TOP BOX vs RACK

[Blues Traveler]

Have been giving thought to getting rid of my top box. Its always nice having a place to lock up my helmet and gloves. But it seems like im seeing more people using a single big gear bag across the rear of their bikes. One big bag that everything fits into including sleeping bag and tent. I have one friend who along with everything mention gets his Kermit chair and a full size pillow in one big ol' waterproff duffel. And somehow alway's seems to find room to stuff something else in there too. Looks clean and looks easier to pack.

Was wondering what everyone elses thoughts were on this and what they are using at this time. Have seen some great bags on my trips. Even those who are two-up have found these great U-shaped bags. The passenger sits in her own little comfort zone surounded by the bag. At some rally's I have even seen BMW K1200LT's and GoldWings with the topbox removed and a nice looking custom made rack inplace. Here's one I saw on an LT one day up at the Lookout on Ortega Hwy. Owner said it was from a Harley Road Kings topbox, was almost a direct bolt-on. I thought it looked great. Wish I could show you others. Maybe others here have taken pictures of settups they've seen and would like to share those pictures and ideas.

908

Has anyone else thought of doing away with there topbox? Maybe just for a trip? Seems to me you could carry more without it.

[Trekker]

I agree with the thinking that you could easily get more packed into a large waterproof duffle strapped on the rear seat & rack. The only reason I have a top box right now is the convience factor for daily use. That and it locks. And by strapping a bag on in-line with the bike (instead of across the seat) does not block any views in the mirrors. I could see myself changing my packing setup someday to just what your describing.

[Mellow]

Yeah, people always say, "You got that Wing, bet you can pack a lot of stuff on that thing". Truth is, no.. Sure, I can get a lot of loose little things all over the place but you are limited by the size of your trunk/saddlebags. The only real benefit is it's all lockable but most of the time when you are motocamping, your bike is right in front of you anyway..

You can get a lot more on a bike without a trunk or like the GS trunks where you aren't as concerned about scratching paint, you can pack a lot on top.

[mongo]

I also prefer no top case, lots more room. Turbo tom made a 6 inch lip on the front of my ST rack, I am making a pad on it for the wife now. I really don't think we could camp 2 up with a top case.

[Trailace]

I have a top box right now and I like the convenience of it and with the side bag most times its empty. I guess I need to bring more stuff with me.

[Motocentaur]

I used a big, yellow pvc rafting bag for years until I got a top box. I much prefer the top box for its ease of use and security. My tent minus the poles, sleeping bag, pillow, atlas, and some clothing items go in the top box. The tent poles are then rolled up in the sleeping pad, which goes on the back of the seat with the chair and tarp.

I used to shove the sleeping bag, tent, and pad into the rafting bag, but this became a problem if the tent became wet or dirty.

[motomac]

I use two bags. A big Helen 2 Wheels waterproof jobby and a not so waterproof medium Moto Fizz bag. I put the tent and Kermit chair in the Fizz bag and the sleeping gear and stuff I don't want wet in the H2W bag. The Fizz bag does have a condom that keeps the stuff dry so, it works well. When the SO is with me the Bunkhouse comes along and the tent stuff stays at home.

[DAD]

I like my top box (65 ltr) on and off in a snap. I do both depending on what I need to take and how long of trip. I see the pros and cons of both, but it's nice to have the security of the lockable metal box and its makes a nice back rest if needed. I just came back from a 2,800 mile trip and I wouldn't be without it on a long trip like that.:tent8:

[Blues Traveler]

I guess I didn't think about having a bigger topbox. 65 liters would sort of turn everything around. When I bought my 45 liter I thought it would be big enough. Guess i'll have to keep an eye out for a used 65 liter and give it a try.

Thanks DAD!

[DAD]

I guess I didn't think about having a bigger topbox. 65 liters would sort of turn everything around. When I bought my 45 liter I thought it would be big enough. Guess i'll have to keep an eye out for a used 65 liter and give it a try.

Thanks DAD!

You might give the folks at Micatech a call, I got mine as a Betta box, they are in the process of setting up to produce them I think this year, there great and can be mounted length wise "like mine" or sideways, they also have mounts so you can still have a rider on the back. I think that at this point they will only be available for GS's, good luck!:tent8:

[oldmanriver1951]

Having NOT used a top box for many years, and finally getting one to fit with the Ural?...I love the fact that I can lock up both helmets...along with the cardo scala rider units...and take some time to wander...or take in a movie...and not worry about them. Yeah...I know...cheap lock...if they want it...they'll steal it...but it seems much safer than cabling them like I used to...keeps 'em out of the weather...plus I can stuff a ton of stuff in the helmets overnight...out of the weather....

[Ironheadziggy76]

Ever thought of using both? Granted you can't put a lot of weight on top of a typical factory top box but you can carry light bulky things like tent and sleeping bag easily enough. Most people look at the rack I built for my Strom and think it's huge, but I can carry most everything I need in my waterproof duffel bag. I bought an aftermarket top box for my Harley that has a rack on it that I used this summer and it worked out very well. I had a small Nelson Rigg bag on the rack that I put my rain gear, sandals, and other things that I needed to get my hands on quick.

[kaitiff]

My Kingpin has a box on the back, and for day to day I love love love it. First trip I took and tried to pack like I normally do I HATED it. It's hard to beat a luggage rack/sissy bar combo to really pack stuff on. If I wasn't so cheap, I would redo all the luggage on my bike to make it modular so I could remove the trunk easy for bike trips and stuff. Now that being said it's damned nice to have a place to put stuff like jackets, helmets, gloves, quick things you get in stores on the way etc etc. Now that I have my humungous trailer I'm not as constrained for space when the wife is along. It would still be nice to have a more compact gear selection for when I solo camp and that's when it would be nice to be able to remove the top box.

[Mondo]

My Strom has a top box, my ST has a rack. There is no doubt that it is easier to pack a lot with the rack. For short trips, the convenience of the top box wins. Bottom line, because I go on quite a few camping trips, the top box on Wee has it's days numbered.

Greg

[aysrav]

Ever thought of using both? Granted you can't put a lot of weight on top of a typical factory top box but you can carry light bulky things like tent and sleeping bag easily enough.That's the ticket for me -- both. I like strapping my tent on the rack and putting everything else inside the box and side bags. P^

[lytle1gw]

shoot I've carried 50 lbs of dog food on the rack of my tour box on the electra glide. makes it a little heavy to sit up but other than that no problems.

[Dusty Boots]

Ever thought of getting a custom gear bag made to sit on the rear seat?

I designed mine and had a fella sew it up for me out of 1000denier Cordura. He also made a rain cover for it that resides in a zippered compartment in the lower front of the bag. My tent poles, 4 tarp poles and my Kermit chair affix to the underside of the bag, via webbing straps and double D buckles.
The bag then gets fastened to the passenger grab handles with 2 more straps/buckles and the same for the top rear of the bag, to my trunk rack.
I have a total of 6 pockets on the front, back and both sides. I had the interior lining made in yellow, so it's bright and easier to see things inside.

It holds a lot of gear and worked well for my recent 3 month trip. P^


http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5108/5658508155_075008bc99_o.jpg


http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6227/6235666275_b71e7feffa_o.jpg

[lytle1gw]

Nice looking bag.P^