Would this topbox work

[ClintK]

Hi, I'm looking for a cheap but solid top box to replace my "action packer".

Here's what I've found, will it work. And if so, how?

http://img03.picoodle.com/img/img03/4/3/3/t_topbox1m_9204ea9.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/3/f_topbox1m_9204ea9.jpg&srv=img03)
http://img29.picoodle.com/img/img29/4/3/3/t_topbox2m_bc607e5.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/3/f_topbox2m_bc607e5.jpg&srv=img29)
http://img34.picoodle.com/img/img34/4/3/3/t_topbox3m_ad1eb8d.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/3/f_topbox3m_ad1eb8d.jpg&srv=img34)
http://img26.picoodle.com/img/img26/4/3/3/t_topbox4m_e481a43.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/3/f_topbox4m_e481a43.jpg&srv=img26)

Click to enlarge

[GrayWolf]

I used one a lot like that for several years. It will work fine.

-GW

[bogey78]

I've had 2 on different bikes. I know the Givi's are supposed to be nicer, but it will work just great and the 2 I bought on Ebay were $79 including shipping! You will love this top box.

bogey78

[ClintK]

You think there will be any fitting problems?

[bogey78]

No fitment problems. I took the rubber mat off of the luggage rack and drilled 4 holes through the black mounting plate that comes with the topbox. The 4 holes through the mounting plate correspond to the 4 holes in the rack where the rubber mat was attached.

A quick trip to the hardware store for appropriate bolts washers and nuts and you'll be in business. If you get it, and need to see some photos, just let me know and I'll post them up.

bogey78

[ClintK]

I bought one last night. I wouldn't mind seeing the photos but I'll see what I can do on my own when I get it. Looks like a good product.

[Colin]

I just mounted an identical one. For the mounting plate I only used one of the mounting bars that go under the strom rack at the front. I drilled a hole in the mounting plate that attaches through the hole at the back of the strom rack. You have to cut a hole in the rubber mat for the back bolt. Or I suppose you could take the rubber mat off. The reason I only used one of the mounting bars is that I could not attach my SW-Motec quick release side case rack using both bars.
I also made some holes in the mounting plate so I could access the strom rack mounting bolts.
I may have taken some pictures and will have a look when I get home tonight.

[bogey78]

BTW, if you do decide to take the rubber mat off, use liquid soap on the little nubs and it will come off without tearing or damaging it.

[ClintK]

Will do.

I just noticed your from N. Alabama bogey. What part, I'm from Oakman which is about 50 miles north of tuscaloosa.

[bogey78]

I actually live in Albertville. I'm about 70 miles north of Birmingham. Let me know if you need some help when you get your topbox and I'll take some photos.

bogey78

[ClintK]

Cool, I know where Albertville is.

I'll let you know if I need any help.

Thanks.

[Necro-99]

I'd like to know how well this box works. I was all set to buy a Givi case, but $60 is like 1/3 of what I was about to spend.

[jazzyj140]

I have been looking at that topcase and another one from the same people on ebay. My only concern is the hinges.

I was at my motorcycle class and another rider there says he already has this and the hinge failed. After he looked at the construction of the hinge, he decided it was because of a weak design. He also told me that after checking out other peoples bikes with givi cases, that they were much more stout hinges. For whatever reason the local shops are not stocking them so I can look at the hinges.

Does anyone else have a similar story? I certainly like the price. I am now hesitant to buy the cheaper case if it will not stand up to daily use.

[Sudzz]

Lots of good info about this box here...

http://www.stromtrooper.com/forums/showthread.php?t=16718&highlight=Bestem

[ClintK]

The hinge is a little odd, but it works.

I'm having to drill some holes in the mounting plate, but other than that it's a pretty straigtforward mount.

I'm very happy with the purchase.

[ClintK]

All mounted up. Pretty sturdy. Here's the pics.
arrows point to drilled holes.
http://img30.picoodle.com/img/img30/4/3/23/f_editedrackm_75042f6.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/23/f_editedrackm_75042f6.jpg&srv=img30)

http://img36.picoodle.com/img/img36/4/3/23/f_mototrunk00m_4ce32d1.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/23/f_mototrunk00m_4ce32d1.jpg&srv=img36)

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/4/3/23/f_mototrunk00m_65f1cdf.jpg (http://www.picoodle.com/view.php?img=/4/3/23/f_mototrunk00m_65f1cdf.jpg&srv=img01)

Sorry these aren't better. I got excited about it and wanted to take pictures of it tonight. I'll post more from outside in daylight.

[ClintK]

http://img01.picoodle.com/img/img01/4/3/24/f_sunnymoto00m_7443f1f.jpg

Looks good.

[jazzyj140]

Thanks for the pictures. They are very helpfull

I see your comment about the hinges. What is a little bit odd?

I am on the verge of purchasing the box. I would like to know if you taped the reflector blue or painted it. I believe I have seen others paint it.

If I understand your post, you drilled hols in the "mounting plate" in order to attach it to existing holes in the bikes rack?

Thanks

[ClintK]

I drilled holes in the mounting plate in order to be able to mount the rack bolts, and also to be able to mount it in the position I wanted.

When I said the hinge is a little funny, I really was talking about the locking mechanism and not necessarily the hinge. What I found funny was that the lock holds the top shut and the box on the bike in one piece. But to remove the box you have to unlock it and pull a lever that releases the box. I would have just preferred two different locks with one of them locking the trunk to the bike. It's really not a big deal.

I painted the orange strips with Krylon spray paint.