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23 Apr 2008
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Location: Tasmania, Australia
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Top box a good idea?
Hi,
I am heading around Europe this (Northern) summer with a mate for our first ever long distance bike trip (4 months), and have bought a 2002 BMW F650GS for the trip, which has a metal mule rack and panniers (38L x 2). Strapping a backpack on the rear seat as well.
Was wondering if people had advice about the pros/cons of adding a top box? And if so, which (economical) rack and top box would you recommend for this bike?
My initial thoughts are this would be great when we pull into a town, ie. to put the helmet, riding jacket and gloves inside and take out the light walking jacket and small pack (with guide book etc); meaning the top box is light when travelling too.
I don't think I will need one for more packing space, but my concerns with not having one are security and weather for the riding gear when parked in town. I guess the other option might be a pacsafe "stuff safe" bag locked onto the back.
Thanks guys. All advice greatly appreciated.
Damien
(I have tried a search of the forums and found only a couple of relevant things, so apologies if I missed something useful there, I am not great with computers!)
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23 Apr 2008
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Join Date: Apr 2002
Location: Abu Dhabi
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Top Box/Topbox?
Quote:
Originally Posted by dpdaniel
Was wondering if people had advice about the pros/cons of adding a top box?
(I have tried a search of the forums and found only a couple of relevant things, so apologies if I missed something useful there, I am not great with computers!)
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Hi Damien
This is the thread you need: Topbox or not?
With top box spelled as one word you may have missed it in your search. 
Regards,
Stephan
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24 Apr 2008
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Thanks
Thanks guys. I checked out the earlier post, Stephan, and it did reiterate a lot of what I was thinking - cheers.
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24 Apr 2008
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My 1999 F650 came with a top box for free (BMW clearing out old stock for the model change). I'm 5'8"/1.7m and the thing was right in the space your boot needs to travel through when getting on the bike. A few good hits from a size seven and the top box was loose. IMHO, if you decide you like them, get the shallower city case or the newer equivalent.
Andy
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25 Apr 2008
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good tip
Good tip Andy, I am about the same height - and I was worried about this point. I am going to go without the top box.
Cheers
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25 Apr 2008
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As you will see in the thread that was linked in earlier on by another member, some love T-boxes, other hate them and a few in between.
Personally, I think they are a good piece of storage, and I have not experienced problems having one. Those against have cited looks and instability as well as possible strain on the subframe over rough terrain as two main reasons against.
Looks is a personal issue, but my take on this is that I will fit something to my bike for purpose first and consider looks second. If I need it and it fits the bill, I fit it. As for weight and stability, I was on a heavy bike for our last overland trip and we were two up. A packed top-box is less noticeably when you are already carrying another human being on the back.
If it is empty, I doubt you will know it is there, unless you are cruising at a 120mph on the autobahn.
Personally, I say go for it if you feel it would satisfy a purpose on your trip.
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