What Size Top Box?

[Chinjab]

I am about to pull the trigger on a top box for the CT125. Currently running a milk crate, but man, I just want to upgrade it for a bit more waterproof protection

On the surface it looks like there isn't much size difference between the 45L and 55L boxes - just a couple of inches all around.

The box I'm thinking of buying >>

Amazon.ca

I figure if it isn't a problem in any way, why not pick up the 55L? Are there any practical advantages to a 45 over a 55L? Seems to me that more space is simply better...

What are you folks running for top box sizes?

Thanks for any help.

 

[dmonkey]

Top boxes of the same volume can differ when it comes to how usable the space is due to the shape of the box. I found that my ~55L Expedition 134 top box has space that I can use better than the 58L Givi I had mounted before. Which was a pleasant surprise to end up with a smaller and lighter box that is more usable to me.

Though you're looking at 45L and 55L, here's a Japanese video comparing the 42L and 58L Givi top boxes on a Honda CT125 which provides some good visualizations:

Really it depends on what you plan to haul, and what your plan for potential overflow is. I use ROK Straps to lash additional or larger items on top of the top box. I've even toured with a 69L duffel bag on top. If you intend to secure two helmets inside of the top box, that is often a determining factor for size and dimensions. You can fit a mighty luxurious camping setup in 45L, but if you are carrying things like bulky armored motorcycle gear, an extra helmet, boots, or doing grocery runs - those kinds of items can really take up a lot of space.

 

[vintagegarage]

I am one of the few, or perhaps the only, who prefer to bolt down my top boxes to the Trail 125 directly, rather than than bolt down a mount that the box locks to, as once installed, I never remove the top box, and all of the extra hardware to make it removable for me is just extra weight with no benefit. For my most recent one, I couldn't find what I wanted, so I bought this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285382450237
The quality was perfectly acceptable for my needs. I do see that they are available now for less:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/295919275308
However, when searching this morning, I found a box that I hadn't been able to find previously. This is what I should have bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204711048722
The last one doesn't have the locking underplate, and it is what I would have preferred. You might feel differently. One thing I like about the 45L box is that there is only a little overhang on the Trail 125 rear rack. It holds plenty of stuff, but if you have a particularly long item you want to carry in the box, then you might have no choice but to go with a 55L if the extra width is important to you.
All this pretty much became obsolete to me when I decided to use the Stream Trail "Fuel your WanderLust" setup. So now I have the top box in the first link sitting on the shelf, calling me to buy a second 2024..

 

[Otony]

Here is the same top box (I believe) in black, for even less

45L Motorcycle Top Case Tail Box Luggage Tour Waterproof Scooter Trunk Storage | eBay

Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for 45L Motorcycle Top Case Tail Box Luggage Tour Waterproof Scooter Trunk Storage at the best online prices at eBay! Free shipping for many products!

www.ebay.com

I am one of the few, or perhaps the only, who prefer to bolt down my top boxes to the Trail 125 directly, rather than than bolt down a mount that the box locks to, as once installed, I never remove the top box, and all of the extra hardware to make it removable for me is just extra weight with no benefit. For my most recent one, I couldn't find what I wanted, so I bought this one:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285382450237
The quality was perfectly acceptable for my needs. I do see that they are available now for less:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/295919275308
However, when searching this morning, I found a box that I hadn't been able to find previously. This is what I should have bought:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/204711048722
The last one doesn't have the locking underplate, and it is what I would have preferred. You might feel differently. One thing I like about the 45L box is that there is only a little overhang on the Trail 125 rear rack. It holds plenty of stuff, but if you have a particularly long item you want to carry in the box, then you might have no choice but to go with a 55L if the extra width is important to you.
All this pretty much became obsolete to me when I decided to use the Stream Trail "Fuel your WanderLust" setup. So now I have the top box in the first link sitting on the shelf, calling me to buy a second 2024..

 

[vintagegarage]

Otony.. good catch.. He does have it in natural aluminum at only a dollar more, still lower in price than the one I linked. I like the looks of the aluminum better than the black. At those prices, it is hard to see why someone would mount a crate unless they simply like the looks of the crate on the back... some sort of nostalgia thing perhaps.

 

[dmonkey]

I'll also echo @vintagegarage 's point about removable top boxes. I had the Givi 58L top box that had toolless removal with unlocking it, and switched to a lighter weight top box that is mounted most of the time. I sometimes found myself detaching the Givi to carry groceries and things into the house, or to pack the box it in advance of a weekend ride, but top boxes are awkward to carry. I've been happier just leaving one mounted on the bike most of the time. Get an interior bag or a fold up bag and you can reasonably transfer the contents out of it. I use a $1 blue bag from Ikea and it fits all the contents of a top box and then some.

 

[MitchCo]

I put a Pelican TX50, lashed it down with some cam buckle straps and added a portable pistol safe cable and a padlock to keep the honest people honest. I've got some small TSA combo locks on order to lock the top closures.

 

[dugal]

I am about to pull the trigger on a top box for the CT125. Currently running a milk crate, but man, I just want to upgrade it for a bit more waterproof protection

On the surface it looks like there isn't much size difference between the 45L and 55L boxes - just a couple of inches all around.

The box I'm thinking of buying >>

Amazon.ca

I figure if it isn't a problem in any way, why not pick up the 55L? Are there any practical advantages to a 45 over a 55L? Seems to me that more space is simply better...

What are you folks running for top box sizes?

Thanks for any help.

Check out the classifies - I just posted a Givi 33 liter case. Cheers

 

[vintagegarage]

The box that Otony spotted came in today, and it appears to be of acceptable quality and the shipping by Fedex was fast. Thanks to Otony, much appreciated. It's hard to see how these can sell for $77 with free FedEx express shipping. The inside has a padded pleated lining and the case has a back pad. It does come with a mounting plate and heavy duty hardware to mount the mounting plate. You can lock the box to the mounting plate with a small knob on the inside of the box. I plan to use this without the mounting plate on my 2024. I'll also un-rivet the bracket on the underside of the box that attaches to the mounting plate, and then just bolt the box to the rack using the four M6 captive nuts in the rack and throw away the mounting plate. I think this box compares well with the $250+ brand name boxes that are also made in China. It's almost like you pay for cachet on those expensive boxes rather than for extra quality, but I do not know the quality of the expensive boxes. It would be interesting to do a side by side comparison, but I'll leave that up to someone else. Here is the one that came today:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/375334853567
That means I have no use for the previous one I bought for $100:
https://www.ebay.com/itm/285382450237
The second one has the external bottom lock that I don't like. I am thinking of donating it to BaldRider if he exceeds 900 miles in 24 hours or to whomever guesses closest to the actual miles he makes in 24 hours if it is less than 900. If you want the second top case with free shipping in the USA, put your guess on his actual distance here:

Placeholder: 1k mile/24hour run

My attempt is rapidly approaching (45 days, 20 hours, 45 minutes) and so I am starting this thread to provide updates. I will link long-form (wordy) updates from my website if anyone cares to read as well as YT videos as they are released. The video for the trip itself won't be released until I...

hondatrail125.com

 

[darn21]

I have a givi 45L and it’s great for helmet storage and running errands.
I can fit two full paper bags of groceries easily.

 

[Chinjab]

Great pic, Darn! Looks good