Top Box. Worth it?

[125cc]

Been considering a top box for the YS recently as it would be handy for shopping, storing my lid, lunch etc. Only thing is I balked at the cost. its about 80 quid for a 30lt box and £110 for the mounting

Up til now I've been using a comfy and secure hillwalking rucksack that has chest and waist straps that I got from Lidl for £15. Can't fit the lid in it but I get some limited shopping in it. I looked at tail bags as they are reasonably priced. What's everyone's thoughts, is the box worth it or should I go for the tail bag?

[husoi]

Been considering a top box for the YS recently as it would be handy for shopping, storing my lid, lunch etc. Only thing is I balked at the cost. its about 80 quid for a 30lt box and £110 for the mounting

Up til now I've been using a comfy and secure hillwalking rucksack that has chest and waist straps that I got from Lidl for £15. Can't fit the lid in it but I get some limited shopping in it. I looked at tail bags as they are reasonably priced. What's everyone's thoughts, is the box worth it or should I go for the tail bag?

 

Mot smaller top box won't have enough space for a full face helmet, my 42l Givi doesn't take my nolan

[bonio]

The top box has the following +s

• More secure: you can lock it, and it's bolted to the bike too
• More waterproof; most tail bags need waterproof covers
  
• Less faff: it's a small point, but a tail bag needs to be unzipped, but a top box opens with the turn of a key
  

Probably worth it if you're using the bike a lot.

[125cc]

Been considering a top box for the YS recently as it would be handy for shopping, storing my lid, lunch etc. Only thing is I balked at the cost. its about 80 quid for a 30lt box and £110 for the mounting

Up til now I've been using a comfy and secure hillwalking rucksack that has chest and waist straps that I got from Lidl for £15. Can't fit the lid in it but I get some limited shopping in it. I looked at tail bags as they are reasonably priced. What's everyone's thoughts, is the box worth it or should I go for the tail bag?

 

Mot smaller top box won't have enough space for a full face helmet, my 42l Givi doesn't take my nolan

 

I actually looked at the 30l box, my lid fits it thankfully.

I use the bike most days year-round so it would be useful. Not sure if its worth 200 quid though hence my asking.

[Guest Swagman]

I have givi top boxes on all my bikes they are great for doing what you require, they are pricey but so handy to have good at keeping the wife on the back too when I open the bike up a bit.

[rennie]

I would only put a top box on a 125 if I really had to!

They affect the handling of smaller bikes quite a lot!

[Mr Fro]

I put a Ryde Cardon 32L on the back of the CG. It cost £25 and holds a lid no problems.

It came with a detachable base thing and I welded up a Billy basic frame for it out of some scrap stainless tube.

It looks absolute gash but it's mega convenient for slinging the work bag in.

[WD-40]

If your bike is your daily transport I think a box is a must

[Mississippi Bullfrog]

I agree. I wouldn’t be without a top box on my work bike. They’re worth every penny because you’ve got dry and reasonably secure storage. I fitted a smaller box to my VanVan that fitted my flip front helmet, never had any handling issues.

The expensive bit it always the mounting rack.

[daveinlim]

Been considering a top box for the YS recently as it would be handy for shopping, storing my lid, lunch etc. Only thing is I balked at the cost. its about 80 quid for a 30lt box and £110 for the mounting

Up til now I've been using a comfy and secure hillwalking rucksack that has chest and waist straps that I got from Lidl for £15. Can't fit the lid in it but I get some limited shopping in it. I looked at tail bags as they are reasonably priced. What's everyone's thoughts, is the box worth it or should I go for the tail bag?

 

Mot smaller top box won't have enough space for a full face helmet, my 42l Givi doesn't take my nolan

 

My 37 L shad box fits my lid an XL htc. It will fit my backpack and my peweg chain.

[Fleck]

I've got the Shad SH33 box, was a lot cheaper than £200 and it's good quality, you can buy a coloured top panel insert to match your bike... The shiny black bit

[125cc]

Thanks for the replies everyone. My biggest concerns were cost and affect on handling. I'll continue to mull it over

[daveinlim]

I've had a top box on my Honda cb125f and my Suzuki gsxs125. Both big enough to fit my helmet, gloves and some small bits. Never had an issue with handling. Bought mine from sportsbikeshop.com. Simple to fit.

It does look better without the box but for commuting in to London it's great to keep everything secure safe and dry

[Fleck]

There's no effect on handling, probably would be on a track where every 10th of a second counts. Not noticed any difference myself

[RantMachine]

I put a Ryde Cardon 32L on the back of the CG. It cost £25 and holds a lid no problems.

It came with a detachable base thing and I welded up a Billy basic frame for it out of some scrap stainless tube.

It looks absolute gash but it's mega convenient for slinging the work bag in.

 

Bloody heck, and it didn't backflip as soon as you put any weight in it?!

[Mr Fro]

I put a Ryde Cardon 32L on the back of the CG. It cost £25 and holds a lid no problems.

It came with a detachable base thing and I welded up a Billy basic frame for it out of some scrap stainless tube.

It looks absolute gash but it's mega convenient for slinging the work bag in.

 

Bloody heck, and it didn't backflip as soon as you put any weight in it?!

Nah, it's fine, I upped my pie count to weigh the front down.

[onesea]

I put a Ryde

 

I would buy from them any time, yes it's not too quality but it's good enough...

https://www.rydestore.com/luggage.html

[125cc]

I put a Ryde Cardon 32L on the back of the CG. It cost £25 and holds a lid no problems.

It came with a detachable base thing and I welded up a Billy basic frame for it out of some scrap stainless tube.

It looks absolute gash but it's mega convenient for slinging the work bag in.

 

Bloody heck, and it didn't backflip as soon as you put any weight in it?!

Nah, it's fine, I upped my pie count to weigh the front down.

 

I like your thinking...

Years ago when I was in my early 20s and somewhat thinner that I am now I did a medical with the CAA at Gatwick, at the end of which which I was told by a very nice and rather attractive young female doctor (am I allowed to say that nowadays as a complement without offending someone?) that "You're alright Mr.125cc, you just need to eat a few more pies, that's all". As a pie-loving Scotsman I was all too happy to follow the doctor's advice...

[jedibiker]

consider a 40l tail bag. I got mine second hand and its got loads of room and pockets etc.

[125cc]

consider a 40l tail bag. I got mine second hand and its got loads of room and pockets etc.

 

That was my first choice actually, but I was tempted by something more solid and waterproof for winter use.

[jedibiker]

consider a 40l tail bag. I got mine second hand and its got loads of room and pockets etc.

 

That was my first choice actually, but I was tempted by something more solid and waterproof for winter use.

 

I know what you mean. The tough box is secure too as bag can come off. But the oxford 40l zips off at the bottom to take with you if needed. Its waterproof but the top box are 100%. Worth looking on sale sites on Facebook for 2nd hand. Marketplace has all sorts which surprised me,

[Stu]

There's no effect on handling,

 

You're not going fast enough

[Mr Fro]

There's no effect on handling,

 

You're not going fast enough

 

On a 125?! Tops I can get is an indicated 75mph...

Down hill with a trailing wind!

[Stu]

There's no effect on handling,

 

You're not going fast enough

 

On a 125?! Tops I can get is an indicated 75mph...

Down hill with a trailing wind!

 

Exactly.

Not fast enough to cause a problem

[JRH]

There's no effect on handling,

 

You're not going fast enough

 

If youve always had one on the bike you wont know if its affecting the handling.