The aerodynamics of an open top box at speed

[Cormanus]

Splendid illustration, tod.branko.

[pdedse]

Top boxes...that's what my KLR650 is for.

[GoldOxide_imp]

I'm not an expert in aerodynamics but i know that the bikes with screens tend to create an airflow that rolls forward from the back of the bike (basically turbulence) that was one of major quirks of that old Honda 800, what was it's name... Pacific Coast, yes. It would create this bubble that would keep smacking you in the back of the head constantly. I think it has something to do with creating a vacuum behind the windscreen and then the air would rush forward to fill up the negative pressure (but don't quote me on that), that's one of the reasons modern screens have some vents at the bottom to allow some air to fill up the bubble of negative pressure and reduce turbulence.
Anyways I think that could effectively keep the top box open.

I've only ever had one bike with a top box, it was a maxi scooter - Aprilia Atlantic 500. It was a Givi box, and fortunately I haven't had any issues with it, and the Mrs enjoyed having a backrest. The bike, on the other hand, was utter garbage, and I couldn't get rid of it soon enough.

I did forget to close my tank bag on a few occasions and I think it was only pure luck that saved me from losing all my stuff

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

Another sketch!

Tod: You should open a "gallery" thread. Early works are sometimes in most demand.

[tod.branko_imp]

I'm not an expert in aerodynamics but i know that the bikes with screens tend to create an airflow that rolls forward from the back of the bike (basically turbulence) that was one of major quirks of that old Honda 800, what was it's name... Pacific Coast, yes. It would create this bubble that would keep smacking you in the back of the head constantly. I think it has something to do with creating a vacuum behind the windscreen and then the air would rush forward to fill up the negative pressure (but don't quote me on that), that's one of the reasons modern screens have some vents at the bottom to allow some air to fill up the bubble of negative pressure and reduce turbulence.
Anyways I think that could effectively keep the top box open.

I've only ever had one bike with a top box, it was a maxi scooter - Aprilia Atlantic 500. It was a Givi box, and fortunately I haven't had any issues with it, and the Mrs enjoyed having a backrest. The bike, on the other hand, was utter garbage, and I couldn't get rid of it soon enough.

I did forget to close my tank bag on a few occasions and I think it was only pure luck that saved me from losing all my stuff

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

Another sketch!

Tod: You should open a "gallery" thread. Early works are sometimes in most demand.

Another sketch!

Tod: You should open a "gallery" thread. Early works are sometimes in most demand. I will consider it

'14 CB1100 STD 5 speed

[Houtman_imp]

Cave men did something similar when sketching animals on the walls of their living quarters, and people are still in awe over their art.

[clearviewx]

Just keep it latched, Clearview!

Gone in 60'

[DBM_imp]

Just in case you guys were wondering...
My custom Fred Sanford design top box lid will flip up a 47.5 mph and spew all light weight contents IF left unlatched by mistake.

[GoldOxide_imp]

Some might view that as an opportunistic feature.

[Cormanus]

Are you sure it's not the flux capacitor warming up?

[Houtman_imp]

A new variation on " my dog eat my home work " Teacher , I lost my home assignment as the lid blew open on my top box and the papers flew out !