Topbox Which One To Get??

I have standard Givi 35 litre box on mine Black ABS plastict metal key shank set in a plastic fob. Detaches from the Givi carrier rack with the push of a button. There is also the option to fit a brake light but to be honest it's not wort it.

Mine is an E350 Flow now obsolete by the looks of things. Takes a full face or flip front helmet and a pair of gloves. So buy a 45 litre is my advice.

http://www.givi.co.uk/cases/

Link: JC Whitney

They have several models, I have both the medium and the Xlarge(equal to 52L). Plastic fob-metal key (x2), universal locking mount, no extra lights. Material is heavy duty ABS plastic / matte black finish. The box is 100% waterproof and seals nicely (One of my VT trips was in the pouring rain and everything inside was bone dry. Hinges are plastic and the backrest is included and made of hard molded plastic. I have the GIVI TB19 so pillion never touches top box. Overall fit and finish is very good, it performs as well as other boxes at twice the price. I have made modifications that add running lights and additional stop lights via two 20" led strips mounted inside the curved reflective piece you see shown. A pictorial can be found here with aux light modification.

I've had three Givi boxes, two Monolock ones and a big Monokey one (E52) which will be put on the Silverwing.
My two old ones are still going strong on friends' maxis after 6 years.

Highly recommended here.

I recently installed a Givi V46 Monolock topcase. Very well made and looks great. Will hold two full face helmets. There is an optional brake light kit but I,m not interested in it and an optional backrest. It also comes in different colors if desired. Pricey, but you get what you pay for in my opinion. I bought it from a local bike shop I frequent. Google it for a picture.

IMO...The Givi's are the probably better (due to the ridiculous price!)
But I went with the Bestem box! (like the JC Whitney one...)
lots of room,comes with lights in it...(but not very bright....)
Doesn't leak in rain... has cheap backrest,but never used...
Key is metal...fits nice, but may be hard to replace,as I know someone who tried to get replacements from Bestem,with no luck!
for the price you can't beat it!
http://www.cruiserbackrest.com/product_info.php?products_id=402

The GIVI is the most mature product, and the cadillac of the boxes.
They also make the largest boxes (55L) and appear to have the most accessories.
But some people are very happy with the others.
A company called admore makes additional lighting kits for the GIVI.

http://www.admorelighting.com/index.php?page=products/index.php&subpage=12

I got a Bestem 929(?) top box because it was large and cheap. Plus had a small brake light built in. It mounts like all the rest I guess and locks down tight.

It seems to me....looking back, that one of our Lady silverwing riders had a brand of top case that is not shown here. Any body remember what that was. It looked like a nice case with a good size back pad.

Do many of you have the Honda version, ie http://www.doble.co.uk/content/pdfs/Accessories/silverwing.pdf

I want one but at around £250.00 it's way too much money.

Here is a box I looked at on eBay. Have any of you known anyone that has one. I'm willing to try something new. It looks like it would work well with my arm rests kit. It's not that big L16"xW15"xH12" (inches) and it looks sturdy to me, comes with lights. Kinda looks like the back end of a ford car.

The old words of "You get what you pay for" comes to mined.

It looks like it is a simi-perment mount.

O'well just looking.

wingnprayer wrote:

Do many of you have the Honda version, ie http://www.doble.co.uk/content/pdfs/Accessories/silverwing.pdf

I was looking at your link, and what I find funny is that the picture used for the heated grips is not of a Silverwing.
Not only is the button configuration wrong, but can you imagine
how many people are going to look at that and start searching
for the hand shield that is attached in the picture?

