my KLE.

I wouldn't be without mine, it means that I can ride to work with no rucksack, carrying my uniform and duty-belt in the 'box. When I get there, I take the kit out, and put my helmet/gloves/neckwarmer/earplugs in. It makes life a lot simpler, and eliminates the problem I used to have, of walking through the airlock and out into the car park; only to discover I'd left my gloves and helmet back in the locker room - through 4 remotely locked doors.

Moral of the story? Top-boxes = teh win.
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>Soultrader Mister James, I bet you are a copper
>Bazza Wow. Eyes like a shithouse rat, you...

[LeeR]

Top boxes are very useful, but I agree that on a sportsbike they probably look "wrong". I stopped using mine as it's huge and creates weave so now I use a tank bag. However, when I go touring I use the topbox, panniers, and strap everthing else to the pillion seat.
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My claim to fame: Austin Vince nicked my pen...

[Chappy96]

Yes, they do look fairly shite on a sportsbike, but the positives outweigh the negatives by far......

I bought one for mine this year as I was sick of fannying around with a tailpack. The main problems being the bungees rubbing paintwork, and just the time it takes to fit one securely.

Whilst away this July with a group, the other four guys took what seemed like ages fitting their packs, with waterproof covers, errant bungees, etc.

Whereas there's me with my topbox, 'click' "well lads, I'm ready to go".

Yes, they look shite, but what the f#@* has it got to do with you!?

[distortion]

Yes i agree that they dont look right.

He might just haver the box on for work and take it off when he goes for a play at weekends.

[map]

Problem on a sports bike is a topbox can affect the handling. I think one of the mags (RiDe, BiKE, whatever) did something on this ages ago.

The recommendation was for panniers (hard or soft) and a tailpack if required.

Having said that the argument of practicality is very strong. Besides you're not actually looking at your bike while you ride it are you.

Plus I'd say topboxes are essential on some bikes. IMO your big tourer K series BMWs and the Goldwing actually look silly and out of proportion without them.

Oh, and yes I do have a topbox. I don't like carrying my helmet around. It's also useful for other stuff as well.


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