Kawasaki 1000SX top box questions

[MotorBike001]

I've heard that Kawasaki don't recommend panniers and top box fitted at the same time.  I don't carry passengers so think it will be OK.  The Kawasaki salesperson I spoke to said the same.

 

On searching for top box options I found :

Kawasaki Top case 47L -

totals about £684.70 with all parts.

link

 

Kawasaki Ninja 1000 SX (21-22) SHAD Top Box Fitting Kit

£135.89 - not sure what else is required (after the box obv :)).

link

 

Does anyone on here use either one of these?  If so can you advise on how well the work..?

 

TIA

 

 

 

[fullscreenaging]

I think you should look at a LOMO dry bag rather than splash out on a top box that in my opinion will ruin the looks of the SX. 
 

https://www.lomo.co.uk/product-category/dry-bags-boxes/

 

They are brilliant and will fit nicely on the  pillion seat. You will get loads more in that than a top box. Also invest in some rok straps

 

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/339583

 

EDIT: You’re ok with panniers by the way. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Edited November 10, 2022 by fullscreenaging

[MotorBike001]

@fullscreenaging that's an excellent recommendation - never thought of that.  I'll look into it.

 

I suppose a dry bag doesn't have the same security as a lockable top box, but for me using it on a Scotland trip next year, it would be fine.

 

Also, the dry bag option is a fraction of the cost of a top box, and I can use it on my Honda CBR 650 too 

[Ian Frog]

+1 for Lomo dry bags I think they are excellent bits of kit and very robust too !

I have been known to do a stack of 3 thats 2 as a base with a smaller one for waterproofs etc on the top.

Make good backrests as well.

Cheers

Ian

[bonio]

@fullscreenagingGood idea that, mate.

[MotorBike001]

So I'm about to buy a lomo bag soon and was wondering if I should get a smaller one and strap it like this, or get a bigger one and strap it as in the 2nd photo.  (I'd put the standard pillion seat back on of course..)

 

 

[MikeHorton]

3 hours ago, MotorBike001 said:

So I'm about to buy a lomo bag soon and was wondering if I should get a smaller one and strap it like this, or get a bigger one and strap it as in the 2nd photo.  (I'd put the standard pillion seat back on of course..)

 

 

Like a fast food meal always go large! 

[bonio]

Big

[Guest]

I've a big un and strap it sideways.

[Guest]

Snigger

[Yorky]

I have 2 x 40ltr Lomo Dry Bags for sale.

Both are in very good condition. One is black, the other yellow.

Black one = £22 including postage (mainland UK)

Yellow one = £20 including postage

The yellow one is £2.00 cheaper because the bottom of it is a little bit grubby but would probably clean up.

I think they have both only done one tour.

If anyone wants photo's just let me know

[Throttled]

Kawasaki said the same about some Versys, that they could not take a top box and panniers. I ignored that, had both, and carried a pillion and had no issues.

[MotorBike001]

I had a look at the measurements for a Lomo 60L Dry Bag Holdall.

 

As it's 78cm long it would fit but goes right to the edge of both panniers. 

 

I was wondering - how would I fit the rok straps.  As indicated here in green?

 

[Ian Frog]

I would have thought your pannier frames will be ideal for the straps.

Also I have used 2 Lomo bags together so I could use smaller bag and have them side by side on pillion.

I will have a look for pics in a minute.

Cheers

Ian

[Yorky]

You must be taking an awful lot of gear to need the panniers AND a 60ltr dry bag. I did a week in France in August with just a 20ltr Kriega bag. I was however stopping in B&Bs whereas you may be camping.

[MotorBike001]

5 hours ago, Yorky said:

You must be taking an awful lot of gear to need the panniers AND a 60ltr dry bag. I did a week in France in August with just a 20ltr Kriega bag. I was however stopping in B&Bs whereas you may be camping.

You might be right Yorky - I'm getting a bit carried away.  I'm staying at B&Bs too, and just me..

I haven't put a packing list together yet but it's something like:  large camera bag, small camera bag, tripods x 2, laptop, bike overnight cover, a few t-shirts, jeans, socks, pants.  Plus gopro, insta360 adapters, chargers.  Also, spare gloves, and maybe jacket inner.

[fullscreenaging]

10 hours ago, Throttled said:

Kawasaki said the same about some Versys, that they could not take a top box and panniers. I ignored that, had both, and carried a pillion and had no issues.

They didn’t. I bought the GT and it’ comes kitted out with top box and panniers. 
 

Top box is not for the SX. 

 

Have a look at the advertising videos and catalogue etc. 

[mm99]

But do panniers and top box physically fit together? Is it just a weight issue? Or is there some kind of interlock that prevents you from fitting both?

[RideWithStyles]

Depends mostly on the bike, And partly the kit.

not always, they both can use pillion handles or pillion seat or the subframe along with the pillion pegs and exhaust bracket. But if you only have access to one of those good strong points to mount it will only beable to use one of but not always both to the same point.

if you check givi and shad website of your bike the list will say what options are available to you.

[bonio]

Iirc there's nothing to stop you fitting both. 

I still think 2 panniers and a lomo bag are a better option for touring. Or 2 panniers and a tail bag if what you want is a bag for stuff you need during the day.

[Hairsy]

I have both on my 1000SX. They fit together fine.

 

I've fitted uprated subframe bolts which are the weak link. It's a common upgrade and I haven't heard of anyone having issues after fitting them.

 

I'm also careful about not overloading the top box - and I try to keep heavier items as far forward as possible.