Filtering with a 52L Top Box and Top Box Questions

[Samboleary]

Hey,

I am currently commuting to work on my Blackbird. If I dont need to bring my laptop I have a tail pack on the back, if I need my laptop I use my tank bag on the front of the bike. Id like to get away from using the tank bag because I dont want to end up scratching the paint so I am thinking of getting some hard luggage like a 52L Givi Top Box to transport my stuff while also allowing me to leave my helment, spine protector and possibly jacket in it when I am off the bike so I can go walk about somewhere knowing that it is relatively safe there as opposed to soft luggage which could be ransacked.

I was filtering through traffic there today while debating this and started to wonder about there being any issues while filtering with the top box. I know it will be very high on the back of the bike and when Im weaving between traffic, the bike may be leaned over a bit and the top box could clip a cage or something. Am I being paranoid about this or is it something to just watch out for?

Also I am thinking of getting the brakes and possibly indicators wired into the top box as I see that there are kits available for this. I was wondering is this something that I would be able to install myself or else would I have to bring it to a bike shop to get installed for me? Also at the weekends when I dont want the top box on and I just want to go for a lash, can I take it off or will it be permanently wired to the bike? Or can the wires be disconnected at the top box and connected again for ease of use?

Thanks in advance,

Sambo

[XolituDe]

Wouldn't imagine so, i've seen a lot of people split with a big GIVI box, personally i too prefer the tank bags <3
I've seen a guy split on a goldwing like it was nothing.

[Angryjock]

Sambo,

I had the aluminium top box and panniers on my BMW GS ADV. Filtering with panniers is extremely difficult in heavy traffic and something I always tried to avoid. Fitting a top box is the way to go. You will notice a bit of difference as the weight is higher up but on a fairly heavy bike like the blackie you won't be affected much.
Have a look at the GIVI stuff. If you want the lights etc then they do a frame which is 'wired up' so to speak. The rack plate has connectors on it (imagine little copper pins) which when you put the top box on attaches to these connectors, giving you power and light. Remember though that the more you want the more expensive it becomes...
Also plastic top boxes aren't that secure, a blade or screwdriver under the latch pops them fairly easily. Aluminium stuff if obviously far more secure if that's what your ultimate aim is, but again at greater cost.
One option, which my tight arsed mate did, is buy a spare seat and a cheapish top box. Then drill through box and pillion part of seat. Attach both with bolts. Job done.
Looks a bit shit and means no passenger carrying, but ten seconds to swap seats and the situation is resolved. Buying a specific rack and box will cost you $$$$$$$$.
Have you looked at Ventura stuff? Made in NZ and I have used it for years. Metal rack and hoop attached to bike specific frame. Canvas bag then goes over frame and sits on rack. You can then remove and most bags have straps so that you can wear it as a backpack. Google it. Ace stuff.
Hope all this helps. :grin:

[Moustacha]

I've got a 50L hepco & Becker box on mine. It makes no difference with filtering. I can't even see the box in my mirrors unless I lean to one side

[SeanC]

Hi there, I ride an FJR1300 with top box and hard side panniers. The top box has never been a problem filtering or splitting.

[truewheel]

Yer I just got a Ventura rack n 51lt bag for the Viffer. Haven't fitted it yet but if ya on a bit of a budget you can pick both up 2nd hand like I did.

Got the rack n bag for $250 which saved me at least a couple of hundred. Just make sure you get the right rack for your BB:

Honda CBR 1100 XX V-Y Super Blackbird luggage, motorcycle luggage, racks, touring | Ventura

Bags are universal to all racks, and I specifically found one that can zip up to a second if you wanna pack large for a tour.

All in all a pretty flexible solution.

[thro]

Am I being paranoid about this or is it something to just watch out for?

Know the extents of your bike.

If you do not, don't split.

[Spook]

I have an old ex-police ST1100 + panniers + massive "2 helmet" GIVI top box and find that splitting is not so much of a problem.

- but I have a good feel for when to and when not to split with such a big rig.
- all up the GIVI was $298.00 delivered from Italy c/w mounting kit (purchased in August this year).
- I opted not to get the lighting frame / kit

Obviously I get through smaller gaps on my BUSA which has the Ventura rack and bag but it's all about knowing what gaps you can get through. Personally I don't think adding a top box will affect your ability to split.

The mirrors span 930mm on the ST and that's well more than the GIVI

[rnelson955]

I split regularly with a 51 litre top box on the Sprint, panniers get left at home while commuting; basically if my mirrors can get through I know I'm not going to have any issues with the top box.

[Samboleary]

Thanks lads, some good advice there. Have come across the situation all right where if I dont think I can fit then I just hang back until the gap widens up enough for me to split. I guess your all right in what you say about the mirrors etc. Will the top box affect the handling of the bird much when if I leave it on when I go for a weekend spin?

Sambo

[rnelson955]

Thanks lads, some good advice there. Have come across the situation all right where if I dont think I can fit then I just hang back until the gap widens up enough for me to split. I guess your all right in what you say about the mirrors etc. Will the top box affect the handling of the bird much when if I leave it on when I go for a weekend spin?

Sambo

I don't notice mine too much Sambo; to be honest the only real affect I've noticed is cross winds tend to push the bike around a little more but it's not a problem.

[Huggy]

I've split everywhere with a 55L top box and two 41L side cases. The side cases were large and added an extra 6 inches or so either side, meaning I had to pick my gaps a little more wisely and took it a little easier. With just the top box on I honestly didn't even think about it all (after a while) when splitting.
If the topbox is no wider than your shoulders - which it more than likely won't be - then you won't have a problem at all.

[Para045]

I have a large Nonfango topbox on my Bird and it has never been an issue as it's narrower than the bars anyway, even with the panniers on I can get through most normal gaps with a little care

[Biffer]

top boxes make fuck all diff to winding thru stopped cages.... panniers are diff matter, these can compromise hi speed stability too...... doesn't suggest "look mom no hands!"

[Johnno]

I split with a Goldwing, just know your limits and don't split if you wont fit, easy