[Coz Boogie]

If you could run with either a top case or side cases only, which would you go for and why? Now I understand that generally top cases provide for more capacity, so I don't want that to be the only deciding factor. But from an aesthetic, convenience, etc. point of view which would you select.

late,
Coz

 

[DougInKY]

Given the choice of only one of the options, I would go with a top case and then I would add a cheap set of saddlebags. I would keep the saddlebags out in the garage for those times when more storage is needed.

Oh wait, that is what I did.

Now having said that, I also own a set of Givi E-41's that I am waiting for the mounts to come in. Already purchased and got the mounts (on the way) for about $150. Makes for hard cases all around for my Burgman 650. Will probably run with the side cases off most of the time but they are nice to have.

 

[Buffalo]

On a maxi scooter like the Burgmans I would go with just the top case. Why, because I think side cases on Maxi scooters just look out of place. YMMV

 

[NormanB]

This is a question of need but I cannot imagine wanting to increase the width of the bike by electing to fit side cases alone rather than a top box. However if you already have a top box and have a need for more capacity then side cases could be the solution if you can cope with a very wide bike. This would not be an issue in most of the US but would be a constraint to consider in the UK as it would impact on filterability.

 

[LeDude]

Add a top- box to supplement your under the seat storage.

Add side cases if you need more carrying capacity.

I use both on the 650, as I do on well of my bikes.

It all depends on what your priorities and needs are, what others
think should not make any difference.

If you have never had side cases it will take some getting used to.

 

[convertfromVespa]

It depends on what you are planning to carry.

It is possible to effect handling adversly by raising the center of gravity by overloading a top case.

Personally, I prefer the top case to carry most items even with side cases available. It is not capacity, but that most things can lay flat in a top case. I usually put my helmet and gloves in a side case when I park.

I hope that helps.

 

[InfernoST]

I use a top case and a large tail bag that I strap to the seat when I need more storage. I personally wont add saddle bags, the bike is wide enough as she is.

 

[Scootereno]

Does this top case make my Scooter look Fat?
or
Too Much Junk in that Trunk!
:lol: :lol: :lol:

I won't ever own a top case for my scooter on purpose....and I think all motorcycles should be blue. 8)
I have no rhyme or reason it is purely a style thing for me.
I have used milk crates on many bikes in the past which is just an ugly top case so go figure???? :roll:
I do have removable soft-side saddle bags and a duffel I use when touring.
Otherwise I keep it lean and clean.

 

[Marv]

I use a top case and a large tail bag that I strap to the seat when I need more storage. I personally wont add saddle bags, the bike is wide enough as she is.

+1 I concur. I use a large tail bag when I have a need for more storage on a trip otherwise it sits in the closet.

 

[Mike337]

I would've liked to go top case, but I figured it was top AND back heavy enough with a passenger so I went with some easy removable soft side bags and center hump bag. Plenty of room when I need it.

 

[cactuspwr]

Use a top case for this reason:

-additional breaking light
-need to store the bottom of the AGaTT at work during the cold season. The AGAtT dosnèt fir all under the seat in cold season.
-Cannot use side case because of space issue. I have only less than 36'' between the garage door frame and my wife car to pass.

 

[Jeff_MdR]

Just got back from my annual California tour (11 days, 1900 miles), and managed with under-seat storage and Cortech removable soft saddlebags for both myself and the wife. Each year we pack a little bit smarter, and it helps that we have access laundry at strategic stops on the trip. We also rely on perfect weather - if I had to pack one more long sleeve tee or, God forbid, rain gear, we'd be in top box territory.

Does my ass look big in these saddlebags? Absolutely. But it feels great to take them off and store them the garage for the other 50.5 weeks of the year.

 

[thomphoto]

Looks like I'm in the minority here, but after installing my hard side cases I'm finding that I prefer them over the top box that I've been using for years. Never did care for the look of the top box, and when loaded it makes the scoot feel top heavy. My system now is to keep rain gear, seat pad, cleaning stuff and tools in the side cases, and leave the underseat for helmet and jacket storage. Long trips I'll put the top box on.

 

[gruntled]

Oddly enough I have come to believe that a top case actually helps with gas mileage & the saddlebags may cut it.
I had saddlebags on mine & got one caught on the bumper of my wife's car. I would sure hate to do that going faster while lane splitting.

 

[thomphoto]

Oddly enough I have come to believe that a top case actually helps with gas mileage & the saddlebags may cut it.
I had saddlebags on mine & got one caught on the bumper of my wife's car. I would sure hate to do that going faster while lane splitting.

Around here where I live, you don't dare lane split. You will get cut off, and the cars will see how close they can get together to keep you out. Also you will get the "bird" from even the blue hair ladies.

 

[fernando]

I dont have a top box, and i have an stock passenger back rest on the bike. I've been thinking of whether get a top box or saddlebags, i think the top box makes the bike larger and difficult to split lines as much as saddlebags,although saddlebags should fit as they shouldn't be wider than the handlebar.

I know i could use a top box with backrest support however i think the bike looks better with saddlebags than it does with a top box.

On top of that, at least for the 400, the fehling racks cost 300 + 200 a couple of givi hard cases that's 500bucks right there , think it's too expensive.

so I think i may go for soft saddlebags (200 bucks) that i can take off wherever i like without using any tools.

 

[alloo]

I'd go with the largest top box available.

 

[pdxstriper]

I went with the Givi V46 topcase (with Admore lights) and Givi soft saddlebags which I only use for trips.

Advantages: I like the additional break/turn/running lights up high on the topcase for safety reasons. Another advantage of a topcase is that it holds my modular helmet - which also fits under the seat but that space is usually full of other stuff.

I choose this setup mostly by default. There are few reasonable hard saddlebag solutions for the 400 that come in - with brackets and the hard bags - under $1,000 or so.

Happy hunting.

 

[momule]

I have Givi E41 side cases and a E52 topcase on my 650 and I really don't notice them while riding but the other night I parked it in my garage and looked at it from the rear end and GOOD GOD !! That is one lard-ass profile !! For some reason it doesn't look bad from the sides but the bags really do add a huge amount to what is already a wide rear end.

And...to make things worse, just like my garage and basement, the amount of junk that I own is determined by the amount of room that I have to put it. So, my bags have winter wear in them, rainsuits for two, tire repair kits, enough tools to do an engine swap, etc etc etc. The bike club that I ride with jokes that if Pat (me) doesn't have it on board it is probably not necessary. I get an average of 43 mpg.

 

[Old-n-slow]

My thoughts are that the side cases add a lot of drag to the Burgman and thus reduce your mileage. They also add way too much to the overall width.

Top boxes also change the airflow around the bike, but whether it adds drag, and how much, depends on the bike, the windshield, the size of the box and whether there is a passenger riding along. Riding solo with a box on the back I can feel the difference in the airflow, but not if my wife is riding behind me.

Avoid the hard side cases if at all possible, but if you need extra storage get a top case. Also, practice travelling light.