What is up with all the TOP BOXES?

Did you actually read what I first wrote, or do you just play stupid on the internet?

Quote:
<TABLE cellSpacing=0 cellPadding=4 width="100%" border=0><TBODY><TR><TD class=alt2 style="BORDER-TOP: 1px inset; BORDER-RIGHT: 1px inset; BORDER-BOTTOM: 1px inset; BORDER-LEFT: 1px inset">Originally Posted by JimVonBaden
There is ONE demonstrated case I am aware of that the guy broke his back on the top case when rear ended. Of course it is totally possible he would have sustained severe injuries anyhow, but the top case was blamed for his broken back.

Jim
</TD></TR></TBODY></TABLE>

Now, how is it you got the idea I was saying top cases are dangerous? I was responding to the idea that it could be, not saying they are!

Jim

His back could have been broken when it hit the top case,
when he landed on the roof of the car, or when he hit the
road. All three possibilities seem plausible. The doctor choose
top case after examining the patient, of course, he could still
be speculating. The front brake can throw you over the bars,
a helmet can break your neck, and a top case can break your
back. A new motorcycling myth has been created.

I don't think he is playing.

I had a top box on my previous bike, but didn't like the way it stuck out like a wart. It was handy for carrying stuff and I didn't want to lose the utility of it, just the bulk when it wasn't being used. Lately I have been experimenting with a collapsible soft bag that I think is an improvement over the hard top box option. For now I am using a boat bag I got from Bass Pro. I zip tied it to the small carrier rack on my bike and it works OK. If someone were to make a motorcycle specific version of this in different colors I would be all over it.

Does this top case make my butt look fat?

Think I posted this moto-saster previously, but it is back at the same dealer.

Maybe it was bought and the unfortunate owner realized his/her mistake after LOTS of people pointed and either laughed or averted their eyes :eek1

I would need to look at the BMW rule book but I believe that monstrosity would get you banned from even a Starbucks Parking Lot.

It's generally empty save for a tire patch kit and maybe a jacket liner; mostly it's to store my helmet and jacket in whenever I get to my destination (if I have one ).

That triggered an idea. Mine is mostly empty as well, I have a Shad 45L, and now I decided to use an old tank bag to organize all the bits and pieces floating around. Tire patch kit, ear plugs, sunglasses, bug repellent, sunscreen, I love the top case! Let's start a thread on top and side case organization and ideas. Thank you! In fact, it's a shitty day to do anything here so I'm going to reorganize all the crap on the bike. Thanks!

I can't rate this one at all: I like it, but my 46l Givi case with one drain hole in each rear corner matches the bike better inspite of the ice not lasting near as long

After years of topbox use, mainly while commuting, on my Wee-Strom and now 1250 Bandit, I've decided I'm done with it. It must be the worst place to locate any mass on a motorcycle, and the effects on handling dynamics are significant. I notice it more on the 1250 than I did on the Wee, I'm guessing because the Wee carried relatively little weight on the front anyway.

The last few days have been a revelation. Without the box the Bandit steers markedly better, holds a line better, manages mid-corner bumps better, is more stable at speed, and buffets my helmet and jacket less. Wind noise is reduced too--go figure. I'm also now suspecting that the somewhat irregular front-tire wear I have seen is due to my topcase habit. No more!

What the heck are you putting in that top-case? Mine only has light bulky items, and the handling remains the same, unless of course I put a 12 pack of barley-pops in it. But then again, I'm on a heavy FJR pig.

Usually nothing heavy--gloves, liners, etc. It's worse with more weight, obviously, but even empty I notice a difference.

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/jrofXBudoB1EkwIOGXC5pdMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh4.googleusercontent.com/-RGs2hE9yBao/UoZg7qxPXpI/AAAAAAAAMZc/1Gj2Taz1fKg/s800/RollingTouringB_01.jpg" height="240" width="360" /></a>

<a href="https://picasaweb.google.com/lh/photo/gO-z1Y06Zqvw9UNqLVaADtMTjNZETYmyPJy0liipFm0?feat=embedwebsite"><img src="https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/-8CtvTQ1xsWI/UoZhAhkt3HI/AAAAAAAAMZg/osa4Q_xr_VM/s800/download.jpg" height="114" width="152" /></a>

wow, lots of interesting bikes and trunks...


Here's my convertible DR trunk:

Any luggage that keeps me from having to drive the cage is good luggage.

I believe you. I have a shad case 45, not a very good quality case, but I do not feel much of a difference. Admittedly I'm a bit dense…