Topbox size?

[Sir Trev]

Not everyone's ideal mod but I want to add a box to my GSX. Bit undecided on size though...

Do I go for a Givi B33 or one of their bigger jobbies. What's the real difference between Monolock and Monokey? Why are the ML ones rated for just 3kg and the MK ones 10kg? How come the Givi website says some of them take lids but internet reviews say they don't.

Thoughts from the people who have them? Needs to take at least a normal full face Arai but apart from that I'm unsure which way to go.

[Littlepeahead]

I've got a massive Givi. It's supposed to take 2 full face helmets but Mr LPH has a flip front so it won't take his and my Shoei. BUt if I need to I can fit in a lid, boots and gloves. Or 4 boxes of 12 sachet Felix cat food - which is very important you know.

I bought mine mainly to carry my camera gear as it's worth more than the bike. It's not the most expensive box from their range as I only use it occasionally. The most annoying thing is the lid sometimes get jammed if the panel you press to close it catches on a sweater or whatever that has moved about on a journey and then you can't get the box open.

[embee]

The monolock ones are intended for smaller/slower bikes/scoots etc, monokey are basically more suited to touring etc. on bigger faster bikes, that's the principle anyway.

I have a couple of Givis for the touring bike. A "smaller" E35 which will take one helmet and useful for a day's outing with sarnies, jumper etc. and a big job E52 Maxia for holidays. Both well made and durable.

My only gripe with the E52 is the shape rather than the size, the rounded corners may look stylish but are a lot less practical for packing stuff like camping stoves and plastic boxes. Some of the older ones were a squarer shape and probably better for it.

Get the biggest one you can live with.

[DJ123]

Originally Posted by Sir Trev

Not everyone's ideal mod but I want to add a box to my GSX. Bit undecided on size though...

Do I go for a Givi B33 or one of their bigger jobbies. What's the real difference between Monolock and Monokey? Why are the ML ones rated for just 3kg and the MK ones 10kg? How come the Givi website says some of them take lids but internet reviews say they don't.

Thoughts from the people who have them? Needs to take at least a normal full face Arai but apart from that I'm unsure which way to go.

I have a b33 and a v46. I like the b33 for its small neat size, good for popping to the shops and out for a ride to throw the helmet it. For a weekend away i use the V46. you can get more luggage in it and is more practical. Even using the V46 daily it's practical and doesn't get in the way, even when filtering.
I would also go Monokey (10kg) capacity. The locking mechanism is more secure than monolock. My monolock box used to bounce slightly and i ended up with pitting on the plate near the lock. I don't get any of that on the MK box and plate. the MK lock on the box is larger and the securing pins hold it very well.

[fizzwheel]

Moved to Bike Talk

I bought a v46 for my sv and it's brilliant. Perfect for touring and commuting alike. As daddyjob says, doesn't effect filtering when on and has loads of room.

For anyone looking for one for their SV, I bought the whole package (v46 box, rack and M5 monokey plate) off ebay from a bloke in Italy here. Brilliant service and he's happy to post to uk if you contact him for a quote. Last year he charged 25 euros for tracked delivery which took less than a week . Well chuffed.

Don't rule out getting the cheaper monolock boxes, I've had my 46L two years, cost me £90 with plate, brand new off eBay and I've done at around 4k with it rammed full of camping stuff and clothes etc, it's been brilliant.