Top box

[dewi sant]

I'm posting this here as well as on the UK BMW forum as this place seems to get a little more traffic. Can anybody tell me if the larger (36 / 49 ltr?) top box that fits the R1200RT will fit the R1200R? I rang Motorworks today to order some bits and pieces and asked them while I was on but even they were unsure. I use the small 28ltr box on there now but we're doing a 3 week Europe tour next summer so will be needing a bigger topbox.

Thanks for any light shining
Dewi

[Caroanbill]

Yep, Doug ka5ysy has one - lotsa pics of his overfarkelled beauty on here (yeahyeah, doug - pot calling kettle sooty)

I'm thinking of one too - my 28l topcase is perfect for solo tours and overnight couple trips, but we need more space for anything else. The large topcase also has a better pillion backrest than the small pad available for the 28l.

The R12R really lends itself to this sort of versatility:
- seats swap in seconds (comfort seat for two-up, low seat for day rides)
- top cases swap in seconds
- panniers on/ off in similar time
... sports to tour in about a minute!

[dewi sant]

Thanks for that. One of the guys on the UK BMW Club forum has just mentioned that the 49 ltr topbox, although it fits the R1200R rack ok isn't recommended by BMW. The only reason I can think of for this is weight, I'm not sure the 1200R rack is man enough for the job if the box is loaded to capacity - but that's only my guess there may be other reasons

[bluebeemerII]

Dewi

I have both both BMW topboxes for my 2010 R1200R. I use the 49ltr for trips and the 28ltr close to home to put my helmet in. The 49ltr is loaded with first aid kit, rain gear, bike cover plus (the lid barely closes). The big one does change the handling a bit plus it puts the weight up high. As far as rack strength is concerned I have not had any problems with the 49ltr. probably have 1500-2000 miles with the 49ltr case on the bike. YMMV

John L.

[deilenberger]

Yep, Doug ka5ysy has one - lotsa pics of his overfarkelled beauty on here (yeahyeah, doug - pot calling kettle sooty)

I'm thinking of one too - my 28l topcase is perfect for solo tours and overnight couple trips, but we need more space for anything else. The large topcase also has a better pillion backrest than the small pad available for the 28l.

The R12R really lends itself to this sort of versatility:
- seats swap in seconds (comfort seat for two-up, low seat for day rides)
- top cases swap in seconds
- panniers on/ off in similar time
... sports to tour in about a minute!

You forgot windshield swaps if you're using the stock touring bracket. Summer to fall shield - 2 minutes. Did it tonight. Hoping I won't regret not putting on the winter shield tomorrow early AM.. but if it's REALLY cold - I can do it before I push the bike out of the garage in another 2 minutes.

[2wheels]

This is a little strange!

Part no. for 28 litre topbox is the same for R1200R and R1200RT, so you would assume that the 49litre box, though not listed for the R, would also fit the R. Dealer here in the UK said that was so and I bought one(at vast expense!). But no, it does not fit there being very subtle variations in dimensions. However a few minutes work with a file on the rack has got round this and it now fits securely while still permitting the smaller case to fit. (if you remove silver plate from rack you will find 4 bolts holding the top section of rack which you need to detach to facilitate filing and checking fit).

Weather so far not condusive to a road test but will comment in due course. Found the 28litre box frustratingly small. Sure, you can get a fullface helmet in but precious little else.

Brian

[SF_Hooligan]

This is a little strange!

Part no. for 28 litre topbox is the same for R1200R and R1200RT, so you would assume that the 49litre box, though not listed for the R, would also fit the R. Dealer here in the UK said that was so and I bought one(at vast expense!). But no, it does not fit there being very subtle variations in dimensions. However a few minutes work with a file on the rack has got round this and it now fits securely while still permitting the smaller case to fit. (if you remove silver plate from rack you will find 4 bolts holding the top section of rack which you need to detach to facilitate filing and checking fit).

