Discussion
Black-K1 will be along shortly to advise top-boxes are the Devil's work...and indeed that it the case. The very worst place to put anything heavy on a bike is high-up and behind the back axle. In terms of handling, panniers are the way to go. And if you need both then obviously the really heavy stuff goes at the bottom of the panniers and the lighter stuff in the top-box.
As an example with the bike on the stand push-pull a top-box (or the rack where a top-box would sit) sideways and it doesn't take much effort to move the bike around. Do the same with a pannier (or where a pannier would be) and it doesn't make much difference to the bike.
And in terms of practicality you can either take the panniers off and use them as 'suitcases' to carry your gear in/out of accommodation (or if they're fixed, get pannier liners/inners that come out).
As an example with the bike on the stand push-pull a top-box (or the rack where a top-box would sit) sideways and it doesn't take much effort to move the bike around. Do the same with a pannier (or where a pannier would be) and it doesn't make much difference to the bike.
And in terms of practicality you can either take the panniers off and use them as 'suitcases' to carry your gear in/out of accommodation (or if they're fixed, get pannier liners/inners that come out).
Going to disagree totally with what's been written. Unless you are going very fast (100mph plus) and/or it's severely overloaded, the effect of a top box on handling is negligible.
They are super practical as you can put your helmet and boots in when you get to a destination and walk round in trainers. Weatherproof and secure, they are great for touring. Plus if you get a Givi, Shad or other aftermarket brand, you can take it with you between bikes.
Solid panniers are a good addition to carry your stuff beyond that. I wouldn't want to do big miles with all my stuff in a rucksack.
They are super practical as you can put your helmet and boots in when you get to a destination and walk round in trainers. Weatherproof and secure, they are great for touring. Plus if you get a Givi, Shad or other aftermarket brand, you can take it with you between bikes.
Solid panniers are a good addition to carry your stuff beyond that. I wouldn't want to do big miles with all my stuff in a rucksack.
airsafari87 said:
Kriega R30 type tail pack not an option for her?
Much better solution. The F750 has a pretty good luggage rack as standard with loads of slots for straps. I’ve had all sorts of luggage, metal panniers, OEM plastic luggage, Givi top boxes etc and sold them all. Best luggage around in my opinion is a LOMO dry bag with Rok Straps on a budget, or Kriega US30 if not.
As said by others, I’d only have panniers if the bike was unattended for prolonged periods outside on a tour.
If it's a one off I'd look at the large rear soft bags
I've never packed 20kg type weight in my top box but I can't tell the difference with or without a topbox in daily use
I agree with the theory but for light use it's not an issue IME
Also if you're not used to panniers you're like a dog carrying a big stick
You hit everything
I've never packed 20kg type weight in my top box but I can't tell the difference with or without a topbox in daily use
I agree with the theory but for light use it's not an issue IME
Also if you're not used to panniers you're like a dog carrying a big stick
You hit everything
Bikes are designed to handle fine with a 60kg pillion on the back - certainly an F800. With the best will in the world I fail to see how a 20kg topbox, even if sitting a bit further back is meant to cause such catastrophic handling woes. It’s never bothered me; it’s a trade off.
I use them on everything - including my R1s (I use the Ventura brackets so there’s nothing really there when not in use). They’re convenient, secure and keep your stuff dry - they might look s
t but so would the honking great soft bag I’d have bungeed to the back instead if I didn’t use a box.
Some people get very very upset by them though.
If I’m not needing the space then it’s not attached. Simple.
I use them on everything - including my R1s (I use the Ventura brackets so there’s nothing really there when not in use). They’re convenient, secure and keep your stuff dry - they might look s
t but so would the honking great soft bag I’d have bungeed to the back instead if I didn’t use a box. Some people get very very upset by them though.
If I’m not needing the space then it’s not attached. Simple.
I've done lots of trips with a topbox and never had any issues, I guess you get used to it. I generally travel light so put my rucksack in the topbox with couple of essentials then have a little tank bag. Topbox is good becuase when you stop, you can put your helmet/gloves in there and just walk around with the rucksack. I guess you could probably do the same with panniers though.
