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View Full Version : Hepco Becker Journey 40L Topcase


Ghostdog
11-02-2005, 10:38 AM
Recently received and installed the Hepco Becker Topcase with topcase rack also from HB. First the rack was very easy to install. As others mention the instructions are only in German, but with limited parts it was easy to figure out. My biggest question was weather to remove the OEM rubber pad on the Suzuki rack since I needed the holes underneath for bolts. My other option was to cut holes to access the bolt holes. I did end up removing the rubber pad and the top case rack attached nicely.

The Journey 40L topcase feels very solid overall. I purchased it to have a hard case that will be on the bike 95% of the time for commutes, short trips and jaunts to the grocery store. I may purchase the 50L for when that long distance trip comes up someday. I admit I did order it partly for how it looks on the bike. I was concerned of ordering something that would look too large or too bulbous. The black and silver looks great and the large reflector on the back is just added security at night plus fits the looks well. It sits on the bike like it was meant for the width of it. I recently ordered Junior 40/30L hard side cases as they seemed to be the best fit and function for the bike with enough space. The topcase should be more than enough room for daily rides without having to keep the sidecases on all the time.

The Journey Topcase is a tight fit on the rack. As I locked it down I was nervous I'd break the plastic latch, but it latched into position like it was meant to and is very immovable on the rack. Holds a full face helmet with no problem. I have an Icon Mainfraim fullface and position it side ways. I'll update the pics below with an interior shot. I found that there still is plenty of room after putting the helmet in for my gloves, glasses, safety vest. I think I could probably get a small plastic bag of items in there if needed. Have not checked the waterproofness of it yet, but hopefully this weekend with the rain predicted. Woo hoo!

Lance

http://img262.imageshack.us/img262/1718/topcase017pj.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

Ghostdog
11-02-2005, 10:47 AM
http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/8445/topcase029qs.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img252.imageshack.us/img252/9761/topcase032gt.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

One quick note is that the perspective of these pics can make it look a little larger on the tail end that it really is. Any other questions on this feel free ask.

A last point I will add...the locks on it, though metal, do scratch up easy and inserting the key can sometime take a few tries. My key has to go at an angle then straight in. Took a little getting used to. But I have no worries about the security as it is locked well to the topcase rack also.

Lance

RubberDown
11-02-2005, 11:42 AM
That looks pretty sweet! I've got the H&B Junior top case and really like it. :P

Ghostdog
11-02-2005, 02:18 PM
The Junior 40L Topcase was my second choice. A really like the no-nonsense look of it. At the time I was also considering getting the 45 L Junior Topcase for longer treks. Wasn't till after I got the top rack I saw the top racks are different between the Junior and Journey. So like I mentioned above maybe I'll go with the 50L Journey for any possible cross country treks.

Ghostdog
11-03-2005, 02:22 AM
Here are a couple shots of the Journey 40L Top Case open with a full face helmet. Camera bag in there with gloves, glasses, etc.

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/3758/open013qk.jpg (http://imageshack.us)

http://img386.imageshack.us/img386/1870/open021cc.jpg (http://imageshack.us)[/img]

It closes fine with the full face inside plus you could probably fit a small bag of items in there too.

Ghostdog
11-06-2005, 09:35 AM
Just a quick update. Rode 150 miles through a pretty good soaking and blowing rain out of a 400 mile day trip. The topcase held up nicely with no leaks. I will recommend that if you have sidecases and need to store something on your bike, use them in a downpour unless you are quick to open and close the topcase. My items didn't get too wet but it was hard to block to rain once it was open. A sidecase bag you might be able to stand over and block the rain from getting in when it is open. Oh well, learn as I go. I did have sidecases on the bike but found I really only needed the topcase for the whole trip. Because of the weather, if I had stopped anywhere for a longer time I probably would have transfered the items from my topcase to sidecases to stow my helmet in the topcase. But didn't need to. The coolest part about the topcase on the trip was having someplace to store a small pizza from the gas station. Mmmmm.