Luggage solutions

[matt]

Never had any kind of luggage on a bike before but recently bought a BMW f800gs and would like to add something I can stick my work bag and snap box in easily and when I get to work get them out and put my helmet and gloves in ,so doesn't need to be huge..
The bike has a plate thing on the back , see photo ,anyone know what make it is and will a box fit straight on it and be easily removable when not required? Been reading about givi mono key ,mono lock things but I've still no idea really.
What is the minimum size needed for full face helmet?
Would some kind of soft bag be a better option?
All opinions welcome,thanks.

[matt]

[Mussels]

I tried a tank bag and a tail pack before I got a top box for commuting, a clip on top box is much better and if it's big enough for your lid then you'll fit loads in there.
I wouldn't have trusted my Givi one to stop a thief but I was parking on the Isle of Dogs. No idea what your plate fits but the brackets aren't hard to fit if this one only takes stupid money MBW ones.

[Count Steer]

Doesn't look like any I know. Looks a bit weedy tbh and the slots look like the sort of thing you'd put straps through.

BMW alloy boxes are good but there are plenty of lookalikes around at about half the price, Inc a Givi 42l version.

[dern]

Looks like a standard light luggage rack. Check on the givi site for what you need for your bike. A top box isn’t the greatest for weight distribution but it’s by far the best solution for all weather commuting.

[mangocrazy]

I guess it all depends on how big your work bag is. For years I managed with a tank bag when I was commuting 40-50 miles to work, but all I needed to fit in it was my scoff and some waterproofs. Tank bags are definitely the best in terms of weight distribution, but if you have to leave a helmet on the bike then a top box is the only sensible solution. I've got Givi plates on all the bikes except the LC and they are sturdy and do the job.

[The Spin Doctor]

Looks like one of these:

https://www.bmw-motorrad-bohling.com/uk ... s-k72.html

[matt]

Ah yes ,that's the one, genuine BMW ,not designed for top box fitting.
So I need to buy a new base plate and then the monokey plate I think.
Thanks for that.

[Dodgy69]

Should do the job.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/645334

[The Spin Doctor]

Ah yes ,that's the one, genuine BMW ,not designed for top box fitting.
So I need to buy a new base plate and then the monokey plate I think.
Thanks for that.

You may be able to fit the baseplate for the topbox directly to the BMW plate. I've got a genuine Yamaha rack on my XJ6 and the baseplate for my own topbox has enough 'wiggle room' in the mounting bolts to go through the holes.

[Supermofo]

I have a Givi 30L which I think is one of the smallest they do. It fits my work bag with laptop and a few other odds and sods for work. It'll do for weekends away and when empty fits my lid and gloves but not much else. So I'd suggest slightly bigger if you need any more space. This is the one I have only 50 quid at the moment.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/206364



Size guide when on an upright bike

[matt]

Is that givi easy to put on / off the bike ? Looks perfect.
I've also seen this which might work, security not really an issue as I work in the middle of nowhere and we have dedicated ( but uncovered) bike parking with CCTV . Anyone have experience or opinions on it ?

[matt]

Supermofo does that givi bolt on or have some kind of quick release attachment, did it come with everything required to attach it to your rack? Thanks

[MyLittleStudPony]

I've got a Givi Trekker 42 litre on my bike at the moment and it's reet.

I think most top boxes upset the high speed handling to some extent. Fortunately my bike is very slow so not an issue.

[matt]

I like those givi trekkers but! looking at 3-4 hundred quid all in I think ,I am tempted but it's a lot of money when in the past I've just carried a rucksack.

[mangocrazy]

Supermofo does that givi bolt on or have some kind of quick release attachment, did it come with everything required to attach it to your rack? Thanks

The Givi system has 2 prongs at the front of the plate that you slide the top box under to locate it, and a triangular 'spike' at the back that the top box clips down onto to lock it in place. To unlock it you need the key in the right position and then you press on a rectangular button to free the top box. Then you just slide the top box back a couple of cm and it comes off. It's far harder to explain than it is to do.

[Bigyin]

Supermofo does that givi bolt on or have some kind of quick release attachment, did it come with everything required to attach it to your rack? Thanks

They have a system where you turn the key and push a button at the base and the box just lifts off....to replace it you mount in on the lugs and it just clicks in place. I have a similar one which is a lot larger but mine is Ducati branded but made by Givi




Me and a few others used to have a small scooter top box on the rear of a sports bike but instead of a rack we used to bolt a plate through a spare rear set. Looks a bit weird at standstill but was an excellent solution for high speed touring without carrying panniers

[Rockburner]

Is that givi easy to put on / off the bike ? Looks perfect.
I've also seen this which might work, security not really an issue as I work in the middle of nowhere and we have dedicated ( but uncovered) bike parking with CCTV . Anyone have experience or opinions on it ?

It'll leak if it rains when the bike is parked up. Just take the thing inside and store it under your desk.

[Supermofo]

Supermofo does that givi bolt on or have some kind of quick release attachment, did it come with everything required to attach it to your rack? Thanks

Hmmm. Had a look at what I ordered and what the top box came with, it was a while ago! The top box comes with a universal fitting kit/plate which I didn't use, must admit I couldn't work out how you'd use it but as I had the proper plate it didn't matter. Instead I ordered this as well, this allows you to just hook and clip on and off with the supplied key that comes with the top box as others have mentioned. So actually you need to order more than the top box. I also ordered the proper arms/kit for my bike to bolt the plate too. When I swopped bikes I could still use the plate/box but needed to order specific bike arms.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/212351



No idea how the universal plate works and if you could use that, or adapt this plate without the 'arms' to your rack. I probably couldn't but some on here I'm sure can as they not as engineeringly challenged as me.

I notice SBS sell specific adaptor plates for various BMWs but seems they need you to remove the BMW rack. This plate is a monokey plate so would need a monokey box, not a monolock that I have or linked to.
https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/207075

This one is a monokey for certain years, again you'll need to remove your rack. I'm guessing you'll need to find your bike and see what options there are.

https://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorc ... rod/206834

Note monokey and monolock aren't interchangeable I believe so you'll need a matching base to the type of top box you buy.

[matt]

Thanks for the informative replies,it's a bit of a minefield isn't it!