K11 Owners Group

BMGraeme · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:16 pm Post subject: Topbox question

I'm looking at putting a Givi Topbox on my K1100RS and would appreciate any feedback from others that have done this. I'm concerned about the integrity of the rack and wether the support is strong enough. The standard BMW box takes 22 litres - does anyone know what the weight limit is? The one I'm looking at takes 52 Litres and whilst I would put heavy stuff in the panniers not the topbox, it will get used as a backrest as well. The rack that fits the K just uses the same 4 mounting positions as the small standard rack so no weight is taken by anything other than the plastic shell behind the rear seat.

Anyone else done this?

Thanks in advance.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 1:25 pm Post subject:

You'll be fine as long as you're not carrying loose bricks around. Laughing

I had a large Givi on my K75RT and never worried about it.

_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Klinker · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:33 pm Post subject:

Technician · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:35 pm Post subject:

As Duck says as long as you don't fill the topbox with too much weight you will be ok. I had a Givi Maxia on my K100Lt with no problems but my friend had the the Givi rack with a 46ltr box and did cram the box with loads of stuff and suffered with a broken up rear end. You are better off getting the BMW K11 rack as fitted to the LTse as this mounts at the same points as the pannier frames and will allow more weight but these are expensive and rare to find sencond hand.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 2:56 pm Post subject:

I think the K11LT top box sucks. Given the plastic mounting frame, it swings side to side and just plain isn't very stable. I did deliver a 35# K bike tranmsssion in it once Shocked

but that was on the freeway riding carefully so as not to stress the thing. My brother's ridden bitch on it a few times and says it's uncomfortable when the top case moves around.

Not only that but off the bike it's incredibly awkward for off-bike handling and loading.

The only reason I keep mine is for the rear speakers and, well, it's on the bike anyhow.

IMO, the Givi is superior to the LT box and that's what I'd do.

(Unless you can find a used Reynolds Rack - that's what I opted for on my RS.)
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:03 pm Post subject:

BMGraeme · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 3:49 pm Post subject:

I'm always very jealous of FD's photo's - mine are so insignificantly boring I won't post any!

I won't put much weight in the topbox just bulky but light stuff. The reason for getting one though is I'm going to be taking my youngest son on the back soon on a twice monthly trek to his mum's which will be a 180 mile round trip each time. He's nearly 14 and I must admit to being a bit wary about it but I would feel a bit happier if I have both the panniers and topbox on. He's the only one of my kids who's bike mad so I think it's best for him to have a go on the back and get a feel for it.

I like the idea of the twin brake lights in the topbox as well which I would like to see if I could modify to have the main rear light work with it to. Maybe FD could come over and mod my bike up and take a picture of Stonehenge at the same time! How 'bout it FD?
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 4:34 pm Post subject:

I hate to tell you but I've already been to Stonehenge. Laughing

However, if you want to pop for an airplane ticket, I'd be happy to come over to your place for a pint or two anyhow.

If you'r'e goiing two-up, you can get Givi topcases that they make backrests for.

Adding brake lighting to a top box would be very easy.

But Givi makes top boxes that have both backrests and brake light kits:
http://www.rlmotorcycles.com/home/Accessories/V46.htm
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

BMGraeme · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:18 pm Post subject:

Yeh thanks FD. I'm going for one which takes a backrest and brake lights. I was just wondering if I could rig the lights to run both the tail and brake lights. I'm no electrician so I don't know if that would overload the wiring but the extra wattage would only be 20 watts. I will have a play when I get it fitted.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA

Adrian · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:51 pm Post subject:

I use an old Givi E45 topbox on my LT as I much prefer it to the LT's standard box, can hold 2 full face helmets and it just looks more purposeful... like a topbox should, not a nancy box with a light, mirror and speakers.. Rolling Eyes

My son, whose 18, also hated the standard box, said it moved around too much and felt unstable. It's attached to the LT plastic rack - do those things fit the RS? Really simple to attach the Givi plate to this.

Adrian
_________________
Adrian in Somerset, UK
K1100LT SE
145,000 miles and counting Smile

https://sites.google.com/site/worlestone/

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 5:56 pm Post subject:

If the Givi has filament bulbs, I would just swap in LEDs. If you keep your current brake light bulb in the stock tail lens then that will make the bulb monitor happy and LEDs last forever with minimal current draw.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Flying Duck · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 8:38 pm Post subject:

Off the grid · Posted: Thu Mar 13, 2008 10:44 pm Post subject:

Technician · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 5:13 pm Post subject:

I wasn't referring to the BMW box just the rack if you can get hold of one as you could mount a Givi plate on top for whatever boc you choose. I have the BMW box and agree with the verdict that it's not a lot of good but it came with the bike and has the speakers fitted. The topbox is the only bit of BM luggage left as I have removed the original panniers and fitted Givi Maxia 52ltr boxes so that I can actually carry some gear when I go camping and I've also got somewhere to store my C2 helmet.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Mar 15, 2008 6:38 pm Post subject:

Technician · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 12:28 pm Post subject:

Yes I am aware of that but if you are interested in making it fit then there is allways a way. At least then you would be able to carry a bit more than your pillow.
_________________
Fat Ba***d with a K1100LTse
Squire D18 trailer
Garmin Zumo 660
"Run it round the block to see if the wheels fall off!!!!"

max · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:07 pm Post subject:

BMGraeme · Posted: Mon Mar 17, 2008 6:17 pm Post subject:

Thanks to all for the input - I will take note of everything said and will post up when it's fitted. I will fit the Givi light kit to start with and then maybe give a go with LED's although I'm not brilliant at electrics.
_________________
1980 CB900FA
1994 K1100RS
2008 R1200GSA