Cheap Top Boxes

Has anyone bought / lived with a big cheap top box? (recommendations especially appreciated)
i.e. Something that could fit 2 helmets (or a maybe a computer tower).

Have come across this whilst searching, http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=150479428550&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT, but i wanted to know if anyone's tried to fit it to their CB before (as i'm trying to work out whether it'll be too difficult or otherwise a problem, as i don't want to pay anybody to do it, nor do i want a nightmare of task fitting it on, and nor do i want to be the unsuccessful guinea pig throwing the cash away).

Have you already got some kind of rack? I think that auction you posted a link to was just for a top-box. It might better to got for a second had Givi box (usually expensive when new) rather than a new cheap box, only downside is that you would have to buy a givi rack...

You'd need something like a rentec rack to fit the mounting plate on.

I've been uming & ahing over this one myself though I'd want to make sure the monokey fittings are the same dimentions as givi's for when I get a monorack (or decent top boxif the need arises).

I got a Kappa 42 liter top box for mine, and the baseplate fitted pretty well on a Renntec rack. Bike's big enough so it does't look out of place and at a pinch it will take 2 helmets. Can't say anything about a PC tower though (possibly it will)

If I remember correctly, the Kappa base plate will accept a Givi top box as well

Damn, i really did think that everything i needed would be included. Searching the net, it looks like a nightmare to get a top box and compatible rack both cheaply and easily (let alone the mounting plate, which i'm not even sure is or is not the same thing as a rack). Why so much for what is essentially a box on a small metal frame/plate? Maybe there's something i don't know, but this all looks to me like something 60 or 70 pounds should cover, but it seems i'm going to have a problem finding anything suitable for under a 100...?

Anyone know what mounting plates work with what boxes, or better yet, if i can go to one place for a cheap package (most importantly, that works together - because knowing me i'll end up with the "wrong" type of rack, or mounting plate, or box, or whatever all these items are called, and it'll be too late to return as i'll only work it out once i've opened the packaging and then found it doesn't fit).

Hmm, if i buy something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rear-universal-Motorbike-rack-fittings-/160489397014?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item255de9db16

Will something like this one:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/MOTORBIKE-MOTORCYCLE-SCOOTOR-Quick-Release-TOP-BOX-56L-/220673659203?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item33612cd143
or this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Top-Luggage-Box-37-LITRE-Universal-Fitting-Motorcycle-/390205467854?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item5ada0eecce

Fit it?

Ingah wrote:Hmm, if i buy something like this:
http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Rear-universal-Motorbike-rack-fittings-/160489397014?pt=UK_Motorcycle_Parts&hash=item255de9db16?

That looks like a model specific renntec rack which won't fit your bike (it uses the fixing points for your grab rail). here's cb500 one though 2nd hand ones pop up from time to time.

It's worth noting though that renntec don't advise using their racks for top boxes & the welds have been known to fail over time from the extra stresses created (especially with the size of box your after).

It might work out cheaper in the long run to get 2nd hand givi/kappa topbox & buy a brand new monorack to fit.

Both givi & kappa monolock boxes/plates are interchangable.

Just got a second hand Givi 45l monolock Monokey box, parts and fitted for £130, from CJBall (Norwich). Not a cheap job as you need rack, plate and box, retailing for ~£60, ~£40 and [insert figure here] each. Fitting takes about an hour and you need to tell your insurance co. that you've fitted it, no change in policy cost though. Worth buying used box and plate if you can, racks are hard to come by as they're not normally gotten rid of!

JR