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Topbox or not? Topbox or not?
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TRAVEL Hints and Tips Post your TIPS to travellers - all the interesting little tidbits you learned on the road about packing, where to get stuff, and how to cope with problems. Please make sure the subject describes the tip clearly!
Photo by Andy Miller, UK, Taking a rest, Jokulsarlon, Iceland

I haven't been everywhere...
but it's on my list!


Photo by Andy Miller, UK,
Taking a rest,
Jokulsarlon, Iceland



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  #16  
Old 15 Jan 2008
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pelis are great....but
Expensive! but yes, your right, they are great and a lot of bikers DO use Pelis instead of Panniers.
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  #17  
Old 16 Jan 2008
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Quote:
Originally Posted by hobospy View Post
I was also looking at taking a topbox with me on my trip (me and my girlfriend). Wasn't planning to use it for carrying anything, more as a security measure when we are parked up and wandering around a city (leave the helmets in a safe locked box) and as a backrest for the other half!!

Anybody ever used a topbox for that sort of security?
Yes.
The downsides of topboxes have been mentioned (ugly, prone to vibration on bad roads, inefficient use of space when carrying bulky items) but for what you described they do the job. (Leaving aside the fact that no topbox is 100% secure.)

Furthermore, I feel much safer knowing my passenger has a backrest and support to stop her falling off.
Stephan
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  #18  
Old 16 Jan 2008
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I feel that topboxes have a place on some bikes but certainly not on touring/overland machines.
For touring, I need the rear carrier for tent/stuffsack, one thing that I hate is my gear on the pillion seat. Does anyone enjoy the 'hopping' about trying to get off the bike with all the crap in the way?
I would not be without a topbox on my xlr125 that I use for work as it carries my waterproofs, sarnies and paperwork.
If Cammy wants a sexy topbox, he could always get a job with Dominoes pizza....now, they DO have a topbox
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  #19  
Old 17 Jan 2008
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backpack
Hi


I use this place to carry my backpack , when I stop to hike a montain or a little walk somewhere, I carry my valuable stuff with me. It's almost 100% safe !!

FranK
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  #20  
Old 17 Jan 2008
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Top boxes may not look good but is looking good the most important consideration? Some points in favour of the much maligned top box to balance this thread:

1) Are generally better for access and security than soft luggage and panniers.
2) Provide a backrest for pillions.
3) Are simpler to remove and take inside a hotel/hostel than some panniers (I had TT Zegas).
4) Provide good security for valuables inside a hotel/hostel.
5) More useful than alternatives when running without panniers - stores helmets and other kit.

I think there is a horses for courses approach needed for top boxes. For South America with 80%on and 20% off-road travel I liked the top box and would use it again. Good for Europe but probably bad for Africa. Strangely enough the plastic Givi topbox did better than the Zega cases in South America.

There are some damned ugly top boxes out there and on the wrong bike you'd look a complete muppet. However I'll get one for the KTM 990 when I kit it out for a long trip. If anyone doesn't like that then you know what to do about it.....

Have fun.

Matt
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  #21  
Old 17 Jan 2008
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roflmao
you still suffering from Itchy Piles and Pre Menstrual Tension then Cammy?

I see your sense of Humour bypass operation was succesfull too!
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