Suzuki's SV Top Case

Originally Posted by thor

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!

You have a good point, on my other bke which i have toured on as well, i didnt have a topbox just a oxford tailpack and a pacsafe helmet bag which cost £40, keeps the lid safe, out of the sun and dry. TBH i rountily leave low value stuff in my tailpack in town, havent had any problems yet. Hard luggage is definaley nicer to use, drier and more secure but does cost the extra. I wouln't have used a topbox if it hadnt been for the rear seat adaptor.

In the end the trips the key bit, you could take a rucksack and still have fun.

[DarrenSV650S]

Do you think it is possible to fit all the stuff I'll need in to Suzuki's top case? Or will I need a tank bag too?

How waterproof is the official suzuki top box? Is it "motorcycle waterproof" (as in "lasts half an hour in a light drizzle before it starts leaking) or is it really waterproof (as in, 5 hours in driving rain and it's still dry as a bone inside)?

I may well get one if I stay at my current job- I hate having to use soft luggage all the time and after finding I lack the guts to filter hard in london when using panniers, have decided I will probably go for the top box.

[Viney]

Originally Posted by DarrenSV650S

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 ?

I have Oxford Sport panniers, and a 1st tail pack. All if fitted correctly will more than happy saty attached to the SV. Ive had mine happily on there at illegal speeds for prolonged periods with no issues. Its only when you dont use the bungees etc, and dont put one of the straps under the seat cowl is when it goes wrong. Soft lugguage is the way to go with DrySac( i think they are called (Or bin Bags)) bags inside.

Originally Posted by Viney

I have Oxford Sport panniers, and a 1st tail pack. All if fitted correctly will more than happy saty attached to the SV. Ive had mine happily on there at illegal speeds for prolonged periods with no issues. Its only when you dont use the bungees etc, and dont put one of the straps under the seat cowl is when it goes wrong. Soft lugguage is the way to go with DrySac( i think they are called (Or bin Bags)) bags inside.

I'll second that properly fitted soft luggage with the contents in bin bags is perfectly functional. If you need to leave the bike with valuable stuff (laptop etc.) it can be a bit of pain though. The main reason I think I'll probably get a top box is that when I'm away with work I have to carry a rucksack with my valuables in it, rather than being able to lock them in the top box. Seems a minor point and to begin with, didn't bother me, but over time it has gotten more and more annoying for me. Yesterday it came to a head when I was using soft panniers rather than my usual tankbag/rucksack combo. I had to put the panniers on, 2 mile ride to the hotel, undo the panniers, take them with me. Finished, getting ready to go home, I put the panniers back on the bike. Just about to ride off, realise they're not on properly, take them off, put them back on again, etc. at home, I had to take them off again and dry them in front of the fire. All in all, I must of spent the best part of half an hour loading and unloading. With a top box, it'd be 2 minutes tops.

I prefer panniers to top boxes (not least for the aesthetics, but also the handling) and had been considering getting some decent hard lockable panniers instead. I found yesterday that I'm not prepared to sacrifice the filtering ability though.

Originally Posted by DarrenSV650S

Do you think it is possible to fit all the stuff I'll need in to Suzuki's top case? Or will I need a tank bag too?

How big is it? I have a 45 litre Givi, it takes everything I need with plenty of room for more!

Matt

Yep I've tested the Oxford sport panniers up to 115 mph (indicated) on the German autobahns, they were secure.

As was a bungy net with my one piece waterproof and winter gloves under it.

But I can see the practicalities of a Top Box.

[DarrenSV650S]

Originally Posted by alpinestarhero

How big is it? I have a 45 litre Givi, it takes everything I need with plenty of room for more!

Matt

The suzuki site says: 38 litre capacity. Max load 7kg

Originally Posted by DarrenSV650S

Do you think it is possible to fit all the stuff I'll need in to Suzuki's top case? Or will I need a tank bag too?

With carefull packing it not a problem, not taking big shoes and big towels reduces the size massivley, really think about what you need to take, you will find you can travel comfotabley with very little, minituare tolitries save loads of space as well.

Originally Posted by Ceri JC

How waterproof is the official suzuki top box? Is it "motorcycle waterproof" (as in "lasts half an hour in a light drizzle before it starts leaking) or is it really waterproof (as in, 5 hours in driving rain and it's still dry as a bone inside)?

I may well get one if I stay at my current job- I hate having to use soft luggage all the time and after finding I lack the guts to filter hard in london when using panniers, have decided I will probably go for the top box.

Mine has always been completley waterproof providing its not overloaded, if you have to much the lid down because its full it changes the shape of the box slighly and means the seal will leak in wetter weather.

Originally Posted by DarrenSV650S

The suzuki site says: 38 litre capacity. Max load 7kg

Can say there has been a lot more than 7kgs in it probaly more like 15-20 for thousands of miles and no probs



My experience of using both to travel and commute is that hard luggage is just better, more like a boot of car as such rather than a bag. One important note is that a tox box is only as big as it says, you can squash odd shapes, into bags not top boxes.

Sorry to dig up an old thread guys but it was either this or startt a new one.

just a question about the Top case adaptor official suzuki one. does this just click into place like the seat cowl/ rear seat??

if so how solid is it?

thanks in advance