F800GS top cases

Discussion in 'Parallel Universe' started by markas, Jul 25, 2009.

  1. markas

    markas Small-time Explorer

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    Top case is a must for everyday commuting. If you have one show it with details about mounting please. Personally , i would like a top case that does not limit my options for panniers and am a bit confused about the whole issue:ear
    #1
  2. GB

    GB . Administrator Super Moderator

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    I have my Givi Maxia E52 mounted.. it holds a lot, is waterproof and I have added an LED kit that lights up the ENTIRE red surface, acts as a running light, brake light and turn signals.

    [​IMG]
    #2
  3. WOLVERINE

    WOLVERINE Keep her pinned!

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    Meee Likey Likey...More pics plese gadget for different angle! Where you get it from?
    #3
  4. markas

    markas Small-time Explorer

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    Some more info about the mounting please. Givi Universal E250 Mounting plate? on what rack ? Or used a specific plate of Givi ?
    Must be cool day and night!
    #4
  5. Bushwhacker

    Bushwhacker Dirt, Sweat & Gears

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    I have the V46 with the F800GS model specific mounting plate.

    I do not have side panniers and do not know which ones are compatible. I am guessing there would be more compatibility with the 250 mounting plate since it will mount to most any rear rack.

    My V46 has been thru 4 bikes. It has been dropped several times, both on its own and attached to bikes that fell over for one reason or another. It was also on my Multistrada when I totaled it about 30 miles north of the Grand Canyon North rim.

    It still works great and is still water proof.

    [​IMG]

    -
    #5
  6. GB

    GB . Administrator Super Moderator

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    Givi makes a mounting kit for the 800GS. It's the Give E194

    http://www.twistedthrottle.com/trade/productview/4504/723/

    It comes with the mounting plate and will fit any Monokey Givi topcase. The topcase has been on 5 previous bikes. The added light kit is from Twistedthrottle, but I found out it's a Canadian company out of Alberta: www.admorelighting.com
    #6
  7. Wildman

    Wildman Long timer

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    I went for Touratech panniers but use a BMW Vario top case for when I have to take my work equipment (cameras, computers, suit, shirt & tie etc.) with me on a trip. Works pretty good and I find the base plate makes an excellent rear rack when not using the top case.
    #7
  8. Harry Swan

    Harry Swan One more time

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    I finally ordered this one ... [​IMG]

    35 liters 12x15x7" Safari pizza topbox will mate with my Odessey II cases.
    [​IMG]

    I've been using one of Al's over sized topbox's on my 1150 for 9 years and as much as I liked the capacity, about 60 liters I think, this one is just easier to live with. It's going to take a while though....
    #8
  9. M N B

    M N B would rather be riding

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    I ride all three of my bikes without a top case while commuting. I only use a top case for long trips.

    The width of most saddlebags is less than the width of your mirrors and weight up high and in back is bad riding physics compared to down low.

    I don't even have a top case for my 800GS yet. I have a luggage rack that I strap a dry bag to for long trips, though. Don't feel the need for one at all.
    #9
  10. markas

    markas Small-time Explorer

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    About this solution the BMW dealer told me that the base of the plastic box is for the side cases also. I am looking at the Touratech zega pro panniers as a future option after installing the top box and thought that i couldn't have the plastic BMW one.
    #10
  11. cug

    cug Out riding ...

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    I also have the Givi Maxia 52L case. Works fine for me even without the christmas tree lighting (click on the image for other photos on the flickr page or on my blog link - more photos there) ... :D

    <a href="http://www.flickr.com/photos/cug/3733871406/" title="F800GS side view by cug, on Flickr"><img src="http://farm4.static.flickr.com/3477/3733871406_1bb0339df1_o.jpg" width="1024" height="680" alt="F800GS side view" /></a>
    #11
  12. CrazyMike

    CrazyMike ***42***

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    +1 for the Jesse pizza box.

    I also have the 35L pizza box with 10" Odyssey panniers. For my tastes, it's either one or the pair. I've had my cases since this past January and I've only ridden with all three maybe once. The topcase is used for general commuting and day rides, while I use the panniers for longer, generally overnight, trips.
    #12
  13. Wildman

    Wildman Long timer

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    Zegas and vario top case work together fine.
    #13
  14. cug

    cug Out riding ...

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    Na. I use the topcase only for commute and daily stuff - a pizza box would do me no good there, as neither my (unfortunately big) laptop bagpack, nor two helmets, nor one helmet and a jacket would fit in there.

    On longer trips I use an Ortlieb bag for tent, cooking stuff and sleeping pads. This wouldn't fit in the pizza box either.
    #14
  15. bxr140

    bxr140 Flame Bait

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    +1. Top cases are a must if you commute. I commuted for years with a tank bag and, while it was certainly capable, compared to a top box it wasn't as...'full service' so to speak.

    I have the Trax case which, if you're vain like me, matches the aesthetics of the GS better than the other options out there by quite a bit. The BMW adventure cases are the only ones that come close. With my tent, mat, and bag on the rear seat, there's plenty of room in the box for a weekend trip. I'm actually going to take a 7 day trip up to Canadia and back in a few weeks with that setup, though the plan is to carry only emergency food (power bars) and minimal water. Civilization works.

    Mounting? Its easy to install, and there's literally no reason to ever remove it...though it does have a quick release system to it. There's a permanent plate (with slots for rock straps or the like) that bolts behind the rear seat using the grab handle bolts and the two bolts a few inches farther back. Then there's an adapter plate that mounts to the permanent plate using a tight fit (almost a press fit) and three quarter turn fasteners. The box slips into the adapter plate and latches using the same mechanism that latches the lid.

    About the only downside is that its pretty expensive. $500, IIRC, when all is said and done (shipping, etc.). Oh...the other small nag is that you can't leave the locks unlocked--you can only install and remove the key when the lock is in the locked position. That means that if you have the lock installed (I typically don't have the lid lock installed), you NEED the key to get in and out.

    [​IMG]
    #15
  16. CrazyMike

    CrazyMike ***42***

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    I see your point but I don't leave my helmet, jacket/pants and golves out on the m/c. I carry all of my stuff into the bldg with me. Also, I can carry a laptop, lunch and personal items in it with no problems at all.
    #16
  17. cug

    cug Out riding ...

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    IF I go into a building - yes. Bet we go to street festivals, shopping, and so on on the F. And I don't want to carry the gear with me there. I've done that for a while, but overall, for me that is just too inconvenient.
    #17
  18. wordnow

    wordnow Adventurer

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    Do you have any more pictures of your setup? Like side pictures. I would like to see how your setup looks on the F800GS.
    #18
  19. Emmbeedee

    Emmbeedee Procrastinators

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    I have the Givi e46 and Vario boxes on my 800 and they work well together:

    [​IMG]
    #19
  20. GB

    GB . Administrator Super Moderator

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    Look at post 11, same thing.. I don't have any more pics. I might take a couple more when my camera is back home.. it's on loan right now. :(:
    #20