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View Full Version : Quick question about top boxes

Nonnie
03-01-2010, 01:19 PM
Can one fit a Givi top box onto a bike that has had a tail chop?

Just wondering like.

Ta ever so.
Nickj
03-01-2010, 03:56 PM
Would have thunk so, a standard rack thingy might not be so easy to fit though as you may have chopped off the mountpoints it was going to use.

IMHO The entire concept of a top box is to add a destabilising mass both above and as far behind the bikes centre of gravity as possible. If it can wobble from side to side or up and down a little, preferably both at the same time then its' positive road safety function is complete as the wildly waving mass tends to push the bikes front end into instability at anything over walking pace.

A brilliant idea!! Smear the pillion seat cover with super glue, plonk box on it. Sucker will fall off before it does anything bad to the bikes handling. Actually if its not to put much mass in, most are rated for really low loads (like REALLY low) take an old seat cover, a pair of wedgesand bolt through seat cover and wedges to hold the box. All the flexibility and wobble but just two screws to get it off
Nonnie
03-01-2010, 04:04 PM
Thank you. That is my humble opinion too but I am just asking.

Does anybody know whether I have lopped off the bit that it mounts to?

Does anybody use any luggage system similar on a bike with a tail chop?

What does one do when one has a longish trip to consider?
LVC
03-01-2010, 04:13 PM
Tank bags and ruck sacks are still my prefered options for longish trips - failing that a car and a bike trailer.

Never seen the appeal of a top box unless you work for Pizza Express.
Nickj
03-01-2010, 04:23 PM
I did consider the idea of a teensy 'grill rack' fitted onto the seat hump like the old Triumphs had on the fuel tanks that'd be idel for light need it now stuff like oversuits, also thought about having the seat below the hump hollow as a hole for a few useful tools and sarnies. Never had a spare seat to hack up though.
Like LVC I'd go heavy mass on the tank, best jeans & T's in the rucksack
He11cat
03-01-2010, 04:35 PM
Get something bespoke made..
I know someone who has a stubby single seat bike no chance of putting anything anywhere but they had a small rack that bolted on the the front under the light on the forks kind of.
I doubt I have a picture now.
Two bolts undone and it was off as quick as you like and the bike looked good again!
Was the only way they could travel with it but it worked.

Didn't cost much to knock up either case of popping to an engineer.
If I find a picture il post it ..
would mean trawling through a few bike club sites but I may be able to find something.
Im sorry but I can't contact the person concerned to ask..
MrsC_772
03-01-2010, 04:49 PM
Have you tried a Kriega tail pack? The straps go under the seat, and I was pleasantly surprised how much I could stuff into it.
LVC
03-01-2010, 04:53 PM
What about this option >>>

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/Ducati998strailer.jpg
uksurfer
03-01-2010, 04:56 PM
i'm not surprised hes parked on his own :running:

i wonder how that effects the handling of a bike compared to a topbox?
The Kevlar Kid
03-01-2010, 04:57 PM
What about this option >>>

http://static.blogo.it/twowheelsblog/Ducati998strailer.jpg

Nice!!! Still not sure I'd want to pull it...
slob
03-01-2010, 04:58 PM
They should expect a visit from the fashion police.
I'm sure you could justify sticking your child in there on road safety grounds but would you put their still developing hearing half a metre behind a pair of Termis?
He11cat
03-01-2010, 05:23 PM
Thats just wrong!!!!!

ewwwwww I have no taste .. but crikey thats VILE!
Nickj
03-01-2010, 05:53 PM
Thats just wrong!!!!!

ewwwwww I have no taste .. but crikey thats VILE!

They chopped too much frame off!!

:idea::idea::idea::idea::idea::idea:
Why not a complete spare bike? One breaks down just swap over and away you go, worst case you could make one out of the working parts of the two
Nonnie
03-01-2010, 06:21 PM
Sheesh the one time I actually ask a sensible question and look where it goes...
Nickj
03-01-2010, 06:42 PM
It looks like you'll be wanting to try a strap on then Nonnie ;)
LVC
03-01-2010, 07:29 PM
Sheesh the one time I actually ask a sensible question and look where it goes...

Wrong season & forum for serious questions Nonnie :D :scratch: :look:
gary tompkins
03-01-2010, 07:54 PM
Back to the original question...

It depends how big a pizza you need to carry

(you can never have enough toppings)
JMo
03-01-2010, 08:50 PM
Saz had one of those rack things that convert into a grab handle and you can put a rucksack type bag either forward or backwards on it - I forget what they are called but some luggage nerd will come on and give you the name...

...bong - "Ventura", there, I remembered!

Anyway, it fits on a chopped M620 etc. if that is your want...

http://www.ventura-bike.com/

Still looks a bit sh!t though...

xxx
kneedown
03-01-2010, 08:54 PM
Tank bags and ruck sacks are still my prefered options for longish trips - failing that a car and a bike trailer.

Never seen the appeal of a top box unless you work for Pizza Express.

that is very true who wants to carry loads ????
jerry
03-01-2010, 11:47 PM
Top Box = practical but dodgy for handling and wind resistance and -200 points for style.

I use tank bags and tail packs or rucksack .
He11cat
04-01-2010, 01:27 AM
I like this option for the front :thumbsup:
gary tompkins
04-01-2010, 12:41 PM
I like this option for the front :thumbsup:

Needs matching handlebar tassles & ting! ting! bell for full effect
MrsJel
04-01-2010, 07:31 PM
Nonnie

being a nerd - i use the ventura luggage on the back and a tank bag.

the big rack looks a bit naff when the bag's not on it, but this has been about the easiest stuff i've used (apart from a top box and it seems such a shame to turn a monster into a pizza wagon)

Hope you get something sorted

Carole