The motorcycle top box market is saturated to say the least and while too many options is not necessarily a bad problem to have, the plethora of brands, sizes and styles can be hard to navigate.

Naturally, many riders are going to be on the lookout for certain features and that is going to be the ultimate decider as to which top box they eventually opt for, but what are the main features to consider and just how important are they?

Storage Capacity

Motorbike top boxes are available in a wide array of sizes, all of which are labelled by their capacity and measured in litres. This is a rather large spectrum and can differ between each motorcycle luggage manufacturer but if you use SHAD’s top boxes as a point of reference, their storage capacities range from 26 to 58 litres.

Size is a matter of preference and the choice tends to depend on how much cargo the rider plans on carrying, how many people are travelling and/or how long the journey is. A good indicator of the size of a top box and how much it can hold is the ‘helmet capacity’ with larger top boxes being able to hold two full-face helmets.

Waterproof

The importance of top boxes having a fully waterproof structure should not fly under the radar. After all, you could have a rear case that is best in class in every other aspect, but all of that is going to become rather redundant if your belongings fall victim to the effects of water breaching inside the box.

Therefore, it is worth keeping the waterproof capabilities in mind during the search for a new top box. As a general rule of thumb, manufacturers will explicitly say if their top boxes are 100% waterproof and it is worth being wary of other brands, such as Givi and Kappa, who only guarantee “a degree of water resistance.”

Security

As well as ensuring your chosen top box can protect against water, it is advisable to find one that can provide security against theft. This would be particularly useful for those who use their motorcycle for commuting or camping, times when it is likely to be parked out in the open.

Again, SHAD are a fine example of this. Their top boxes come with secure locking systems included, aiming to deter would-be-thieves and ensure any belongings stored inside remain safe and protected. For contrast, unbranded top boxes may not be lockable while some other manufacturers charge extra for the addition of a locking system.

Mounting

A top box fitting kit, commonly referred to as a rack, is used to mount a top case to the rear of a motorcycle and although no two manufacturers’ kits are the same, the common denominator is usually the fact that they need a base plate to provide a secure fitment for the top box but do not come with them.

Once again though, SHAD are the exception as their top boxes are delivered with a mounting plate included, saving on the cost of buying one separately.

Aesthetics

Motorbike luggage brands may need to place a great deal of focus on functional features when producing their top boxes but that does not mean they cannot look the part as well.

With a range of colours, styles, and materials used in the design and manufacturing process there truly is something to suit everyone. Why not take it a step further though? Some brands offer boxes with different coloured reflectors and various coloured covers to help take aesthetics up a notch.