[Parapilot927]

Hi there,

Just wondering which is the best value topcase out there for a 2009 Burgman 400 from your previous and/or current experience. I had a Givi on my Burgman 650 before and I liked it. It was a quick release type. I only put it on when I need the extra carrying capacity and/or riding two up as a back rest for the passenger. I will need to get the topcase and the mounting plate as well. Something as good as a Givi with a little less money and easy to install (with video instruction) will be ideal.

I understand "best" is a catchy word. We all see things differently. Any suggestions and link will be greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance.

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

Bestem 929 with options. Lots of bang for the buck.

 

[Daboo]

+1 to the Bestem top cases. I had a Bestem 2012. At about $80 it wasn't fancy, but it looked good, wasn't overly large, yet was rugged enough to carry home things like a case of soy milk from Costco many times. Shad makes a mounting attachment for the 400 that only costs about $60 and works well. While I liked the 2012 model for looks more, the 929 is larger and works great. Both have a quick release.

I've had both the Givi e450 and e470 top boxes. Both are great. I think for looks, I like the e450 better. Again, both are rugged enough to do what you want easily, yet the cost is not too much. Kiwi Dave is your best source for buying anything Givi if you live in the USA. Those are of the Monolock line. It is less expensive than the Monokey line, yet not badly made at all. I lean toward the Monolock topcases just because they look good and hold up well to anything we'll ever use them for.

Chris

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

I think daboo mentions the shad baseplate because those for the 2012 tend to crack. The plate for the 929 is a little heavier and even though I had to drill new holes to make it fit, mine has not cracked and I've got over 11,000 miles with it. I've been really happy with it.

 

[john grinsel]

Based on over 500,000 miles with Givi E-46 on various bikes/scooters. GIVI and their mounting system seems to work best.

Want cheap? Stanley 24 inch wide yellow tool box from WalMart @ $15, bolted directly to spoiler---I have the 24" and a smaller one----Their advantage besides the Hi Vis color is: they are lighter in weight and do not distract from the rear weight bias of the Burgman 400...or screw up handling.

 

[Daboo]

I think daboo mentions the shad baseplate because those for the 2012 tend to crack. ...

The metal on the Bestem 2012 mounting plate is extremely hard...but also brittle. I found out after mine cracked that LeDude had found the same thing.

Here's a picture of what it looks like:

Cycleluggage has it for $55.95 http://www.cycleluggage.com/shad_s0br46st.html

There's nothing fancy about it. It just simply does the job. Each one is made for that particular model bike. The four bolt holes you see match exactly with the frame mounting locations under the piece of tupperware. That tupperware part is also marked for the hole locations, so it is a pretty simple job to do.

What the Shad Top Master does, is to provide a flat stable platform for the top case's mounting plate to fasten to. When I did it for my Bestem 2012, I just tried to tighten the mounting bolts evenly. Unfortunately, they weren't and that put pressure on the Bestem's mounting plate, causing the crack over time.

Chris

 

[Parapilot927]

Thank you guys for the inputs.

My first choice is the Bestem 929, then the 2012 as long as it is white to match my bike color. Not sure both models come in white.

Now my question is, it seems neither the 929 nor the 2012 full kit (topcase + mounting plate) work well enough by itself? Must I get the Shad top master as a luggage rack for the topcase kit to sit on? If so, are there any other good value alternatives to mount either the 929 or the 2012 on a 2009 Bergman 400? Correct me if I am wrong or missing something.

Thank you, as always.

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

I had a post on "the other Burgman site" on some cool wiring mods with the 929 for easy case mounting/removal. Unfortunately, it got lost when they did site upgrades. I've got the file in Word as well as PDF format, and have updated it with some info on mounting the 929 plate directly to the 400's hardpoints. Like I said, I've put on a good number of miles with no problem. If someone can tell me how to use these files with links, I'll put it in the "how to" forum. Otherwise, I'll send either as an attachment if anyone wants to send me a private message. I got really good responses from those that saw it. The whole document includes a parts list and tips. Here's a teaser:

[attachment=0:2fugcd34]Final assembly 2.jpg[/attachment:2fugcd34]
[attachment=1:2fugcd34]Assembled Components.jpg[/attachment:2fugcd34]

 

[Hose B]

Scooter Maniac,
I attempted to send you a PM and request the Word or PDF file you offered on the top case install. However, the system will not allow me to send a PM until I have at least 15 posts in the forum. If your kind offer still stands, I'm betting you could initiate a PM conversation with me, wherein I could provide you my email address. If it's not too much trouble.
Kind regards,
Joe

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

PM sent.

 

[beemerbum]

Where are you guys finding the Bestem 929 t-box and mounting plate for your 400 Burgy? I went to the bestem.com website and its not there. What gives?

 

[billford]

Great information shared. . . .

 

[richardbruer]

I sent a message to Bestem-USA asking what was up with their topcases. Here is their reply: "Unfortunately they have been discontinued and we no long have any in stock. So unfortunately we will not be able to help out with the 929 top box any longer. If there is anything else we can do to help out in the future feel free to let us know and we hope you have a good rest of the week."

 

[Kilted Tailor]

Based on over 500,000 miles with Givi E-46 on various bikes/scooters. GIVI and their mounting system seems to work best.

Want cheap? Stanley 24 inch wide yellow tool box from WalMart @ $15, bolted directly to spoiler---I have the 24" and a smaller one----Their advantage besides the Hi Vis color is: they are lighter in weight and do not distract from the rear weight bias of the Burgman 400...or screw up handling.

Question to clarify: 'bolted to the spoiler'-- I assume thats the rear spoiler, where the fancy top case parts are fitted? I have an 'el cheep' top case that came with my 400, and I hate it, and want something sensible. A photo for those of us who are 'wrench impaired' would be most welcomed

 

[Scooter_Maniac]

I sent a message to Bestem-USA asking what was up with their topcases. Here is their reply: "Unfortunately they have been discontinued and we no long have any in stock. So unfortunately we will not be able to help out with the 929 top box any longer. If there is anything else we can do to help out in the future feel free to let us know and we hope you have a good rest of the week."

That's too bad. I thought the 929 was a great top case for a budget price.