Choosing a new motorcycle top box is a task that should not be taken lightly and it is important to find the option that best suits your needs.

A top box that ticks all the boxes is going to be one of the best companions you have ever had on your trips but it is all about finding what is best for you and that is why we are on hand to ensure you can make an informed decision.

Why Is A Top Box Needed?

Motorcycle top boxes are a surefire solution to motorbike storage needs, allowing you to transport gear throughout your journey in a convenient, stable manner. They are the ideal form of carrying cargo, offering comfort, convenience, a secure fitment, security locking and a waterproof structure all in one package.

Mounting to the rear of the motorcycle, top boxes offer the highest storage levels of all the motorbike luggage types with internal volumes ranging up to 58 litres and the ability to hold up to two full-face helmets. Their secure attachment allows them to claim a place as the ideal alternative to tail bags which may move around during the ride and backpacks which may cause back strain and fatigue when heavy.

What Size Top Box Should I Choose?

SH58x: SHAD's largest top box.

The size of a motorcycle top box is listed by storage capacity and measured in litres. The size that will be required ultimately depends on what you want to carry, how long the journey may be and how many people are travelling.

Naturally, a longer trip or being accompanied by a pillion is going to warrant more gear and thus more storage space. A good indicator of the size of a top box and how much kit it will hold is the amount of helmets it can hold.

Top Box Features To Consider

While size, specifically storage capacity, is likely to be the main consideration made when choosing a new top box, here are a number of other additional features that should contribute to the eventual decision:

Waterproof Structure - While the amount of gear you can fit into a top box may be what sells it to you, what use is it if it will fall victim to water breaching the inside? No one wants their clothing, electronics and anything else stored in a top box to get wet and that is why waterproof protection should be a priority.

Security - Picture this, you are commuting to work or even undertaking a trip, it is highly likely your motorcycle will be parked out in the open. Therefore, the ability to lock the top box cannot be undervalued, providing a defence against would-be thieves and the peace of mind that comes with it.

Carry Handles - This may seem like it would be a given feature, but it may surprise you just how many luggage brands omit practical carry handles. This is not an issue for SHAD top boxes and their ergonomic carry handles which allow for comfortable, convenient transportation.

Base Plate Included - When buying a new top box it is important to remember the three components required to mount it, the top box itself, a fitting kit and a base plate. Some motorbike luggage brands charge extra to buy a mounting plate separately while SHAD, for example, provide a base plate with the purchase of each top box at no extra cost.

How To Install A Top Box

A top box fitting kit is required.

In order to mount a motorcycle top box, a relevant fitting kit and base plate will be required. Whilst certain motorbike luggage brands offer fitting kits and sell the necessary base plates separately, in the case of SHAD top boxes, they come with a mounting plate included and require bike specific racks, which are tailor-made for each motorcycle model and thus provide extra stability.

Most fitting kits are straightforward to install and are delivered with detailed, visual instructions, however, if you are unsure then it would not hurt to employ the help of a mechanic.

Does A Top Box Affect Handling?

In all honesty, motorcycle top boxes do affect handling. The added weight at the rear and in a high up position increases the centre of gravity to that area and with the motorbike then being lighter at the front, there could be a negative impact on balance, cornering and braking.

With that said, this is likely to only be the case with larger, heavier top boxes and with capacities of 39 litres or fewer that will only be carrying a few kilograms, you are unlikely to notice any difference in the handling department.