TOP BOX

[Andrew s]

My Rockster has the pannier rails and rear rack fitted. I am thinking of getting a top box for touring next year.

Can I fit a BMW top box directly to the rack or do I need an adaptor. I know I would need an adaptor plate for a Givi topbox,

If I go the Givi route would I need to remove the rear rack and put the Givi adaptor plate in it's place.

Andrew

[riceburner]

If you want a removable box (and have the budget), then the Givi rack is a good bet - I've seen a few and they look stable.

If you're on a budget, and aren't fussed about day to day removing the top-box:
> go buy a plastic breadboard - £1.50?,
> remove the silver painted part of the rear rack,
> cut the breadboard to fit into the same fittings as the removed part of the rack
> drill suitable holes in top-box and use longish nuts & bolts to affix top-box & breadboard to OE rack mounts.

Hint - find a sheet of Dural (or similar) to go into the base of the top-box which will brace the box, and stop the plastic being damaged.

The box WILL move about - but I've had this setup for a few years now (at least 3), and ride every day - no problems whatsoever so far.


Not the clearest shot - but hopefully will give you the gist of it :

[Andrew s]

Thanks Ricey,

I will want to take the box off so think the Givi route is best.

Having the rack there I thought you could simply add a BMW topbox.

On another note and seeing as you have taken pictures, would it be possible to take a photo of your centre stand so I can see how it is attached (hope not being to cheeky).

Andrew

[johno]

Givi is the way to go. I had one on my previous R, and have just ordered a 30lt Givi for my current R. Easy to mount, and adjustable to get the ultimate position.
I had my last one fairly well forward, as I dont carry a passenger it wasnt a problem.
I dont like too much weight hanging out the back.

[Andrew s]

Thanks for that Johno, did you get the brackets and fitting plate separately?

I was looking at getting the Givi V46 as it would be good for solo trips without panniers.

Andrew

[johno]

Andrew, the one I got came with mounting plate included. Got it today, and was easy to fit to existing BMW rear rack. Have you checked out Ebay?? Plenty on there, and priced right.

I dont do real big trips, so with a top box, and tank bag, and Camelback, I carry all I want for a few days.

[Andrew s]

So do you have the 'L' brackets that go from the plate down, or is it just the adaptor plate you have. I would think the extra brackets would be there to strengthen the box, with the weight.

Andrew

[johno]

I just bolted the adaptor/mounting plate direct to the BMW rack, which is attached to the pannier mounting rails. No other brackets came with the box, only the mounting/adaptor plate, if that makes sense.