BergyPatty37
Well-known member
So after posting my previous thread going back and forth between a collapsible crate, and a few different top cases, I ended up purchasing the 45L case that I found on eBay.
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/316491841076
I ended up paying $70 total with state sales tax for it. The reason I went with this one is because it had the molle side and rear panels riveted to the sides, but was signifantly cheaper than the Wolf Line one that looks better quality, but is around $170. I liked the idea that I can easily remove it, can lock both the lid and the box to the bike, and that it is waterproof. I personally think the 45L fits it very well, the 55L would hang over the sides whereas this one is almost flush with the sides of the factory rack.
It comes with the mounting base and hardware, the top case, 2 keys, an adhesive back and neck-rest, and 2 reflective stickers.
Initial review is that I could not tell if the Box was aluminum alloy as listed, or plastic. It is thin and light, which I like. I wish the thickness of the box material was a little bit more, but overall not too bad for the price.
The side molle panels don't seem super strong, and are held on by 4 rivets/side. It is hard to weave the molle straps in, I had to use a flatblad to slightly bend the panel outwards to get it started. I plan on using it for lighter gear anyways, so it should work fine. In the picture below that green pouch has 2x750mL emergency fuel canisters crammed in there (way cheaper than some of the other options for fuel can mounts).
I removed all the allen screws on the mounting bracket (4 for the rubber feet that the box slides into, 3 for the latch), and applied blue loc-tite to all screws.
Then I painted the mount with Rust-oleum BBQ High temp heat. I had some leftover from when I did my exhaust heat shield. It is a little more matte and not true black, but looks better than just stainless.
Next I drilled 5 holes for mounting the bracket to the factory rack. This is completely up to each individual on how they want to do it, I have mine positioned very similarly to @LiLredbike on his fantastic writeup here: https://hondatrail125.com/index.php?threads/new-dry-box-for-red-rover.3713/#post-38264. This particular mounting bracket I have sitting 10" from the rear of the grab-bar, and overhangs about 2.25" from the end of the rack. It does not obstruct the view of the tail-light nor turn signals in anyway.
I had to saw 2 of the provided 4 screws down to fit. I had a spare allen screw for the 5th location. Between the rack and the mounting base at each bolt location a rubber grommet from a kit I had. Then tightened down all nuts with blue loctite.
Next, I removed the chrome grab handles. Just remove the interior lid liner, then use a 3mm hex to remove the 2 screws per handle. Painted these with a satin black Krylon laying around.
I plan on eventually adding some other molle bags to the sides, an IFAK, and a few other odds. It does have tie down loops on the top that I would use for hold a tent down or another dry bag with clothes. Overall I think it will work for my intentions with the bike, and hope this gives you some ideas.
Here are some more random pictures of it mounted and size referenence with items.
Link: https://www.ebay.com/itm/316491841076
I ended up paying $70 total with state sales tax for it. The reason I went with this one is because it had the molle side and rear panels riveted to the sides, but was signifantly cheaper than the Wolf Line one that looks better quality, but is around $170. I liked the idea that I can easily remove it, can lock both the lid and the box to the bike, and that it is waterproof. I personally think the 45L fits it very well, the 55L would hang over the sides whereas this one is almost flush with the sides of the factory rack.
It comes with the mounting base and hardware, the top case, 2 keys, an adhesive back and neck-rest, and 2 reflective stickers.
Initial review is that I could not tell if the Box was aluminum alloy as listed, or plastic. It is thin and light, which I like. I wish the thickness of the box material was a little bit more, but overall not too bad for the price.
The side molle panels don't seem super strong, and are held on by 4 rivets/side. It is hard to weave the molle straps in, I had to use a flatblad to slightly bend the panel outwards to get it started. I plan on using it for lighter gear anyways, so it should work fine. In the picture below that green pouch has 2x750mL emergency fuel canisters crammed in there (way cheaper than some of the other options for fuel can mounts).
I removed all the allen screws on the mounting bracket (4 for the rubber feet that the box slides into, 3 for the latch), and applied blue loc-tite to all screws.
Then I painted the mount with Rust-oleum BBQ High temp heat. I had some leftover from when I did my exhaust heat shield. It is a little more matte and not true black, but looks better than just stainless.
Next I drilled 5 holes for mounting the bracket to the factory rack. This is completely up to each individual on how they want to do it, I have mine positioned very similarly to @LiLredbike on his fantastic writeup here: https://hondatrail125.com/index.php?threads/new-dry-box-for-red-rover.3713/#post-38264. This particular mounting bracket I have sitting 10" from the rear of the grab-bar, and overhangs about 2.25" from the end of the rack. It does not obstruct the view of the tail-light nor turn signals in anyway.
I had to saw 2 of the provided 4 screws down to fit. I had a spare allen screw for the 5th location. Between the rack and the mounting base at each bolt location a rubber grommet from a kit I had. Then tightened down all nuts with blue loctite.
Next, I removed the chrome grab handles. Just remove the interior lid liner, then use a 3mm hex to remove the 2 screws per handle. Painted these with a satin black Krylon laying around.
I plan on eventually adding some other molle bags to the sides, an IFAK, and a few other odds. It does have tie down loops on the top that I would use for hold a tent down or another dry bag with clothes. Overall I think it will work for my intentions with the bike, and hope this gives you some ideas.
Here are some more random pictures of it mounted and size referenence with items.