As to your question, Honda used to offer a box with swing-around arm wrests, and that made it unique. Without them, it is an overpriced item and even GIVI is more cost effective.
The only reason to use that part at that price, is because top cases sourced elsewhere may make shipping prohibitive.
------------------------
Dan

Shad
http://www.shad.es/
http://www.binetto.com/SHAD-Motorcases/
http://www.cycleluggage.com/shad_top_cases.html

Emgo
http://www.emgo.com/main_layout.html
http://www.cycleluggage.com/emgo_trunks.html

Saddlemen (Saddlebags and Hard Top Case)
http://www.saddlemen.com/store/index.php?main_page=index&cPath=239_398

DMY Motorcycle Trunks (Harley Style)
http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=1&menu=DMYTrunkSeries&s=prod.php

VIP Trunks
http://www.mutazu.com/products.php?cat_id=2&menu=DBTrunkSeries&s=prod.php

Safebet Trunks
http://www.a1hardbags.com/motorcycle-trunks/un-trunks/cat_9.html

JN Motorcycle Trunks
http://www.a1saddlebags.com/jnmolutrhoya.html

Many more links and sources of these trunks available. Just Google it.

The one you are looking at in the picture you described is the JN series, probably either the master supplier for VIP, or vice-versa.

I tried to find the manufacturers or at least the main distributors. If you find the actual source for VIP/JN let me know please.

Dan

Something important I forgot - you can't lock the key inside a Givi Monokey box/trunk!

We have GIVI V46 boxes for our bikes.

We don't leave them on the bikes an pretty much only use them when we travel. They are not the biggest boxes available, but since we use them for travel they are in essence our suitcases and we take them off when we get to our hotels. Bigger capacity means heavier as the load gets bigger.

As for why we don't ride with the box all the time - I don't like the extra height behind me if I can avoid it.

Quote: I have the GIVI TB19 so pillion never touches top box

Two questions:

Is the mounting plate for the box similar to the Givi one?

If so, does the backrest bracket sit on top or is it sandwiched between the 'tail' of the bike and the box mounting bracket?

Thanks in advance.

Great question Mike. The backrest mounts directly to the wing surface. Here's how I modified the top box mount. I drilled the wing for the mounting plate. I bent some aluminum "C" channels (sort of look like brackets [ ] ) giving me about a 1.5 inch lift off of the wing surface. I then bolted the top box mounting plate to that lift, raising the assembly about 2.5 inches up. This gave me the necessary height I needed for the top box lid to clear the TB19 back rest.

Many thanks for the detailed account and pictures!

I know now what I have to do.

I am thinking of GIVI box as well. It is hard to justify (for me) the cost though. If you deside to go with GIVI make sure it is Monokey (vs. Monolock) as it it designed for a lot more weight (22lb vs. 6lb). See discussion here:
http://www.twtouring.com/luggage.htm
With all Monokey boxes you need to buy a mounting plate (SR19) but universal mounting plate is included with most Monolock boxes.

DickO wrote:

I got a Bestem 929(?) top box because it was large and cheap. Plus had a small brake light built in. It mounts like all the rest I guess and locks down tight.

I have this 929 on my Kymco P250, and like it a lot. Planning to put one on my newly acquired 08 Swing.

Did not have problem put on the one, because the rack of my Kymco has some spaces in the middle area. So, I carefully put the base on the rack without problems. But the Swing's rack is a solid plate there. Do you have to drill holes on the rack (or crowl??) to put the base of 929 there? Do you happen to have pictures of the base on the rack? Thanks.

Dennis,

I have the Besteem box on the SWing and like it but feel the Givi is a better box. I just didn't want to spend the money. I had the Givi V46 for my old Majesty and really liked it but it was about $400 dollars with the box and mount. I like everything about the Besteem except that it will rattle, since it isn't a tight fit to the rack, and I think the handle..that opens the box, is a bit loose too.

But since you are so good at machining that you could make it fit nice and tight. But I like the looks of the box that you posted pics of. It almost makes it look like a Gold Wing when on back.

I have the big Givi top case and got the light kit also. I don't ride anyone so didn't get the back rest. I just love it. I got the shiny black top and then had it painted to match the new Red Silverwing. I think it looks really custom. I also had my gray helmet painted to match. When I took my trip it was so nice to be able to take it off and carry it like a suitcase...although it felt like carrying a small child. I had it packed up pretty good. It was expensive but I think adds value to the bike.

