Cross Wind Handling with Top Box?

I am looking to add a large (45-50L) Top Box and soft (not too big) saddlebags. I plan to leave the heavy stuff under the seat and use the other storage for the relatively lighter items. I am guessing that having the Top Box mounted will not result in a noticeable difference in handling during windy conditions - but this is only a guess. Have you noticed any handling issues/differences when riding in winds (15mph and up) with a large Top Box as compared to not having your Top Box mounted? Thanks.

Over the past 35 plus years I have ridden motorcycles with and without top boxes, with and without side cases plus top box on various Motorways (UK) and Freeways (US & Can). It has been my experience that handling is the worst with a single rider plus top box at higher speeds. Two up riding not so bad. I believe it's that space between the rider and the top box that causes turbulance, thus poorer handling. Nothing that the rider can't adjust for. Two up with a top box not so bad.
Now I have a Swing with a top box and it's pretty much the same. Changing the stock screen to an Airflow helped somewhat.

I've got the OEM honda topbox, 45litres, never take it off, 'cos both helmets fit in it if we go walkabout. Also toured with soft saddlebags, about the same size as the Givi 421's(?), and the topbox, never noticed any difference in handling. As you suggest, keeping heavier stuff under the seat , lighter things in the box makes sense. I don't see a problem with that.
Also, the topbox stops the missus sliding of the back!
I've just fitted a Givi Airflow screen too, so things could get even better for touring this year!
Graham.

x

Dimond wrote:

I am looking to add a large (45-50L) Top Box and soft (not too big) saddlebags. I plan to leave the heavy stuff under the seat and use the other storage for the relatively lighter items. I am guessing that having the Top Box mounted will not result in a noticeable difference in handling during windy conditions - but this is only a guess. Have you noticed any handling issues/differences when riding in winds (15mph and up) with a large Top Box as compared to not having your Top Box mounted? Thanks.

Have you never done any riding in all your 67 years with either a top box or saddlebags fitted?

i appreciate very much the above input! Your experience helps me move forward with the knowledge of knowing what to expect. THANKS!

weight and drag up high, do have affect on handling, like rock tied to rear of arrow---my Givi E-46 worked well on SilverWing-----can be felt on Burgman 400, but how to ride in wind more important=no death grip on bars/relax/look ahead/stay on gas (SilverWing) be active part of bike, using feet on front floorboards, not just plopped like on toliet.

I think Fehling racks (twisted throttle) with GIVI E-21 bags good deal. These bags open from top. Remember there are "hump" bags, again Givi, moving weight down and toward bike front. My experience with throw over bags, not so good--they flop around, can leak, pick up mud and grit that grinds on paint. Early spring trip from Germany to North Cap Norway--destroyed pr of Rev Pack throw overs--ground themselves up with mud/grit/sand.