Seeking opinions/experiences of top box use with panniers

[TomInPA]

As suggested by other, filling the gap on the pillon seat will solve any problems with stability. This is my typical configuration for long trips. This is an inexpensive waterproof duffle bag with a roll top that can fit a lot or a little depending on your needs, but it is low-profile.

 

[user 31223]

Steve , enjoy your trip - i hope we will see some video like you and Joe did last year on your trip to Monaco (or was that the year before) - i too tend to avoid top and side cases as others have noticed - but my nelson rigg bag fills the gap nicely and helps

 

[user 86528]

Just to update this thread, we made the trip and I pushed the bike up to 140mph (indicated) and it definately started to wobble so I backed off. Kind of a double edged sword this touring lark - great fantastic winding roads but not so great riding with panniers, top box, tail bag and tank bag so for this years trip we are doing it different. We are renting a villa in the South of France for a week. Going straight there with just one overnight stop, meeting the wives there next day then unloading all our crap and will be taking day trips around the mountains/Alps with no excess baggage while the wimmin sit round the pool/do shopping. Everyone's happy!

 

[Bill Lumberg]

I've hit well in excess of 100mph, (on a closed track....), plenty of times with my E55 and sidecases on (never 140), with gear in them and with them empty. Even in crosswinds. Nothing alarming or particularly notable versus topcase off, and that's with both the stock touring screen and the largest Cee Bailey available (the CB does make it a little weird once in a while in quartering winds, but only when it's all the way up).

 

[Twigg]

Not the best picture, but I suspect many of you knew this guy. He rode his 06 often with a Givi top case, panniers and a Pelican cas full of tools on the back seat at quite high speeds. This is him leaving Fairbanks on a 5600 mile ride during which he averaged 65 MPH. That includes about 9 hours of non-moving time and required riding at speeds of near 100 MPH for extended periods. He never indicated a problem with a wobble.

Would that be Mr "There is no excuse for what I am about to do"?

I feel some sadness every time I see a picture.