Weather so far not condusive to a road test but will comment in due course. Found the 28litre box frustratingly small. Sure, you can get a fullface helmet in but precious little else.

Brian

Interesting. I've seen the big box on R1200Rs, on this board and in real life too.

For reference, I've ridden in pretty serious rain with the 28L box and it was fabulously waterproof - assuming the big box is as well.

[objectuser]

Not exactly what you were asking, but if you would like to go a little bigger still, the Givi E193 adapter will allow you to attach a Givi topcase (E52 or E55). I think the E55 is available with a backrest. And they're both waterproof (I've personally tested that with my E52).

I believe the Givi adapter plus the Givi case will still cost quite a bit less than the BMW case alone.

[2wheels]

Had a short chilly ride to-day(3 celcius). No noticable effects on bumpy bends or speed up to about 85. Will need a longer, perhaps windy, ride to fully evaluate.

[Dave74]

Hi All,

Does anyone know if a GIVI E42 topbox will fit on the BMW R1200R. In the next day or two I will be taking possesion of my first BMW motorbike and I currently have the above mentioned topbox on my existing bike... If it fits I would like to hold onto it to put on the beemer..

Also would this topbox be suited/recommended for the R1200R?

Can anyone help or give me advice?

Thanks
Dave

[objectuser]

How is your R1200R fitted for racks currently? The approach to fitting your case will vary by that.

In short, you can get it done, no problem.

[2wheels]

If your bike has the rack fitted, then it is just a matter of improvising a way to mount the box. I had a Givi E45 which had a seperate QD mounting plate which I attached by using longer bolts through the BMW rack. Worked well but I hated the box because it was not possible to use it without locking it. i.e. you needed the key to open it.

[SDMAX]

My used 2007 R12 came with Givi top and side cases; I hated the way the bike looked with the side cases; took off the cases and then the racks for the side cases were super ugly so took them off too.

Givi uses a very strong completely different top case rack set up. You could fashion an adapter with longer bolts to mount a Givi top case to a BMW top rack but it might not look super. I have about every size of GIVI top case now...don't ask why.

Givi makes a new approx 30 liter top case that is pretty and and they make various 55 liter topcases (for example, E55) that are still pretty but huge enough that I've never needed to remount the side cases.

Big is not the problem....I'd really like a MUCH smaller Givi case that mounted to the the GIVI top rack. They make smaller cases; but they only fit scooters and use a Monokey not a Monolock system. [or vice versa ]Go figure. I just need some place to put small crap and all top cases seem to be designed to swallow a helmet. Nothing the matter with BMW cases but my used bike came with Givi.

BTW in Europe EVERYONE seems to run a Givi top case.

[snag]

Dewi,

Just checking to see how the 49L top case is working. I rode an RT last week in Arizona and really like the utility of the big box over the 28L that I have. Any issues with the security of the 28L case since you've modified the luggage rack?

Thanks.

Doug

[2wheels]

I wonder if you are referring to my post on 26 Jan?

Anyway, yes the 28 litre still fits fine without being loose or anything.

49 litre BMW case is working well without problems. Had a windy ride yesterday on both backroads and motorway and no detrimental effects. Not that one is not aware of the increased weight. Have found increasing suspension firmness(+1 case on ESA)improves ride quality. Love having all that extra volumn which is now really useable. Also the bonus of using same key as ignition and, for me anyway, ability to leave it unlocked...

Pehaps only downside is it looks a bit gross. I will post a picture later so you can judge for yourself.

[snag]

Desk,

Looks are for the young, utility has my eye. I'd love to see a couple of pics.

Doug

[2wheels]

A few pics:

[snag]

Dewi,

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder! I'm sure that the side cases will go some way to "incorporate" that top case into the great esthetic that is the R1200R.

Doug

[snag]

Dewitt,

Who makes the clear hand guards?

Doug

[2wheels]

Wunderlich.