Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

I'm planning a wee trip around France in a few months and will need a decent top box. Had a look on the Suzuki website and found the SV top case for £124 which seems ok. It seems very handy as it just replaces the rear cowl.

If the Suzuki one isn't any good the other option is the Suzuki "top case adaptor/mounting plate". But this on its own is £56, and when you add on the price of a topbox it gets a bit pricey compared with Suzuki's box.

Is it possible to mount a box using the bolts normally used for the grab rail?



If anyone has the Suzuki top case please let me know what you think of it.:)

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

Darren, you would need to buy both the top case & the adapter plate to fit it in place of your pillion seat, so it is pricey.

You can buy a Renntec rack which uses the grabrail bolts but because there's only 2 bolts its not secure enough to hold a topcase, there's a maximum load sticker on the rack, less than the weight of an empty case!

There are posts somewhere here where people have bolted cases to spare pillion seats, this is what I intend to do, I've bought a 2nd hand seat & I'm waiting for a cheap case to turn up on ebay.

Hope this helps, Jack.

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

Ahh I see. I thought the case had the same mounting as the seat.
That is a good idea using an old seat. I may consider that myself:smt045

Thanks for replying :)

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

Are you heading round France 2 up? If not I'd just go with soft luggage, locking the helmet to the bike if and when required. But that's just me.

Hope you have a good trip, where you off and how long for?

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

I have used the full suzuki set up and it very good, keeps the weight close to your body and has very little affect on the aerodynatics until you get over 100mph, takes around 5-10mph off the top speed if i remember, dont know your idea of touring but mines not flat out everywhere.

The adapter just relaces the rear seat and grabrail and ca be removed in less than a minute. it does however scratch the rear cowel if used for prolonged periods of time.

All in all a very good set up and highly recommended it is prices but i belive the box is a givi so can be reused on other givi mounts.

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

No its a solo trip. I am planning a round trip of France (anti-clockwise) possibly for three weeks so that I can take my time, depending if I can get the time off work. I've heard a lot of stories of soft luggage falling off. My soft luggage from lidl's just links under the tail using straps. And the strap's clamps don't hold a very good grip IMO. When I went to Mull with it I had to re-tighten the straps a couple of times and it was a bit of a worry.

My top speed is just a little over 100mph anyway as I'm on a restricted license. And I also enjoy taking my time sometimes when touring and taking in some of the scenery.
If the adaptor replaces the rear seat then how can it scratch the rear cowl ?

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

Found Oxford panniers are secure as a rock and would do you for a 3 week trip, but then again I can see some advantages of chucking things into a top box if you are off for 3 weeks.

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

The suzuki one has had rave reviews from customers that have bought them. Mainly being its more secure on the bike than soft luggage and also as mentioned, some case put the box behind the centre of the rear wheel which when loaded can make the bike weave a bit..this one sits where a pillion would so no ill affects at all. I understand the box is made by Givi and rebranded for Suzuki.

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

It is actually bigger than the rear seat it fits in the seat area but extended over the rear cowel (towards the back) to accomodated for the size of the topbox, there is a rubberised seal thing but it must gather dust and dirt. I used the box for a good 12k before it was noticable.

Re: Suzuki's SV Top Case
 

Decent soft luggage won't fall off. In fact, have you considered just using a bungy net? That, a bin bag, and a rucksack leaves you with quite a useful pillion mounted bag. It's super cheap and will be easier to carry off the bike! I've done prolonged motorway miles with that and it's fine.

However, the main difference with hard luggage is the extra security. If you plan to visit lots of places and leave stuff on the bike then I think it is a good idea.

Finally, one good trick I saw is to have a light chain or wire lock that you can thread through the arms of your jacket and drape around the tank, locking it round the head stock. That, plus a chain/wire lock for your lid should be better than lugging both around.


Have fun on your trip!