Top box, Givi, Shad or maybe something else?

[Davidjill_imp]

Have a rack already fitted on new ride

Looking for suggestions for a top box that will hold 1 possible 2 helmets a lock maybe some waterproofs etc?

[peterbaron]

GIVI definitely takes the podium IMHO
For 2 helmets get bigger box
Also must have proper Givi base/mounting plate.

[Gone in 60]

To hold two helmets, you'd need a big Givi. I have three in different sizes for different needs. My biggest is a V47 (47 liter), but you'd need their biggest, I think a Maxia to hold two. You'd need an E251 Monokey base plate, which will easily fit on your rack.

[Tev62]

V47 gets my vote, I use it on another bike. I do like the expanding SHAD topbox though, nice idea.

[Gone in 60]

If you want to save some cash and don't mind a utilitarian look, here's an option. The Givi Maxia-sized boxes are quite expensive, and with their fake taillights (so you'll spend more on their brake light upgrade kits), they look like the back half of a Lexus.

I have quite a bit of experience with a much cheaper option. My daily commuting box is the Givi E36, pictured here. Looks big because of the focus of my phone's camera, but it's small, can't hold a helmet, but great for my laptop, lunch and general to-and-from work stuff.

Ali Express offers a super cheap and bigger knock-off linked below. It's a big black box with no frills. When I run MotoQuest transport bikes up and down the West Coast, these are the boxes they offer. They do the job, and like a Givi, click on and off the bike so you can just push a button and take the box with you.

I would have bought one for myself for carrying bigger stuff, but MotoQuest let me borrow one of theirs for a test-fit, and it's just a bit off of the Givi box mount points (no doubt just enough to avoid a patent infringement suit), so you'd need to use their stamped metal mount plate.


https://www.aliexpress.us/item/325680686...42MC4wLjA.

[The Gecko_imp]

Remember that a long-arm rack like yours plus a big box and contents on top ... adds instability, in particular when riding with a pillion. The CB does already have a very limited allowed load, yet what matters here is not the total weight, but the fact that the front wheel gets lighter easily ... even too light. Your pillion (why else would you want a box for two helmets) will appreciate.
My Fehling rack says it cannot carry over 10lbs for that reason.
I know the CB ain't an airplane, but CoG and arm still matter.
So be careful.

[Gone in 60]

A top box might not look pretty, but it's pretty convenient. When I work downtown on weekends, I put my uniform and related items in a duffle bag and drop it in the V47. When I get to work, I can pull out the duffle bag for the walk to my work location and drop my helmet in the now empty box. Keeps my helmet out of sight from weirdos who might amble into the parking garage when the security guys aren't looking. I used to carry the Givi in one hand and my helmet in the other, but that's akward opening doors and stuff.

Weight loading is an important consideration. There have been a few times when I've put a little more weight in the box than I probably should have (I.E. "Honey, can you stop and pickup blah blah on the way home?") Mostly felt that at parking lot speeds when turning, and it was a little warning to watch it when I got out to the street. Don't feel it so much on the CB, but on a smaller bike like the Enfield, it's noticeable.

Wouldn't know about instability at high speeds. I always obey posted speed limits, right?.

[Nachodaddy]

Right! So much depends on how the box will be used. When he said it should hold two helmets, my first impression was that he wanted it to store the helmets when he and his rider got to their destination, not so much as when riding. Having it full and carrying a passenger is an entirely different story. But then, there's no place to hide the helmets when you stop at the pub for lunch.

[Lord Popgun]

I have a GIVI B37 and it will hold my helmet if nothing else is in the box. It says BLADE on the box and I do have he brake light kit. I don’t know if they still have that model.

I have a big GIVI for the ST. I’d have to look at the size (53 maybe). I put it on the CB once to see what it looked like and it was way too big, IMHO and YMMV.

[peterbaron]

Pics of both bikes with Givi boxes or never happened