Top Box - thoughts...

[Phantom_200]

I'm thinking of buying an aluminum top box - something like this  https://www.carousell.sg/p/65l-top-box-1147037843/?t-id=12721945_1648196476840&t-referrer=%2Flikes%2F&t-tap_index=5

 

Does anyone have any experience of these type of boxes, i've only had the plastic top boxes before...

 

Thanks

 

[pinksheep]

I believe I have a 45L version of this box, this kind of metal box seems to be quite common nowadays and I wanted a change from the boring old black plastic Givi boxes of the past decade. 

My thoughts from riding with it since Nov 2021.

> The square metal box looks business-like, like what you'd expect a James Bond villian to transport funny things in. Put some faux warning labels and reflector tape for maximum effect!
> The locking mechanism is fun to play with, it feels military-grade from how chunky the mechanism locks and unlocks. Ditto for the baseplate lock, it feels very solid and not shaky like some old plastic boxes.
> My 45L box can neatly fit a 14 inch laptop bag, your intended 65L looks much wider and my giant Alienware gaming laptop could probably fit in it easily. 
> Funny feature of these metal boxes, due to the excellent locking and rubber seal, it seems airtight. This is good and bad, good, if you put an aluminium foil insulated bag with ice pack, your ice packs can make a very cold space for a few hours.

Bad, if you park under the sun, very quickly the metal box heats up especially if your box doesn't have the fabric interior lining.

So if you deliver any cold or frozen food parcels, always bring those 'cooler bag' with the cold packs like Amazon.sg will send to you if you order chocolate or other cold products. For non temperature sensitive or warm items then of course the natural "heating" of the box under the hot sun is a bonus! Since the box is nearly airtight (assuming new condition) there won't be any internal cooling as you drive. 

> Recommended to put an air freshener or small dehumidifier inside the box to keep it fresh, especially if you put damp items inside for a long period of time, such as bike covers after the rain. Else mold will start forming on any fabric. Did I mention it's airtight? Yep means moisture cannot escape at all. Need to air it once in a while. 

> Driving at legal speeds, I don't think there's any penalty to air resistance since your body creates a 'wind shadow' in front of the box anyway. I did not notice any issue with fuel efficiency or aerodynamics since my box fits neatly within the width of a maxi-scooter rear end. The 65L and 80L mega boxes might stick out to the side a bit but bikes like X-Max or Burgmann are fat enough to accommodate the width without looking odd.

 

Edited March 28, 2022 by pinksheep

[adesmond2]

12 hours ago, Phantom_200 said:

I'm thinking of buying an aluminum top box - something like this  https://www.carousell.sg/p/65l-top-box-1147037843/?t-id=12721945_1648196476840&t-referrer=%2Flikes%2F&t-tap_index=5

 

Does anyone have any experience of these type of boxes, i've only had the plastic top boxes before...

 

Thanks

 

The only main downside to a aluminum box = heavy weight compared to plastic box..

I still prefer a plastic box if possible.. but my bike previous owner already install a aluminum box.. so.. dun wan to spend additional over this box.. haha.. 

 

A few pros points as @pinksheep mentioned = business look/ water proof and many more..

 

I heard from my mech it does create a small wind resistant.. and slightly more vibration.. so if you are sensitive.. better not get a metal box.. plastic box cheaper, only downside is might crack or break if you accidentally drop it.. 

[Phantom_200]

@pinksheep - many thanks for your detailed review, I've measured the 65L and it looks like the box is still slightly less wide than my mirrors, so hopefully its manageable. My current Givi 33 is just too small, i'm always struggling to get things in!

 

With the Johor trip coming up too, time to get some luggage space   

[adesmond2]

On 3/29/2022 at 12:24 PM, Phantom_200 said:

@pinksheep - many thanks for your detailed review, I've measured the 65L and it looks like the box is still slightly less wide than my mirrors, so hopefully its manageable. My current Givi 33 is just too small, i'm always struggling to get things in!

 

With the Johor trip coming up too, time to get some luggage space   

remember to bring a tire repair kit as well.. I kanna once sabotage by dunno who..

we ride in as a groupie tuas to west side Malaysia there for makan..

then we split into 2 groups to go in and eat.. 1 group to look after bike another group to go shopping centre and makan

after we come out, 1 bike tire has 0 air.. checked no nails.. almost non ridable.. luckily got emergency air to pump and allow us to continue to ride off.. else if the bike is left there... 100% gone next day or etc..

 

upon asking, they mentioned got a few people walk pass our bike and but they didn't notice any weird behaviour... so.. just be careful..  

[SBF]

Great discussion. Have always used a plastic box as a metal box with the additional weight might cause the bike to handle differently. Have you felt any significant impact from the weight of metal top boxes?

[adesmond2]

11 minutes ago, SBF said:

Great discussion. Have always used a plastic box as a metal box with the additional weight might cause the bike to handle differently. Have you felt any significant impact from the weight of metal top boxes?

personally I used a plastic box on my 2B..

now 2A - metal box.. so more power for the additional weight.. haha.. but again.. when dismantling the box.. I feel like a lot more tedious. 

riding I can't feel any difference since I didn't have plastic box for my 2A.. 

[pinksheep]

Did some Amazon research to compare Givi 45L box vs the generic metal one that seems popular today. 

Givi 45L: 4kg 

Metal 45L: 8kg 

4kg of difference isn't much unless trying to micromanage every ounce of efficiency out of the bike. For daily commute or dispatch I don't think there's much difference in feel. 

Aerodynamics wise, that would only start to make a difference beyond 100kph so not really a factor in normal commuting, nmax is happy up to 100+ and accelerates ridiculously fast for a scooter if pushed skillfully, despite having the heavier metal box. 

If anything I am considered an oversized rider for class 2B and more weight on the back seems to make my rear suspension super comfy and soft, especially with laptop and accessories in the box and an express parcel to go along for fun (they pay per delivery, why not use the space if it's on the way ) 

Edited March 30, 2022 by pinksheep

[SBF]

Excellent write up, thanks for the detailed response @pinksheep.

Would you say better looks are the only reason to go with a metal top box? Any other reasons? I heard it has better waterproofing than plastic boxes as well.

[pinksheep]

It just came to mind a decade ago or more, only hi end bikes mounted metal H&B boxes, most other commuters used plastic box only, mostly Givi or the durable looking antique square black box. 

Now I guess with generic design of metal box at more affordable prices, about half of everyone on the road has metal box. 

There is one utility bonus of the metal box, the accessory rails and tie downs. These would be useful for adventure riders or the occasional oversized load to tie on top of the box. Rarely used ability but nice to have just in case. 

[Phantom_200]

So I collected my new metal top box yesterday from MotoMall in Jurong, really happy with the box and the service. Thanks for everyone's advice.

 

https://www.carousell.sg/u/motomall/

[pinksheep]

So happened I picked up a pile of files on an errand, and viola, square metal box fit square items perfectly. 45L can safely eat a stack of 5 or 6 of these school or office files just nice. 

A round box would have wasted volume on the corners and not so easy to plan things like square 🗃 parcel capacity.