Archive of BMW Motorrad Club Cape (2006 - 2019)

I can help; bear in mind I SELL these products for a living... 

GIVI and KAPPA come out of the SAME factory in Italy, so while there are some small differences, the boxes are identical, and even fit on each others base-plates...

KAPPA nad GIVI use a non-metal base plate - this can wear over time, then it needs packing out slightly to stop a POTENTIAL rattle...

The BMW Aluminum top box is a quality bit of kit, no problems there whatsoever.

Many customers are less impressed with the plastic BMW top box, they had a history of flying off, before the latching mechanism was revised, and they do not take a full-face helmet even when expanded...

We are probablyy one of the biggest retailers of Motorradical top boxes in the country, and have sold a LOT..., so know their storng and weak points...

the ODD one had a leak, but this was the exception to the rule. At around 60% of the price of the BMW box, it offers very good value indeed, comes in THREE finishes (Black or Powder coated Grey or natural Alu finish)

An advantage over the BMW alu top box is that the M/R lid is totally removable, for either cleaning, access, or lining with carpet/bakkie liner/whatever.

Another advantage is that the hinges are SIDE mounted, meaning you can access the top box from the safety of the kerb, etc.

ALL of your prices, seem to high, in my opinion?

Motorradical R4200 + R735 or R835 for stainless adapter plate = R5100 approx.

Ditto KAPPA and GIVI, our prices are around R1k less than what you have quoted.

Hope that helps!

Chris & Team

Good day Chirs,

Thank you for the reply.

As I understand for the Givi and Kappa boxes you get a nylon and a aluminum version of the base plate, the aluminum one costs like R2250 + R5750 (box) + R875 (backrest) = R9000'ish.

Same for the Motoradical box, R4200 (box), R835 (plate) and R850 (backrest) = R6000'ish.

That being said, if you can give it to me for a better price please I'm open for your offers 

Thank you.

our Motorradical back rests are R149 

yes, GIVI and Kappa do do an aluminum plate, these are bike-specific, no problem there,

But with M/R stainless base plate costing either R735 or R835, that is 1/3rd of the cost of the alu plate.

Cheers

Chris

Stoukie, my personal experience on a few top box configurations:

1. BMW plastic top box is of very good quality but if you are planning to do a lot of off road in years to come, stay away. My 1st 1200GS had a plastic box. The plastic base plate tore and the box flew off.  On a recent tour to Lesotho, we had 4 bikes with plastic top boxes which came off. They were other brands than BMW, so it's not only a BMW thing. Plastic boxes are just not made for corrugated dirt roads and off-roading. 

2. BMW metal box is the best quality you can get, BUT only fits on the 1200 GS Adventure, not the 1200GS. BMW brackets and top box base plate for the GSA does not fit on the GS, so basically forget about this option unless you swop your GS for a GSA. Note that oil-cooled brackets and boxes does not fit on the Liquid cooled models unless you do modifications which can become a headache.

3. Motorradical metal box for 1200GS lc itself is of good quality, but make sure you silicone all the seams and rivets inside the box. They tend to leak or get moisture inside. It will be certain that you will have metal against metal rattles at the bobbins and base plate, and the clips at the end of the cable which holds the lid. I still have a problem with the brackets and base plates which does not fit properly. Some of the screws show metal fatigue over time, and even after tightening all screws and bolts, there is still that irritating rattle on dirt roads.

I had bad experiences with fitment of Trax top box as well.

I believe that the BMW products are of the best quality and best made to fit the bike, and the GSA is the only bike which designed for BMW metal boxes and panniers. For any other bike, I would suggest soft luggage if you plan to do dirt and off-road unless your are a roadie and definitely want a top box, then a plastic top box will do. 

Enjoy the Sutherland trip.

Regards

Herman

Stockier....I don't comment much nowadays, but as a non expert, seriously consider the Globescout top box.

You get the fitting plates for the GS 1200LC and I have taken my bike on some rough club rides, through Lesotho and loaded it with some heavy crap. It's practically bomb proof - never leaked, never squeaked, never snapped, never popped and never needed any "on the go attention".

i added the zip up insert bag plus handy net that fits I the top lid to hold maps and light Kak you tend to lug around.

i bought the unit from a local Paarden Eiland supplier and the bag and net via online from someplace in the Eastern Cape - can't recall the name.

not the cheapest, but my goodies packed have always been safe, helmet and neck brace fits perfectly, and you can load up many 1lt red wine tetra packs for your camping trips (keep the trip from the bottle store to your camp spot short and smooth!)

grab one of those cargo net thingies and you can pack Camelbacks, plakkies, sleeping bags etc onto it :-)

Hi Guys

I have been using the TRAX Top Box and Paniers now for 5 yrs on my GSA 2011. Mostly roadies but on three not to lekker off road trips as well. Never had any moist or dust problems at all, However, my left one is a 37lt and the right one a 45 lt . The left one is to compensate for the exhaust on the left side of the pre LC GSA.

Never had any problems. I like the KAPPA ADVENTURE one.

Jacques

I'm using a BMW Vario top box and when expanded it easily fits my full face GS helmet, neck brace and gloves.

I stand corrected, but on the various Forums, as well as our own employee, JAN, cannot fit his helmet into his expandable top box.

If he does try to fit it in, he lays it on its side (less than ideal, removes his Sena bluetooth module, and then closes his case very gently indeed, he says to 'first click only, whatever that means.

I could not fit my full-face helmet, with peak, into my old expandable case, so I feel comfortable saying that IN GENERAL, full face helmets do not easily fit into the expandable case. 

Cheers

Chris

What is your current price for the motorradical top box backrest

Hi Chris

What is your current price for the backrest of the MR Top box

Regards

Hi All,

Herman's comment refers:

"2. BMW metal box is the best quality you can get, BUT only fits on the 1200 GS Adventure, not the 1200GS. BMW brackets and top box base plate for the GSA does not fit on the GS,"

This comment is indeed incorrect. I have a 2014 GS LC and had the BMW Alu top box fitted last year. Admittedly, it does not fit on the GS's plastic/nylon standard tail, but you order the Alu tail of the GSA and that does definitely fit on the GS. I was further quite surprised that the additional costs for the Alu tail was not that expensive!

I had various top boxes previously - mostly because of funds available at the time, but won't name bash any. Now, having gone to the BMW, I will NEVER go back!!

PS: I initially also said: having another key for the top box is not an issue, but once you have experienced the BMW box(es) with the coded ignition key - damn, it's convenient!!

My 2c worth..... 

the Flying Brick cushion, which does work, is R150 incl.

the very nice 2-piece, blow-moulded Motorradical backrest is R795 incl, and it BOLTS on using EXISTING bolts...

Cheers

Chris & Team 021 510 6455