Topboxes

[DrD]

I have been thinking of moving on to another bike from the R12R. However, I recently thought that I should keep it. [Give me a couple more weeks and I will think different again.] I only need to improve it a little.

I recently rented a bike with a topbox and that reminded me that I do find them handy. I did not get a topbox on my R12R because I like the looks of the bike so much without one. Now I have reminded myself that you can't look at the bike while riding it -- function does matter more.

So, what non-BMW options are there that you guys have tried? I choke at the $450+ dollars for the BMW topbox and I would have to buy the support for it; too much for a small space. Suggestions?

[Mark]

I am looking at baggage options also. I'm not an R12R owner just yet.

I don't like the look of the panniers - although I do see that they would be great for long trips.
I don't like topboxes. Too scooter like for me (personal choice only).
I do want something that locks onto the bike but not if it makes it look too fat.

The BMW Seat Bags were almost right but still too big for general commuting to and from work.
So I did find a small but clever seat bag from ZTechnik that holds a reasonable amount of stuff and fit nicely on the pillion seat area. Fits even better if you have the rack fitted.

http://www.mototoys.com.au/images/z1210.jpg

hope the link works. Can't see how to include the image here.

[Phillo]

The " Givi " top boxes with their monolock system are excellent and a lot cheaper than the BMW boxes. They come with a full fitting kit - your side riles come off - the Givi ones bolt into place - the mount sits on top and thats it. To see the range go to www.dmd.co.za and click on " Givi " luggage on left side.

[Mort]

Here's a picture of the Givi V35 panniers fitted to the R -

[Dan-A]

The BMW 19 litre bag is a good alternative. Pops off easy and carrys those little extras.

[indigoid]

haven't actually got my R12R yet (saturday next week, so close!) but I bought an AndyStrapz A-Bagz tail/seat bag for it. 220AUD. Test fitted on my Dakar, pics here. It should fit the R12R nicely. I actually ordered two of them; the other is on the SO's Honda CB400 Super Four, it fits very well there too, though I had to order AndyStrapz Loopz as well to anchor the front of the bag.

Topboxes are fail, IMHO. You want any bags back there to be as low as possible, otherwise you'll really suffer in crosswinds. I also think having the topbox sit way beyond the rear of the bike looks extremely stupid, yet it seems to be very common.

[TinkerToy]

Ok guys...yall will think I'm a little strange but here goes. I wanted a small caryall ditty bag so I went on the prowrel and ended up with a a bag that almost fits perfectly atop a factory luggage rack. With a little enginuity and a few bucks the stainless hardware nots & bolts were purchased from Lowes [nylock nuts by the way] I secured snap bottoms to the rack.. the top perty plastic rack cover was removed..wanted to keep it pressy for later use. The bag has tiedown loops at the bottom...this is where the top button of the snap was secures...if done right the button will be hidden by the top portion of the loop,a lilltle cumbersom to punche the button hole but with a litte fortitude it wii work out. There is a loop at the top of the bag, this is the thired fastining point of the snaps. I used #6 x11/4 oval head machine screws passing thru the top plastic plate mounting points..no drilling. Ok the bag is from Walmart look in the luggage section for the $9.92 day bag..a two compartment zipper closure black material bag..not water proof but...less than $20.00 invested I can compromise. For extra hold I used a 18" black bungie cord to secure the front of the bag..the front is closest to the driver ...there just happens to be loops or straps that the bungie goes thru...the bag bottom faces the rider the zippers pull closed to the back of the bike This computer stuff is somewhat new to me so the photo end ing may come later...I'll try to get photos up soon or e mail [email protected] if I can be of help

[moxnix]

Good selection here

http://www.touratech.com/shops/008/inde ... a1b23912fd

Just remember Touratech is German for backordered

Chris

[Caroanbill]

I choke at the $450+ dollars for the BMW topbox and I would have to buy the support for it; too much for a small space.

More money still - if you paint up the BMW 28 litre topcase it does integrate rather nicely. I'd usually agree that it's good for a topcase to be out of view (my F650 topcase is ugly as sin ) - however this one has a nice line to it that painting brings out. It's also narrow (no side overhang without panniers) yet still holds a helmet.
http://picasaweb.google.com/billstanhop ... 7230258370

Personally, (since others have offered views already ) I find aftermarket panniers and topcases the worst of all worlds ... they look generic on a bike you paid a lotta cash not to be generic on ... they're clunky, and wider / higher (of necessity, to fit on any bike) .. and you cannot have a one-key bike.

Oh yeah - the helpful suggestion I meant to post .. .. a middle way is to get the BMW rack so as not to bartstardise your bike (and also coz the Givi one means you can't use BMW panniers) and get one of the Chinese topcases currently flooding the market - $verylittle for box + baseplate (which you simply bolt through the BMW rack) Then you can add the BMW case if / when you want, or when you find one at the right price.