To top box or not to top box

JonT · Crazy Courier Joined: 06 Feb 2005 Karma :

I'm going to do a week touring Scotland in July so the question of luggage came up.

When I had my sv650 I used a Givi E52 top box (which I still have). However I have since sold my SV and replaced it with a FZ6N.

Since I still have the E52 top box I have considered getting the fitting rails + top plate so that I could put it on my 2006 FZ6N. However I can't figure out exactly which parts I would need to order.

I do have a rough idea and I think it would cost about £95 just to get the mounting kit!

At that price point I could probably buy higher capacity soft panniers.

Advantages to top box

1. Definitely water proof
2. Easy to remove and put back on again
3. Makes use of something I already have
4. Security when leaving the bike alone (wont really be a problem in rural Scotland though)

Disadvantages

1. Top boxes look bad
2. Even when removed (and after touring) the top plate would still be visible which doesn't look great either. (I doubt I would go to the effort to be removing the entire thing/refitting every time I switch from touring to normal use).
3. I might end up ordering the wrong fitting bits!

Advantages to panniers

1. Higher capacity
2. Look better
3. Can be _completely_ removed far easier

Disadvantages to panniers

1. They would sit very close to the underseat exhausts
2. Less secure
3. water proof?
4. Potential bottoming out on corners?

instigator · Super Spammer Joined: 19 Oct 2004 Karma :

The Shaggy D.A. · Super Spammer Joined: 12 Sep 2008 Karma :

G · The Voice of Reason Joined: 02 Feb 2002 Karma :

I've got a top-box on my zx9 for daily-use which is a hell of a lot nicer for filtering than the panniers on my KTM, which made it over 1m wide!
They do hold a decent amount though, which is nice Smile

.

And, erm, stop being a tart ... bikes are for riding Razz

.

funmonkee · Super Spammer Joined: 27 May 2004 Karma :

Took the 'busa to France earlier in the month. Topbox is good for security. Notice I had a tank bag for clothes, and a small rucksack for beer etc Thumbs Up

I kept tools and shoes in the topbox Thumbs Up

I don't think it looks that bad...

https://i133.photobucket.com/albums/q73/funmonkee/europe%202009/IMG_0091.jpg
____________________
**** Don't ride faster than your angel can fly Get this Free Space
The democratically elected Mod of the Scottish Section - The Peoples Choice[b]