Fitting a briefcase to a rack

Samsbike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Karma :

I have a couple of old plastic briefcases. They are waterproof, lockable, slim and relatively lightweight.

I am intending on getting a rack to carry lunch, laptop to work (I can leave my helmet in the changing rooms).

Given that the briefcase is just smaller and I have small cc bike, cant I just drill a few holes and use it as a sort of top box?

Any reason why I shouldnt?

tom_e · Brolly Dolly Joined: 27 Feb 2016 Karma :

Can't see why not, I'd probably cut a sheet of metal or mdf or something to put in the bottom so you can bolt through that to spread the force of the bolts but apart from that I can't see you having any issues.

Samsbike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Karma :

Rogerborg · nimbA Joined: 26 Oct 2010 Karma :

You can take a fat lass on the back: a briefcase versus a decent sized top box is hardly an issue.

No reason not to use it if it's big enough though. If you don't need to remove it and aren't going to be carrying much in it, you can just cable tie it on. Washers will probably suffice to spread the load.
____________________
Biking is 1/20th as dangerous as horse riding.
GONE: HN125-8, LF-250B, GPz 305, GPZ 500S, Burgman 400 // RIDING: F650GS (800 twin), Royal Enfield Bullet Electra 500 AVL, Ninja 250R because racebike

Matt B · World Chat Champion Joined: 01 May 2012 Karma :

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

A top box might be a bit more waterproof along it's hinges etc, no other reason not to use the briefcase.

I'd steer clear of MDF though, it'll swell and eventually come apart in the rain.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.

Doink · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 20 May 2016 Karma :

If you're gonna fit something you might as well just fit a small top box, you can pick them up cheap.

As well as almost certainly leaking a briefcase bolted on to a motorbike will undoubtedly attract many shouts of "briefcase wanker" as you ride down the road.

Andy_Pagin · World Chat Champion Joined: 08 Nov 2010 Karma :

Any make/model of bike in particular?
I'm toying with the same idea for my Fazer. The grab handle bolts straight into the frame with two relatively massive bolts, so in theory I could weld up some tubing to slot into the bolt holes in place of the handle. Damn sight cheaper than a proper top box frame, and probably less hideous if it wasn't for the crappiness of my welding skills
____________________
They're coming to take me away, ho-ho, hee-hee, ha-haaa, hey-hey,
the men in white coats are coming to take me away.
Yamaha Vity -> YBR125 -> FZS600 Fazer -> FZ1-S Fazer

JoeDaStudd · Borekit Bruiser Joined: 01 Oct 2015 Karma :

Wouldn't like to say how waterproof they will be doing 30mph+ in the rain.

Grab a pressure washer and see how well they really hold up before you do anything.
Last thing you want is to spend cash and time fitting them only to find your lunch and laptop soaked during the first downpoor.

Samsbike · Nitrous Nuisance Joined: 16 Jan 2016 Karma :

Cheers I still need to get a rack. My issue is that although I have a givi monolock box it's huge and I just wanted something smaller. The box is heavy and I think the rack max weight limit is around 8lbs which is not a lot.

Also the bikes a 125 so I don't want it even slower than it already is.

c_dug · Super Spammer Joined: 04 Sep 2007 Karma :

Givi (and possibly other manufacturers) make single helmet sized top boxes, which are pretty small.

I'd be inclined to try and get my hands on a peli case instead of a briefcase, if you're really worried about size.
____________________
I am a bellend, I am a man of constant sorrow, I am a gummy bear, I am a rock.