11-20-2015, 10:41 AM
So I put a new Bestem top box on about a week ago. The box was really priced reasonable and I was impressed with its looks, however the first time I tried it out I noticed the top rattled when going over bumps. So I experimented with putting rubber around the lid to prevent the rattle. I tried several places to put the rubber stripping and tried each out. I pretty much eliminated the rattle after about 3 tries.
However on the last try I ran over a nice size bump to be sure it was tight with no rattle. When I went over the bump (not to big of a bump) I heard a louder rattle than ever. Then there was quiet, I glanced in the mirror as the box hit the road surface and bounced into a ditch. I guess with all the putting it on and taking it off, the last time it wasn't fastened securely. Dang it! Brand new box toast I thought. I turned around when I could and tried to find whatever was left of it. Took me a while but I found it. I was surprised to see the lid was still closed. When I got to it, it appeared to be in one piece. I inspected it, it had a bunch of scratches, but otherwise was intact. I put it back on and made sure it was latched on securely this time. Rode back home, checked how the lid functioned, except for the scratches it worked fine. I got some black gloss enamel paint I had and touched up the scratches. From 3 feet away you can't tell it was damaged. So I can safely say the inexpensive Bestem top box in a pretty tough box.
From now on when I put it on I'll make sure it is latched on securely. I've been riding 50 years now and that was the first luggage I've lost. So be sure to check your top box latching real good every time to put it on. I would have never thought that would happen. Luckily there was no traffic behind me.
However on the last try I ran over a nice size bump to be sure it was tight with no rattle. When I went over the bump (not to big of a bump) I heard a louder rattle than ever. Then there was quiet, I glanced in the mirror as the box hit the road surface and bounced into a ditch. I guess with all the putting it on and taking it off, the last time it wasn't fastened securely. Dang it! Brand new box toast I thought. I turned around when I could and tried to find whatever was left of it. Took me a while but I found it. I was surprised to see the lid was still closed. When I got to it, it appeared to be in one piece. I inspected it, it had a bunch of scratches, but otherwise was intact. I put it back on and made sure it was latched on securely this time. Rode back home, checked how the lid functioned, except for the scratches it worked fine. I got some black gloss enamel paint I had and touched up the scratches. From 3 feet away you can't tell it was damaged. So I can safely say the inexpensive Bestem top box in a pretty tough box.
From now on when I put it on I'll make sure it is latched on securely. I've been riding 50 years now and that was the first luggage I've lost. So be sure to check your top box latching real good every time to put it on. I would have never thought that would happen. Luckily there was no traffic behind me.