I have a new EMGO 72-32440 travel trunk that I took off my 50cc scooter. Does anyone know if it will it fit on my Silverwing? I don't want to drill out the holes in the Silverwing tailpiece unless I know for sure that it will fit properly.

Robyn

This will require you to do a bit of measuring. I'm sure that most any box will fit, but the mechanical interface between the box and the wing is the trick.

The hole pattern of the wing is easily measured by removing the wing and the plastic cover on the underside. There will be some need to fit an adapter to mate the box to the wing. You have to be mindful - the seat needs to colse with the box on the bike.

Get out your tools and a tape measure and have a go.

JeffR, I have a BESTEM top box and it used to rattle also. I placed an 8" x 8" x1/2" foam pad on the top plate under the top box, and there are no rattles now. It also fits more snuggly and is still easy on/easy off. billc.

Ok....i measured and the 4 holes inside the Swing tail piece and the predrilled holes on the mounting bracket for the topcase don't line up. What now? Does anyone know where I can get an adapter to put between the two parts? FYI.....I am not a mechanically inclined female (wink).

Robyn

What do you mean you are not mechanically inclined? You figured out the need for an adapter of some sort!

This is of course exactly as the GIVI folks do it. Now what should the adapter be made of? The best choice would be metal, but that requires some sort of fabrication. Or is it possible that the GIVI adapter set would work? I will check the bolt pattern of the GIVI case tonight.

RobynDSt wrote:

Ok....i measured and the 4 holes inside the Swing tail piece and the predrilled holes on the mounting bracket for the topcase don't line up. What now?

Becareful ... the top box position of the front holes may be critical for both passenger comfort and interference.

RobynDSt wrote:

Does anyone know where I can get an adapter to put between the two parts?

I am not aware of any. If your topbox vendor does not have ... then I doubt any other vendor would

RobynDSt wrote:

FYI.....I am not a mechanically inclined female (wink).

If you can make it all work ... fantastic.

If you can find someone to help make it all work ... fantastic.

Otherwise ... you may want to re-examine you options.

Robyn
Look up in this thread there is a post by masscoot with pictures.Look them over and see if you think you can make something like that and if not get back to us with more questions. We are hear to help.

I'm inclined towards the Coocase S48 top box with remote and lights. For $299 icl. shipping.

Does anyone have one or has comments about it?

I am sure it is a good item, but since you live in Atlanta, check out BESTEM USA headquarters in Tucker, GA. and you can visit their showroom. billc.

I have the Givi. Good product, but expensive. I am sure others are just as good.

BTW, I have not had good experience with customer service from Givi it this helps.

The Coocase S48-B(base) is the model that looks good to me. No additional mounting bracket is required for the Swing. I have emailed TwistedThrottle.com to see if they carry that model and how much it costs. I bet it is only available overseas though.

I purchased the S48 Astra with the light kit alarm remote and liner. The base unit was I think $249. If I purchased the liner which I wanted it would of been about $40 more. So I went with the Astra model for $299.00. I did not purchase the back rest for $40. I will wait on that.

I will say though when Bob and I went to put it on we found we did not like how the box was to be mounted with the included base mount.

You can use it but we wanted a better and stronger base plate and purchased Givi SR19.M5 Monokey $81.90 and GPT.00.152.157 TWT
adapter to mount the Givi and Trax boxes onto GIVI FZ and SR topcarriers - by SW-MOTECH $25.00. We used the steel plate and stored the plastic adaptor if we ever purchased a Givi topcase in the future.

I have had it on for about 2-3 weeks and I like the size of it. I find it very handy for commuting to work and when we take weekend rides.

I find it is not noisy at all.

RobynDSt wrote:

The Coocase S48-B(base) is the model that looks good to me. No additional mounting bracket is required for the Swing. I have emailed TwistedThrottle.com to see if they carry that model and how much it costs. I bet it is only available overseas though.