Dog Star said:
Bikes are designed to handle fine with a 60kg pillion on the back - certainly an F800. With the best will in the world I fail to see how a 20kg topbox, even if sitting a bit further back is meant to cause such catastrophic handling woes. It’s never bothered me; it’s a trade off.
I use them on everything - including my R1s (I use the Ventura brackets so there’s nothing really there when not in use). They’re convenient, secure and keep your stuff dry - they might look st but so would the honking great soft bag I’d have bungeed to the back instead if I didn’t use a box.
Some people get very very upset by them though.
If I’m not needing the space then it’s not attached. Simple.
It's not just the static weight but the aerodynamics at any reasonable speed (above about 50mph) and the effects of cross winds. I use them on everything - including my R1s (I use the Ventura brackets so there’s nothing really there when not in use). They’re convenient, secure and keep your stuff dry - they might look s
t but so would the honking great soft bag I’d have bungeed to the back instead if I didn’t use a box. Some people get very very upset by them though.
If I’m not needing the space then it’s not attached. Simple.
All of those are being applied to the bike behind the rear axle. There isn't a worse place on a bike to apply additional loads and forces.
You may not notice the effects. That's fine, but it doesn't mean they're not happening. Many riders can't tell the difference with badly set up suspension or incorrectly inflated tyres!
black-k1 said:
It's not just the static weight but the aerodynamics at any reasonable speed (above about 50mph) and the effects of cross winds.
All of those are being applied to the bike behind the rear axle. There isn't a worse place on a bike to apply additional loads and forces.
You may not notice the effects. That's fine, but it doesn't mean they're not happening. Many riders can't tell the difference with badly set up suspension or incorrectly inflated tyres!
Obviously none of these forces apply if you've strapped a soft bag to the back though. Lucky that. All of those are being applied to the bike behind the rear axle. There isn't a worse place on a bike to apply additional loads and forces.
You may not notice the effects. That's fine, but it doesn't mean they're not happening. Many riders can't tell the difference with badly set up suspension or incorrectly inflated tyres!
black-k1 said:
It's not just the static weight but the aerodynamics at any reasonable speed (above about 50mph) and the effects of cross winds.
All of those are being applied to the bike behind the rear axle. There isn't a worse place on a bike to apply additional loads and forces.
You may not notice the effects. That's fine, but it doesn't mean they're not happening. Many riders can't tell the difference with badly set up suspension or incorrectly inflated tyres!
In terms of the physics it is not the ideal engineering solution. However, you have to be in extreme circumstances for it to be a serious issue: someone touring solo on an F750GS is unlikely to be heavily laden or at 100 mph plus for long spells. If that is their plan they're on the wrong bike! All of those are being applied to the bike behind the rear axle. There isn't a worse place on a bike to apply additional loads and forces.
You may not notice the effects. That's fine, but it doesn't mean they're not happening. Many riders can't tell the difference with badly set up suspension or incorrectly inflated tyres!
People do all sorts of odd things and make it work: I'm sure I saw a photo on here once of a dildo stuck on the front of a sportsbike which must have had a curious effect on the aerodynamics
! 
I've toured extensively with both panniers only, top box only and all of them together, a Givi hard box set up on a VFR800
I don't even notice the top box, especially if packing light.
Panniers are great to add additional capacity, but their width sometimes restricts filtering ability, whereas a top box does not.
I don't even notice the top box, especially if packing light.
Panniers are great to add additional capacity, but their width sometimes restricts filtering ability, whereas a top box does not.
I tour in Spain most years, the llast time being almost a month. My wife also rides and has her own bike.
We both have panniers and top box, but both of us travel with the top box empty, just so we can put helmet and gloves away whenever we stop, and it's one less thing to carry into a hotel room at the end of the day.
We both have panniers and top box, but both of us travel with the top box empty, just so we can put helmet and gloves away whenever we stop, and it's one less thing to carry into a hotel room at the end of the day.
PurpleTurtle said:
I don't even notice the top box, especially if packing light.
This for me. The capacity for helmets and other gear, and lack of extra width makes them a far better choice for my usage. I would expect a topbox to offer a measurable aero advantage over panniers too, but probably only of note if doing lots of motorway miles.Gassing Station | Biker Banter | Top of Page | What's New | My Stuff