Finding a new motorcycle top box is never a straightforward task to undertake simply due to the long list of options available.

The first obstacle to overcome is perhaps selecting a motorcycle luggage brand, two of which you may encounter in your search are SHAD and Kappa. Across the board, both brands offer security with their locking systems while only SHAD offer fully waterproof top boxes, but what else should you look out for?

Kappa KGR52 Garda vs SHAD SH58x Top Box

The first motorcycle top boxes to go head to head are Kappa's KGR52 Garda and SHAD’s SH58x and to be perfectly honest, it is a non-contest to say the very least.

Firstly, when it comes to aesthetics and convenience, the SH58x simply has more to offer than the KGR52. Both top boxes have a sleek, modern appearance and while the choice may just come down to a matter of preference, the SHAD box arguably edges in front with its inclusion of a free carbon cover and that is not the only feature the SH58x tops its competitor with. Throw in its one-handed opening and closing, the inclusion of a mounting plate and an ergonomic carry handle and the SH58x really finds itself in pole position.

While the features mentioned are certainly a bonus, there is one area in particular in which SHAD’s SH58x lands a knockout on its opponent. As an expandable top box, the SH58x has received a Red Dot Design Award, offering three different capacities ranging between 46, 52 and 58 litres. This allows it to offer both extra storage space and the ability to reduce in size when carrying less cargo to increase mobility and to put it plainly, the Kappa KGR52’s fixed capacity of 52 litres simply cannot compete with this.

Kappa KFR580B vs SHAD TR55 Top Box

SHAD TR55: convenience and aesthetics.

Next up is the Kappa KFR580B and the SHAD TR55 terra, fighting it out for the title of the best aluminium motorcycle top box. This time it is a much closer contest with each box getting the better of the other in certain areas.

Although both top boxes boast the ability to carry two full-face helmets, this time it is the Kappa top box that comes out on top when assessing storage capacity. With an internal volume of 58 litres, the KFR580B can claim bragging rights over the 55 litre TR55 and although an extra 3 litres may not seem like a lot, it really can make all the difference. Additionally, although both top boxes are robust and durable, the KFR580B adds an extra degree of structural integrity with reinforced corners, going the extra mile to protect your belongings.

So far it may seem that the Kappa top box is running away with this particular race, but the SHAD TR55 should not be counted out. Firstly, SHAD gain the upper hand in convenience with the inclusion of a base plate and an ergonomic carry handle which is head and shoulders above the thin metal handles found on the Kappa box. Secondly, in terms of aesthetics, SHAD blow Kappa out of the water with smooth, rounded corners, the choice of aluminium, black and pure black top box colours and the option to upgrade to a matching base plate colour.

Kappa K45N vs SHAD SH44 top Box

Putting the Kappa K45N and SHAD SH44 motorcycle top boxes under the spotlight, both boxes feature a clean, modern appearance but that is where the similarities end and it is safe to say there is a clear winner.

The Kappa top box offers a 45 litre capacity, 1 litre more than its SHAD counterpart, and while that would usually be a clear advantage, it is actually SHAD that come out on top in the storage department. Despite the marginally lower internal volume, the 6kg maximum load of the SH44 is double that of the K45N but more importantly, it possesses the ability to carry two full-face helmets while its opponent can only hold one.

The incomparable storage capabilities are enough on their own to give the point to SHAD in this matchup, but the gap further widens when looking at the other features. The SH44 is a lightweight alternative to similar top boxes, offering minimum thickness with the same level of resistance while its one-handed opening and closing adds convenience and its modern, carbon aesthetic ensures it also looks the part.

Now that comparisons, similarities and differences have been weighed up, which brand has the most to offer with their motorcycle top boxes? Kappa or SHAD?

It would be fair to say that SHAD has the upper hand for the most part and overall, they are the better choice. Not only do they gain the edge with their waterproof protection, SHAD also offer more benefits in terms of convenience, aesthetics and in most instances, storage space.