Pelican topcase too big? (with poll)

[Ben1050]

This is funny. :lol: I ordered a pelican case going off just the measurements listed on the website and holding a yardstick out at arms length to get an idea of the dimensions I was dealing with. I knew I wanted a case that was bigger in every way than the topcase that I had on my scooter. I figured that since I sometimes wished the scooter topcase was bigger and since this bike is much bigger than my scooter it would look ok. Well here was the problem. Pelicans come in many sizes but they are actually limited in a selection that was going to be "taller" than my scooter topcase was. So I went with a size that I though might be a little bigger than I needed in order to get the height that I wanted. I ordered the 1620. My other options were the Cube that was 18inx18inx18in that was way too tall. or the 1610 that was 21.68" x 16.62" x 10.56" that was just not quite as tall as I wanted. So I mounted it on the bike and this is what it looks like. The second pic shows what the scooter topcase looks like:
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/balbino12/b8770af3.jpg
http://i3.photobucket.com/albums/y55/balbino12/IMG_0076s.jpg

I need opinions on this so Ill do a poll. I have made the mount so that it will accept either the pelican or the scooter case with a quick changeout. So now I will use the smaller case for back and forth to work since it is just the right size for my lunchbox and various other items, and the big case for the trips to the grocery or when the extra luggage space is needed on longer trips.

[sandiegoland]

I would error on the side of saying it's too big, but it really depends on what kind of riding you do and how much weight you intend to carry that high. It is quite possible it would be fine.

But I think if you ever succumb to the temptation of loading it full of ice and beer, then go over a few potholes or worse... then you might come to the unfortunate conclusion it was too big as well! :P

I don't recall a case where the tailrack or subframe has broken on a DL650 or DL1000, but I have seen a number of cases where those components failed on other overloaded adventure bikes.

[Gunnar]

It is big but also reminds me top cases some GS owners have.The one placed on passenger seat.It is kind of overkill if you are just commuting.Plus super top heavy bike.

[Mortaine]

May I suggest you consider a Chevrolet, Dodge, or Ford, looking at what you are asking that poor bike to carry you may want to think about a 3/4 ton truck. Why would you even want to put something that ugly on a motorcycle?

[Jonnylotto]

Way too big.

Unless you have a specific piece of equipment that goes in there :?:

[ktrjc]

I have the large Jesse top box on my bike, the measurements of the Pelican don't seem to be much bigger. If you like the top box that is what counts, who cares what everyone else thinks. :lol:

[water warrior]

Function before form, the rest is irrelevant.

[Mortaine]

WW
Function that big would be similar to pulling a barn door through the air which will affect handling. Slow riding would be the order of the day. Just my thoughts but riding a bike with a box that big and loaded would be right up there with kicking a sleeping lion just to see what his reaction would be, very likely NOT good. But what ever makes your boat float.

[BillJones270]

If I ever have to move, I'm giving you a call :D

[allonsye]

WW
Function that big would be similar to pulling a barn door through the air which will affect handling. Slow riding would be the order of the day. Just my thoughts but riding a bike with a box that big and loaded would be right up there with kicking a sleeping lion just to see what his reaction would be, very likely NOT good. But what ever makes your boat float.

I too would be concerned with the affect on handling with your topbox fully loaded.

[MightyShep]

That's a big box. :shock:

[sandiegoland]

http://thumbwave.com/dl650/costarica/p8160029e.jpg

[water warrior]

Ouch, I deserved those replies. Yes, the size would be an aerodynamic disaster but loaded with lighter bulky stuff not a bad compromise if there are no wind issues. oh Hell, I will just retrack my comment for safety's sake. The box is too big, so there. SAFETY FIRST, then FUNCTION before FORM. Thanks for the reality check.