Aluminum Top Box by Happy Trails

[Frulk_imp]

Bumping this old thread as NYMarty asked about it via "Thanks for sharing your ride. Jealous of the great roads and sights you get to ride. Also jealous of that top box. What is that? Can you share more about it?" I didn't want to mix the Arco Idaho ride thread with an aftermarket mod discussion so I started this thread separately in the correct section. The link has a some comments and a number of pictures.

http://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread.php?tid=11909

Roper is right. Made by Happy Trails out of Boise, Idaho. $150.00 out the door from their shop with tax. Was a second. customer brought it back and said there was a blemish. I looked at the box for 5 minutes and it was flawless. Owner is on-site and has exceptional customer service skills.

I know the boxy aluminum clashes with the late 60's good looks of the CB. I use the CB for long, extended weekend rides were I usually end up camping off the bike in remote spots. So I was looking for something that could swallow a lot of that gear and still have space on top or on the seat in front of it with waterproof duffels. This fit the bill.

I had planned to remove it when not in use. Removal is quick via the 4 bolts holding it to the stock Honda rack. But, its practicality is such that I've kept it on there full time. It's nice to run and grab a sandwich or other stuff for the office, haul a laptop etc. without being forced to consider using the car/truck.

[Cormanus]

Is it the 47 litre case, Frulk?

[Frulk_imp]

Yes, 47L. Can get it in powder coated black as well.

[Cormanus]

Yeah I saw that. I keep trying things and I've reconsidered since I wrote the comment on the other thread. On reflection it would be really useful to have a top box to keep camping gear in so I don't have to take it off the bike every night. On a recent trip I took a 60 litre duffel that held pretty much everything except ground sheets, but it was a pain (in more ways that one) carrying it anywhere. A big top case with camping kit and a smaller duffel with clothes would be the go, I suspect.

Thanks for resurrecting the thread.

[Frulk_imp]

Lid has a separate keyed lock and both cam buckles on the side are set up for pad locks. Very secure. As you crank the cam buckles down on the side they compress a square shaped tube gasket that runs 360 degrees around the top to ensure a watertight seal. Welds are flawless. I mounted mine with 4 small bolts putting thick rubber washers between the box and rack to isolate from noise/vibration. somebody mentioned that stuff rolled around in the box and that's true. But I keep a small cloth bag in there for stuff like that and mostly the box is packed full when traveling so its a non issue. On my last trip I had three MSR bottles back there each in an old hiking sock. No Problem. One last point is if a spouse or small child rides with you occasionally the box does provide a measure of security/back support for the passenger but that wasn't a selling point for me since I ride exclusively solo. But it could be consideration for others.

[Cormanus]

It was me who mentioned stuff rolling around. I'm amazed at how much stuff moves in my top box even when it's packed tight. The solution is not to carry anything too fragile unless it's well padded. Given my top box is no good for camping gear and I use it for stuff like wets and layers that I need to get at on a ride, this big one is really a way better solution for touring.

[nymarty_imp]

Frulk - Thanks so much for following up with a new thread and telling me more about that top box. I think it looks great on the CB — and the aluminum looks a little more svelte despite its size. I’m looking for something that can be on the bike, lockable, and hold some gear or groceries. I’m in NYC suburbs so lockable and secure is important. Have also looked at Hepco & Becker rack and top case but that’s a little costly and will steal budget from other mods. If I go in this direction I will likely hit you up for details on your install. Thanks again!


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[Frulk_imp]

Cormanus. You resolve your issue with the top box for hauling camping gear yet?

[Cormanus]

No, I didn't Frulk. I got in touch with Happy campers who were very helpful, but I suspect the cost of the box plus shipping would be prohibitive. I was also not expecting to be doing any more camping this year and was going to wait a bit and see. That may change, but I'll probably still muddle along with the Givi top case and a large bag.