This evening, I pulled out the top box that came with my bike to get the spare tubes that were stored there. I thought about trying the box on the bike just to see how it fits. I think that it is an old Luftmeister aftermarket fiberglass box and it fits on a Reynolds backrest that replaces the stock rack. I'm not real comfortable with the hardware used to attach the top box to the rack but that's pretty easy to change. I understand that it's weight carrying capacity is pretty modest due to its position relative to the rear wheel. But it may solve my problem of needing to carry two sets of riding gear which, as you know, is bulky but not very heavy.
Geoff James had posted a couple weeks ago about the potential hazards of top boxes. I also have a medium sized dry bag that fits on the rear seat so I may not even need it. I'll take it for a test ride tomorrow to see if it affects the handling..So what do you think?
A couple of days ago I mentioned that I was going to replace the front master cylinder. Last year, it was leaking at the beginning of the riding season so I ordered a replacement. Instead of simply waiting for the new part to arrive, I repaired the old one and after reassembly, it didn't leak much. I used it for the rest of the riding season. Since the new part has been sitting on my desk for the last year I figured that I may as well install it. It took all of five minutes to replace it and another five minutes to bleed the front brakes. Now I wonder why I didn't install it sooner.
Ooooh a tank slapper inducing top case...... I too am thinking about one of these. I don't think Brad has ever had trouble with his and almost always has either the stock (huge) one on his bike or the little one.
ReplyDeleteIn regards to the new master cylinder I saw a quote the other day that seems fitting. "you call it lazy, I call it selective participation" or something like that.
Yep, one and the same. I rode around today with the cases mostly full, my second set of gear, heated liner, pants liner and sleeping pad in the dry bag tied just in front of the backrest and raingear in the top box. I had everything on the list except food, extra clothes, matches and a first aid kit. Everything seems to fit easily.
DeleteSome day your wife will fit easily, too!
DeleteNeed the sidecar, eh?
DeleteHi Richard. I really don't think the top box will be an issue for you. Yours is a big bike designed to carry gear not a small light thing. If you are worried then perhaps a better mount (lose that seat pad) further forward is a good idea.
ReplyDeleteI've never had an issue with my top boxes inducing wayward behaviour.
I've been riding around with my bike almost fully loaded and it seems to handle about the same. Most of the weight is down low and the dry bag on the seat is only about fifteen lbs. The only things in the top case are my raingear and iPad. Maybe a good place for a thermos with some of my meds... Total weight is less than ten lbs.
DeleteI echo Andrew T's comments re a topcase...they all come with the "don't overload" warning so make sure you don't. I've gotten away with it a few times but it was for just day rides...nothing long term as I imagine it would fatigue the supporting hardware? Kind of reminds me how I sometimes wonder why the manufacturers make the supporting racks so "weak"...but am sure there's a reason.
ReplyDeletedom
Redleg's Rides
Colorado Motorcycle Travel Examiner
I picked some u-bolts this afternoon for a more positive attachment to the rack. Inside the top box was an assortment of nicely finished metal pieces. Last night, my oldest son and I figured out how they fit together to provide additional support for the top box transferring some of the force to the side luggage mounts. Now, it seems pretty sturdy but still.
DeleteI'm with the others. The top box, if not heavily loaded, makes a great storage and lock box for when you wander away from the bike. And luckily not always needed, but handy for these long trips.
ReplyDeleteI know why the temptation is there as there is a nice block of space just asking to be filled. I was looking for a place to carry a 1½ liter thermos to carry some refrigerated medication. The side cases get pretty warm as they are right above the exhaust. This is a good solution and with the more solid mount, I feel better about the box being mounted.
DeleteRichard:
ReplyDeleteI've never really had any problems with my top box. It is mostly empty except for my camera and my laptop, so not much weight. My main purpose of having it is for storage of my helmet while parked. I have this recurring thought that someone may steal my helmet, then I wouldn't be able to ride anywhere, particularly troublesome when you are out of town on a Sunday evening.
bob
Riding the Wet Coast
My Flickr // My YouTube
That's kind of what I was thinking, handy, lockable storage. Once I get the u-bolts on I'll have a better idea on how sturdy it feels. After all, the roads broke welds on Chris' bike.
Delete