Mega-Topcase

[Hardrocker]

Originally Posted by Gadget Boy

I have it and love it!! Quick on and quick off.. removable lid.. and holds a lot.. but I don't think it's quite as big as this one!! And it can be mounted lengthwise or widthwise:

What are the dimensions of the Michatech?

[TUCKERS]

Originally Posted by Tarmo

Just my personal opinion.

I would never sacrifice my bike handling just to be able to carry all that unneccesary stuff.

I even can't imagine with what to fill up so big cases.

But it is just my personal opinion.

I'll lay a dollar to a pinch of shit his box and all his other stuff doesn't weigh more than 90 pounds, an average passenger has to weigh 150 or more and they can move around and sit higher. Let the guy do whatever he wants. Here is my solution for all you Boy Scouts.
james

[Cordless]

Well, this is only about 78 litres of storage but it holds more than I have.



It's the Kaoko BIG TRAVELLER. I rode with it on in the rain for several hours and, with the rain cover on, I got only a bit of dampness on the bottom of the side storage area.

It has a built-in backrest pouch that carries a large towel and my groundcloth. I detach it at night for use as a nice pillow.

Problem is not size or weather proofing, but security. Anyone with a razor knife could have that bag off my bike in seconds.

Best add-on but pricey is the JetBoil I carry for my quick morning coffee.

I thought this was big, but it's a tankbag compared to that 118 litre POD. (I am in the camp that likes the extra storage of the BIG rear bag.)

[PacWestGS]

Wow, that's a big one!

Can't say that I've been to far behind you, but this triples as a cooler, campchair, and a shockproof/waterproof/dustproof/crashproof computer storage container.



P.S. I hope and pray you are never rear-ended - ouch my back.

[Hardrocker]

Originally Posted by PacWestGS

P.S. I hope and pray you are never rear-ended - ouch my back.

I had thought about putting some padding at the front to provide a backrest (and some cushioning). I also would prefer not to be rear-ended.

[BearII]

I know we've been razing you about how much you pack in that excellent mod of yours. Thought you might appreciate some of the suggestions in this thread:
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300100

[Hardrocker]

Originally Posted by BearII

I know we've been razing you about how much you pack in that excellent mod of yours. Thought you might appreciate some of the suggestions in this thread:
http://advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=300100

Thanks Bear. There are a lot of good suggestions on that thread.

I have been packing the mega topcase, and believe that it will work great. I started out thinking that I would put the sleeping gear and clothing in the HTW bags, and just put the bags inside the case.

Believe it or not, the two bags will not fit easily in there, so, I am going to assume that Storm is really correct when they say the case is water tight, and just pack it like a suit case. It will come off the bike quickly, so, after I set up the tent, I can just remove the case and put it inside. Some garbage bags have been packed to accomodate the fact that the case may not be water tight.

Four strap loops have been added to the lid for securing the tent and ground cover bag. Reflective material has been added to the sides and rear of the case. Breaking up the large expanse of plastic using the reflective strips makes the mega topcase look much smaller!

[IMG][/IMG]

[ylexot]

Originally Posted by Hardrocker

What are the dimensions of the Michatech?

They have three sizes:
Small = 13W x 16L x 12H (40L)
Medium = 17W x 16L x 12H (53L)
Large = 21W x 16L x 12H (65L)
http://www.micatech.net/topcase.html

[Hardrocker]

With all my clothing, sleeping bag, thermarest, bike cover, pillow, and a light weight jacket the mega topcase weighs in at 45 lbs. I still need to lash the tent on top, which weighs 8 lbs, so the total is 53 lbs (24 kg). Quite a bit lighter than Krista, but I'll bet she is worth having along, even if she does compromise the handling.

[IMG][/IMG]

There is still some room, so I will probably put my stove, coffee, and French press in the open spot.

[Hardrocker]

I did 350 miles with the mega topcase yesterday and it worked fine. At the end of the day, since I found a cheap motel in Ironwood, MI, I just opened the four draw clasps and took the case into the room. Talk about easy on and easy off, it was a 20 second job. I use bungee cords to keep the clasps from opening -- just by inserting the bungee hook through the holes in the clasp body. More security would be provided by using paddlocks, if a person felt threatened.

It didn't rain, so I don't know how waterproof the case is.

It sure makes packing simple!

[Hardrocker]

I did 350 miles with the mega topcase yesterday and it worked fine. At the end of the day, since I found a cheap motel in Ironwood, MI, I just opened the four draw clasps and took the case into the room. Talk about easy on and easy off, it was a 20 second job. I use bungee cords to keep the clasps from opening -- just by inserting the bungee hook through the holes in the clasp body. More security would be provided by using paddlocks, if a person felt threatened.

It didn't rain, so I don't know how waterproof the case is.

It sure makes packing simple!

[Hardrocker]

Many of the people at the RA rally in Houghton have seen the 118 liter topcase and like it. However, some have also laughed out loud!

It works great as a table for preparing food or making the morning coffee. I also bought a Kermit chair, which will strap nicely next to my tent bag on top of the case.

[datol]

I saw your case in the ride report, had to follow the link here to get the back story. Looks like an awesome setup, but I got to tell ya, every time I see a picture of it, I laugh out loud

[Hardrocker]

Originally Posted by datol

I saw your case in the ride report, had to follow the link here to get the back story. Looks like an awesome setup, but I got to tell ya, every time I see a picture of it, I laugh out loud

Hi Datol,

Yea, it does look pretty funny, but it is so darn functional that I laugh out loud evertime I pack up the campsite. I may have to build one a little wider but shorter out of aluminum this winter. Stay tuned.

Hardrocker

[Conrad]

Glad it works for you. Just got to thinking, though, normally a bad thing for me, that if only you could fit a small water pump to the new case - Krista might like a hot tub at days end....just thinking....