Tank bag or Top Box, for long trips?

Tank bag or Top Box, or maybe both, what will be the best choice for your next trip, in this video, I will tell you the pros and cons of each one. Most of you already know my opinion, but even so, I will try to be as objective as possible and tell you everything I learned during the years. Who knows, until the end of the video, I might be able to convince you to change your mind.

There is no right or wrong choice. It all depends on the type of trip you plan and the gear that you have. For example, if you need to carry expensive camera gear, a top box, with special insolation or foam inside, might be a good solution.

Also, if you ride with a passenger and already have hard panniers, the top box will provide a bit more comfort to the passenger and the possibility to store more things.

On the other hand, if you plan many off-road miles, it would be much better without it. In general, if the idea is to be as light as possible and have an adventure trip, I will advise you to leave the top box at home.

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[Scootir]

Depends on the use case. I often use my 1250GS to run errands in the city. A top box is great in this case as it doesn’t add to the width of the bike, lets me store my helmet when I”m off the bike, gives me decent storage to get groceries etc and provides a backrest should I have passenger. It transforms the bike from a toy to a real daily driver.

[warrenr]

Givi aluminium outback trekker top box for me. If a bikes designed to carry a 50 kg plus pillion, it can easily handle a top box !
It was brilliant for a three month wild camping trip around Scandinavia last summer, which included a lot of forest roads and trails.
I don’t like a big tank bag cramping me in the riding position and I wear a smallish waist bag for quickly accessible items. Also I don’t want to carry around a bulky tank bag whenever I’m off the bike.
A well made rack system engineered specifically for your bike with a good quality box should not just snap off or be a problem. I noticed your friends setup was home made, no surprise it broke.
Enjoyed your video, still got a thumbs up !
Peace man ✌🏻

[teneretraveller]

Both have their uses.
With management on the bike she insists on a back rest - fair enough.
But my preference is to keep the weight in front of the rear axle.
Ride safe

[lluhi]

Greetings Pablin from CDMX. I have been traveling by motorcycle to work daily for more than 12 years and at the beginning I already had 3 plastic boxes and the story always ended badly. They vibrate, they make a lot of noise, they break and the system fails. and all to carry my raincoats and rubber boots. Now I carry that in a small 10L dry bag and changed the boots for covers. I tied her with a net. The rest when I travel goes in a Tank Bag and another 20L waterproof bag that goes largely in the back seat and not in the tail. It drives better and I feel calmer without worries thanks to your advice from several years ago when you discussed the subject. Everything you say is true and happens. Take good care of yourself and receive a hug from your friend the Hairdresser Arturo.

[ConcoursOne]

It is very important that the topbox is fastened properly with 0 play. If it has any play it will magnify that clearance on a washboard road and cause stress failure.
Keep only light items in top box .
Have used one for many many years with no issues.
I also use a small tank bag for convenience of items used often

[michaelcase]

With experience comes wisdom. You are always so generous in sharing both with your followers.
You always prove that there is no such thing as one size fits all.

[jimnotbob]

I have a 650 with a top box and a 600 with a tank bag / tail bag setup. I agree with everything you say Pavlin. 👍

[totaratree]

Just got a tank bag for my last trip. Will never be without it from now on. The convenience for grabbing the camera or changing gloves was awesome.

[jeromehubertable]

my top case is essential, and nearly empty ! i use it only to store helmet and jacket during stops. eventually there is inside rain's stuff, and some shoes for touristic halt.

[lucalluyn]

I watched many of your your fantastic videos and always grabbed my favorite drinks, now My wife is complaining that I drink too much 🤣

[daverodgers]

As always Pavlin, another thought provoking video challenging my choices! So, I prefer both! But, my riding is generally confined to mostly paved roads. my adventure bike, no top box for all of the reasons stated. I prefer a top box when traveling cross country because, yes, in spite of all your sound advice and admonitions, I do carry too much stuff, hence the top box. Completely agree with your comment regarding over all performance as at high speeds, very noticeable.
Thank you again! Pretty cold here in Oregon, counting the days!
Take care my friend!
Dave

[dilwyn]

@Pavlin ... Well said and 100% agree. Top-boxes are the biggest inducer of speed wobbles, have no benefit in my mind over a tank bag and in my case, being a bit old and "Arthritic" if I had one on my XT660Z i would never be able to get off

[tonyireland]

Good morning sir, tony here I'm riding since 14 years old, I'm 62 now I always have a top box never had a problem with it . I haven't done as many miles as you but I'm a very experienced motorcyclist swear by the top box wouldn't be without it

[yogeshavl]

Excellent video.... my main reason for not using top boxes is explained in point# 3. Aerodynamic and behavior change of the motorcycle.

[SpiroZoren]

I have used Givi topboxes for years taking the same set from bike to bike. Super practical for commuting and have used for touring without issue. It's good because it is quick and easy but looks ugly and is heavy and noisy off road and will break if you have any weight in it off road. Never had any handling issues, but then I don't really overload it. On longer trips I just use panniers and a big bag which is better for camping gear.
Always have a tankbag for my valuables and it never leaves me.

[daveevans]

Tank bag for me, had both and I found tank bag more versatile.

[guyetlaurence]

I love the front trunk of my NC750X, fits my day pack while riding, then my full-face helmet when leaving the bike. But soft luggage is definitely more forgiving... Safe riding, thanks for another interesting video!

[Braapncamp]

Ahh, good to see the camera gear organized Pavlin. A nice thing with the Nomax tankbag is that it works as a backpack as well. Great when leaving the bike. The waterbladder included is of great quality and could be used elsewhere, now when You need all space for gear. Happy trails my frend!

[colinlewis]

Great vid makes seance personally box for local city use tank bag can be nuisance but agree with pros/cons givi boxs are stronger than you think and tip allways put strap around it

[arnohag]

I use my topbox on black top riding and my soft luggage everywhere else. I already have pannier frames and rear plates so it is easy to swap in 1 minute. If the top box is not appropriately mounted it will pop open or do damage to frame work. Most topboxes are only rated to 5kg. If overloaded snappo. Great review Palvin.