Suzuki V-Strom (VStrom) Owners Club DL250, DL650, DL1000 & DL1050

V-Strom specific discussion => V-Strom specific discussion => Topic started by: graingerblaze on June 04, 2019, 15:50:39

Title: Alternative Top Box
Post by: graingerblaze on June 04, 2019, 15:50:39

I wanted a smaller top box as my previous Kappa K40 was great for touring but I found it too big for every day commuting. I've always fancied the adventure style aluminium boxes but could never bring myself to spend that much on a box... so I have cheated and used an reinforced aluminium storage box with a home made adapter plate.

It's sturdy, water-proof and lockable. The only downside is I have had to bolt it on, so to remove takes 5 minutes and tools rather than a nice quick clip off design. However it was a fraction of the cost of bike specific luggage and although may not fair as well in a crash, I will be more worried about my bike than a cheap box.

https://www.getinthemix.com/accessories/equipment-cases-bags/vinyl-record-storage/gorilla-12-lp-vinyl-record-storage-case-holds-60-titanium-.htm

I went for the 350 wide x 370 high x 230 mm deep, so I will probably get the 295 deep for touring  :)

Not everyone's taste I'm sure but wanted to share as it works for me.

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: wurzel on June 04, 2019, 15:55:29

At last I'm not alone, I went for a Zarges one myself, I'm not big headed, but mine's way bigger than yours.
But the size does not matter it's how you use it that counts.

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: graingerblaze on June 04, 2019, 15:59:52

I hadn't come across Zarges Cases, they look good. Well I will see how I get on with this, might buy a deeper version to make it more box like  :icon_wink:

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: Freddyfruitbat on June 04, 2019, 18:22:43

Does make you wonder how the hell the case manufacturers get away with charging so much dosh for bike gear - even really low-end bike gear

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: vstroman on June 04, 2019, 18:52:24

2 of them would make good enough panniers for £50.

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: MartinW on June 04, 2019, 19:45:47

Ingenuity at its best :thumb:

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: Rusty Nuts on June 04, 2019, 19:57:05

Maybe take the handle off the top? It'll rattle like a bastard.

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: graingerblaze on June 04, 2019, 20:03:17

I did think about taking the handle off but it was fine today while at motorway speeds, no movement at all.

I got absolutely drenched on my way home tonight, none-stop raining for over an hour. The box was bone dry inside, so it may be cheap but it works perfectly!

Title: Re: Alternative Top Box
Post by: TLPower on June 05, 2019, 05:30:07

Nice one Centurion, like it, like it. :thumb:

(The bungalow sold straight away, I'm keeping an eye out).