Analysis Paralysis on my luggage

[lastparrot]

So some of you guys might remember but a while back I posted about what luggage options I was looking at. I think I like the Bumot side cases, the fact they hug the bike is a big plus, I do like the Givi outback trekkers functionality wise, not crazy about the look overall of them. For a top box I think I want a Givi. It gives me some options with adding a light kit which I do like. I know can't decide between the v47 or the v56 models. I don't ride 2 up ever, but I am beginning to enjoy the idea of leaving all my gear on the bike locked up, meaning gloves, helmet and adv jacket. I think the 47 liter would be too small, the 56 should work but then I think that case is huge. Problem is I really don't have good shots of bikes with those cases without panniers where the picture was taken from good angles for comparison. Just don't know what I should do I switch back and forth every day....AHHHH funny how we can complain about not having options then when you have them you can't make a decision.

 

[verboten1]

The 52 is a huge case, but once on the bike it doesn't look too bad.

 

[ABBlender]

IMHO It's not a car, go light (especially for a top box) as it will handle better when riding around which means a safer and more fun ride. Get a long cable lock (or pacsafe) if you need to lock up your jacket and other random stuff. It will fit in whatever luggage without taking up much space and will cover you for the (likely) small percentage of times you leave all your stuff at the bike.

 

[Velvet]

I went with the Bumot Cases, I am glad I did. Quality is great, and they are water proof.

+1

I really like my Bumots, and at this point they are definitely waterproof.

I'm not a topbox kind of guy so I can't offer any suggestions on one of those. I have to agree with ABBlender's comment above. Go light on with what you have on top. I use a cable lock for my jacket and helmet with never a problem. Having lockable hard bags essentially keeps honest people honest. Any experiened thug would probably get into any hardcase in less than 30 seconds.

 

[WJBertrand]

If you fit a large top box, that may limit what panniers you can fit. Most are top opening and a large top box overhanging them may result in interference when trying to open the panniers with the top box in place.

 

[Velvet]

I went with the tool box. It's nice but small. As for a top case, decided to try First Gear 75 L big mouth dry bag for trips. Fits nice.

The tool box is definitely a worthwhile addition IMHO. I keep my Cruz tool kit and some other odds n ends inside.

I've been using a Kriega 40L(1x20L, 2x10L) waterproof soft bag system for the backin lieu of a top case but I just purchased a Mosko Moto waterproof 40L bag to try out on my upcoming trip. 40L is as much as I'm willing to go for the top.

 

[Sckill]

I have a Givi E55 with a light kit and the thing is enormous, but very useful. I do a lot of 2 up riding and the E55 is able to fit 2 helmets. When riding solo, I'm able to squeeze in my helmet, gloves, riding jacket, and riding pants in here. I have an admore light kit installed on the Givi as well as a brake modulator which helps to manage the traffic behind me.

The downside of the top case is that it prevents me from fully opening my right side Givi Trekker outback case, but the trekker lid can be unhinged very easily and I can get into box without much trouble. I was one of the guys that had a leak with the trekker cases, but it has been resolved after I applied silicone to the edges inside the case.

Depending on how and where you travel, you might find a larger top case to be more useful. When I commuted into NYC on the bike, It was easier to have just a top box for parking and lane filtering. I would only use the side cases for long trips.

 

[lastparrot]

I am wanting helmet and jacket storage , plus possible laptop storage when commuting.

 

[diehli]

If you fit a large top box, that may limit what panniers you can fit. Most are top opening and a large top box overhanging them may result in interference when trying to open the panniers with the top box in place.

This is why I went with the Holan Nomadas. No way I was giving up my V47, so since the Nomadas were the only panniers available with easily completely removable lids, they were the obvious choice. Luckily they're quality kit, too.

 

[Use2btrix]

I love my bumot side cases and just ordered a bumot top case. Should be here Monday.

To my understanding a lid should fit in the top case then jacket and whatever else in the panniers. I'm not positive but I can check when it shows up.

From what I read the givi aren't the most durable off road, which I like to do from time to time. I also only really plan to use my top case on weekend trips anyways. The rest of the time I just leave my panniers on. I have a wolfman dry duffle I've used as a tail bag along with a pac safe lock. I was happy with that set up, however I originally got the two Wolfmans to go on the panniers for super long two up trips.