Budget Top Box

[groundhog]

Here (hopefully!) are a few pics of the budget price top box I fitted to the S10. It's actually a JCB tool box. The construction is heavy duty plastic with a waterproof seal on the lid - the jury is still out on that until it's tested, but I will put anything important in a dry bag just in case. Okay I don't have the convenience of a key with one lock, so I will be using 2 small padlocks. Total cost £29 (GB Pounds) and half an hours work. I rather like the 'industrial' look of the box and it feels stronger than the OEM Yamaha box at a fraction of the cost.

 

[bnschroder]

How did you mount it? Just bolted it to the stock rack?

 

[groundhog]

I had a Givi rack which came with the bike (minus top box) so I used that. But I'm sure you could fit it to any existing rack. I reinforced the box with aluminium plates either side of the box base to strengthen it and to spread the load, and bolted through all three. Also the box comes as part of a set of three, which clamp to each other, one larger and one smaller. The large one is very big but the small one is the same length and width and about 6 inches deep. It clamps on to the one I fitted so I may use that for some lightweight gear.

 

[stutrump]

Looks great Groundhog. I might do the same. Where do you buy the JCB box for that price!!

 

[groundhog]

Thanks stutrump. I bought it at B & Q a month or so back, they are currently selling them for £32. I should point out that they are not quite deep enough to take a helmet, not an issue for me but may well be for other people ?

 

[78YZ]

I should point out that they are not quite deep enough to take a helmet, not an issue for me but may well be for other people ?

Did you try laying the helmet on its side?

 

[klunsford]

That was my question, would it fit a helmet. I bought a Yamaha OEM top box (probably cost a little more than yours did) which I made sure fit the helmet before I did the purchase. Looks great!

 

[groundhog]

I tried laying my helmet on its side but it still won't close. I was obviously aware of that before I bought and fitted it. The problem is the carrying handle which is recessed into the lid, if not for that it would take a helmet on it's side. But it's just a tool box after all and for the cost I'm not complaining and it will do until I eventually invest in a 'proper' top box and side cases. My main criteria was for my tent and sleeping mat to fit into it, and they do with some room to spare. Also when I'm not travelling I just wanted a cheap box to throw a bit of shopping or jacket liner etc into and it's perfect for that And if times are hard I can deliver a few Pizza's

 

[stutrump]

Cheers Groundhog. I may well go shopping at B&Q!!

 

[racer1735]

I've been looking at similar options Stateside, but haven't found a box that isn't too wide for my taste. If the width is right, the depth or height is too shallow. I do like your setup

 

[dietDrThunder]

I tried laying my helmet on its side but it still won't close. I was obviously aware of that before I bought and fitted it. The problem is the carrying handle which is recessed into the lid, if not for that it would take a helmet on it's side. But it's just a tool box after all and for the cost I'm not complaining and it will do until I eventually invest in a 'proper' top box and side cases. My main criteria was for my tent and sleeping mat to fit into it, and they do with some room to spare. Also when I'm not travelling I just wanted a cheap box to throw a bit of shopping or jacket liner etc into and it's perfect for that And if times are hard I can deliver a few Pizza's

Maybe it would fit if the helmet were upside down? That way the handle could sit 'in' the helmet? Just a thought...