They do have that one; their products page lists it as S48 Astra Basic edition and it is $240. It comes bare without liner, lights, alarm or remote and there is a shipping charge of $22 for a total of $266, only $33 less that the luxury edition which has free shipping.
Link here

billc. wrote:

I am sure it is a good item, but since you live in Atlanta, check out BESTEM USA headquarters in Tucker, GA. and you can visit their showroom. billc.

Thank you billc, I will check them out this weekend and maybe post some pics for other's reference.

Alejo, You may want to call them and make sure they are open on the weekend. I do not remember when I went by. billc.

givi e55 maxia3.it is the top of the range and looks the mutts nuts.

I just got a reply from TwistedThrottle.com and the Coocase S48-B (base model) is $240 w/ FREE shipping....BUT....that price is too expensive for me right now. Now considering the Bestem 929 which mounts directly to the Swing also. Geez....I'll be glad when I make up my mind.....LOL

I think some of you have spent more on your top box backrest than I spent on the box itself.

The only thing I would have spent extra money on was a brake light. The SWing tail light is too low. I put on extra reflector tape on the box. I think the tape set me back $2.49.

I have a Givi on my Aprila, but only because it came with it. It's not special. Dosn't even make coffee. I can't see spending hundreds on a plastic box that my lunch sits in for 20 minutes a day.

Rant almost off. First, can anyone explain what purpose a keyless remote serves?

Tripod.......I totally agree with the point that you are making......the prices of most top boxes are ridiculous. That is why I am taking my time trying to find a cheaper, well made box.

Btw.....I also applied LOTS of refective tape on my Swing and also on my helmets. You can't see the tape unless it is dark outside and headlights are shined on the tape, then it is bright white.

My first mod to my bike was to add a top box. My dealer suggested this box:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/18/175/21042/ITEM/Kwik-Tek-ScootR-Logic-Hard-Trunk.aspx

It's okay for the price but it's extremely easy to defeat the lock. Still, it keeps my stuff dry / safe and can hold enough that it keeps me happy. My wife uses it as a backrest.

Installation required cutting holes into the bike but at the moment, I'm okay with it.

It comes with a metal key but as I said above, it's fairly easy to defeat the security. No lights on it but reasonably good reflectivity.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

If you want a top case, my view is buy the biggest and best available. The biggest and best is the Givi E55 Maxia 3, and Kappa also have their own version of it. The 'stealth' version of the E55 with smoked grey reflectors really suits the black Silver Wing.

One consideration is whether or not it's possible to lock the key in the box; it is not possible with the Givis!

Get the biggest one you can afford, they shrink when you start filling them!!
Kurt

i put a givi e470 box on my swing its a nice size and you can add the extra givi brake light approx £100 in the uk for the box and £30 for the brake light

You just can't beat the big Givi. I have the E52. Have had it for several years. When I bought it it was available in a red that perfectly matched my '03 Swing. Looks nice. When you need it, you need all the room you can get. I have done lots of shopping where I fill everything up. People are amazed at the amount of stuff I can haul.

That being said, weight high and in the back does require you to change the way you ride. Gotta be a lot more careful. I use the Givi tunnel bag for the everyday stuff and pop the E52 off and leave it in the garage.

kbcmdba wrote:

My first mod to my bike was to add a top box. My dealer suggested this box:

http://www.motorcycle-superstore.com/5/18/175/21042/ITEM/Kwik-Tek-ScootR-Logic-Hard-Trunk.aspx

It's okay for the price but it's extremely easy to defeat the lock. Still, it keeps my stuff dry / safe and can hold enough that it keeps me happy. My wife uses it as a backrest.

Installation required cutting holes into the bike but at the moment, I'm okay with it.

It comes with a metal key but as I said above, it's fairly easy to defeat the security. No lights on it but reasonably good reflectivity.

Rating: 3 of 5 stars.

I didn't know it till after I posted this - I can remove the top-box with the key so I can take it with me and leave the mount behind. I just upped my rating to 4 of 5 stars.

I recommend Bestem. Every bit as good as a GIVI in my opinion and a whole heck of a lot less expensive. I was even able to get mine in "Honda Red" to match my Swing.