BMW NineT Forum banner

Would you fit a top-box?

14K views 39 replies 24 participants last post by  B-Spandau  
#1 ·
Top boxes are amongst the most useful practical things you can add to a bike.
You can stow all sorts in them, they don't increase your width and are easily accessible and reasonably secure.
So why are they so frowned upon.
I've got no problem with this.
Do you?

 
#8 ·
To my eye, they’re the hideous fanny packs/bumbags of the motorcycle world. Practical? Sure (aside from a thing to kick when getting on the bike). But, as a car is far more practical than a motorcycle for most uses, perhaps how “practical” something is or isn’t might not be the best yardstick.

But, obviously, do what you want. We’re talking ‘fashion’, not facts.
138952
 
#14 ·
To my eye, they’re the hideous fanny packs/bumbags of the motorcycle world. Practical? Sure (aside from a thing to kick when getting on the bike). But, as a car is far more practical than a motorcycle for most uses, perhaps how “practical” something is or isn’t might not be the best yardstick.

But, obviously, do what you want. We’re talking ‘fashion’, not facts.
I completely agree on their hideousness with the understanding that some people prioritize function and practicality, while others are more aesthetically driven. I fall comfortably in the latter, but also sometimes ride with the more functionally and practically inclined.
 
#17 ·
Not a fan of topboxes, unless it's on a decked-out touring rig that already has hardbags attached, too. If you need that much storage, sure. But a topbox alone is ugly in my opinion. Like a giant pimple on the back of a bike.

But besides looks, it's bad for weight distribution, too. It adds weight way up high and behind you, precisely where you absolutely do not want it.

The only 'pro' is it's lockable storage on the bike when you're away from it, but like @Chris. said, I'd rather used a tankbag or wear a backpack, both of which I do regularly on my bike.
 
#18 ·
A topbox with no other storage facility is, IMO, a crawl back to the 70's when we had little alternative.

Reminds me of when my friend had a YR5, sounded great with TZ race crackle boxes, he bought a new fire grate, put the lump of iron into his Rickman topbox to take home. Each time he set off from a junction he had all on to keep the front wheel down.

A topbox, used on its own, should only carry items with the same weight as air.

If you need more carrying capacity than a tank bag, bring balance to your life and with a single sided pannier.
 
#19 ·
If you are in need of a top box on the Racer (and those who have owned a top box may readily admit that the practicality they offer is brilliant even if the looks can be polarising) perhaps consider something sporty to go with the overall design intent of the bike? Shad, SW Motech and other manufacturers do some sleek and svelte top boxes which are expandable and look more the part on this kind of bike. Some can be painted to match the styling, which could make it an even more interesting. There may be some ingenuity required in terms of how you fit the adaptor plate on the Racer; where there is a will there is a way.

138968


Just my two penneth worth; let us know how you get on.
 
  • Like
Reactions: Dare
#20 ·
Did not see anyone mention this yet; Most times topcases are built for a specific rack.. which is designed for your specific motorcycle with a top speed / weight clasification.

Seeing that the racer has no subframe.. i think the topcase is not allowed to hold much weight at all, seeing the site of Hepco and becker.. the max allowed weight is 5kg.. That's 1 pack of milk and a laptop.
 
#24 ·
Seeing that the racer has no subframe.. i think the topcase is not allowed to hold much weight at all, seeing the site of Hepco and becker.. the max allowed weight is 5kg.. That's 1 pack of milk and a laptop.
My Racer has a subframe
👍
I have a top box on my other bike and it's bloody useful to stick the helmet and jacket in on a hot day when you want a bit of a walk about.
 
#21 · (Edited)
I totally disagree with everything said here. As long as you stay within the speed limit, to avoid the sparks while operating! PS: the correct translation here is “grill-sausage grilling device”

138969
 
#28 ·
This is mine, a 35 lt. Hepco&Becker Alu box. The picture makes it seem bigger, live view is a little less shocking, even if for my friends I'm now the pizza delivery guy :)

139000
 
#30 ·
Well.... I actually travel with my motorcycle and need secure storage. I have a large Givi case (with spare fuel tank mounted) and a full Touratech setup with smaller topcase. When not travelling, the bags and racks are not on, just a tank bag (sometimes the small topcase too).
if I had a racer tough, I might go for that right-side single case look.

139007
139005

139006
 
#31 ·
So the original question was “would you”. And quite a few answered that question. Some pics looked not too bad, in an ADV setup even good. Is it practical? Sure. Is a Fiat Multipla pretty? Nope. Good thing we all live in free countries where we have all those choices, right?
139010
 
#39 ·
Ive come from having a 36L luxury (electronic lock) top box on the back of my old bike which was very handy. You can get off the bike and a quick lock and its all secure and for trips away perfect at 36L hard shell. Im thinking of getting one for the NineT although most dont seem to agree the aesthetic of it let alone the practicality but each to their own as mentioned. I dont like the fact that the side saddles are not lockable although I may be incorrect on this.
 
#38 ·
I do kinda miss the "Frunk" on my old bike.. the NC750X, it had a huge storage in the place where normaly a fueltank would be. A full face helmet, toolkit and tools would fit in there at the same time.

Image


Sure a way more pratical bike than the R-nine t.. But it never managed to get me the feeling the R nine t gives me.. ;) First time i bought a bike with my heart and not my common sense.. and still do not regret it a single bit.