Hello and welcome to 30 Minute Motorcycling – the podcast where we’re talking two-wheelers – from motorcycles, to scooters, and other things on two wheels – in under 30 minutes.

In this episode, we’re talking top boxes – a great accessory for your bike to increase storage space – whether you’re riding a motorcycle or a scooter.

I got one for my scooter, and it was one of the best investments I ever made. 

Now, I know what you're thinking - "aren't top boxes expensive?" Yes, they can be. But let me tell you, it's worth it, and to prove my point, I’ve got 5 compelling reasons why getting a top box installed is a brilliant investment.

And the first reason is a bit obvious, but it’s also true – installing a top box gives you more storage space. I know, it’s obvious, but the fact is that if you’re on a stock motorcycle, and you need to or want to bring along some items for the ride, there aren’t many options right of the bat.

All you can really do is bring along a backpack, and that’s it. 

In that regard, scooters do have one advantage in that they come with a built-in storage space under the seat. But although these storage spaces are handy, they’re not always as big as you might like them to be.

If you’ve seen the What’s It Like video I made on The Dual Wheel Journey about the 2008 Honda SH300i, you’ll know that although I was a big fan of the scooter itself, I wasn’t a big fan of its small storage space – especially for a scooter that large.

That small storage space was one of the reasons why I wanted to get a top box for so long, and it solved the issue I had – it gave me that much-wanted storage space.

In case you’re curious, it’s a whole 47 liters, or 12 gallons – that’s even bigger than that Honda’s fuel tank! 

And even if you have a scooter and its storage space is quite large already, there's no such thing as having "too much of it”

Even with something like a Sym Gts 200 that is known for its seemingly bottomless underseat storage space, you can still benefit from a top box.

As for the second reason to get a top box, let’s compare it to another common luggage option – the cargo net.

Because before I took the plunge and got the top box, I used a cargo net whenever I needed to haul something around – and for just under $30, it was a steal.

Even better, it was just a matter of throwing the net over the bag, attaching the hooks, and I was ready to go.

But as handy as that cargo net was, it had one fatal flaw – security, or rather, the lack thereof.

Nothing is safe from thieving eyes under a cargo net – anyone could just walk by and grab whatever you’ve got under there.

A top box on the other hand is more secure. Technically, someone could still break into it, but considering the advanced and sturdy locks many of the top quality ones have, it’s a lot more difficult.

And it’s not just thieves that a top box protects from. 

Remember, the sun doesn't always shine - sometimes, it rains. I should know, I grew up in Gothenburg, Sweden. During the autumn season, it rains a lot here.

And as the saying goes - "when it rains, it pours" - and it does so all over whatever you've got on your luggage rack.

With a good-quality top box though, it keeps your items nice and dry.

Now, let’s move on to the third reason to invest in a top box – they’re easier to use than a cargo net.

But wait – didn’t I just say that using a cargo net was just a matter of throwing it over whatever you’re carrying at the back? How is a top box easier to use – especially considering that you have to install them – as in install them using tools?

Well, although a cargo net is easy to use, you have to make sure that whatever you're carrying under it is secured properly. And that includes finding anchor points for the cargo net hooks and doing a "tug test" before you set off. 

So although a top box requires installation with tools, once you've done that, it's just a matter of opening, loading, closing, and locking. It’s the best long-term solution.

But what about saddlebags? Well, we’re about to get into those for the fourth reason to invest in a top box.

Unlike cargo nets, these are designated bags. Some soft case ones are still theft-prone, but some hard case ones come with locks.

Unlike top boxes, they also come in pairs of two - literally giving you a 2-for-1 deal. But saddlebags have an Achilles heel.

And it's called "uneven weight distribution."

Just for the record, I'm not bashing saddlebags. There's nothing wrong with them, but it must be said you have to be careful of how you distribute the load though.

Suppose you put all your items in the left saddlebag, and when you hop on your bike, you'll notice something strange.

Your bike wants to turn left - seemingly on its own.

Why? It's not related to bad wheel alignment or another mechanical fault - it's about load.

If one of your saddlebags is heavier than the other, there's more weight on that side. And this means that the bike will want to turn in that direction. 

Fortunately, since the top box is fitted at the top, you don't need to worry about that problem.

And finally, the fifth reason to get a top box is that if you’re selling your bike, and you’re willing to part with the top box, you can charge a slightly higher price.

Look – top boxes can seem expensive at first, but the good news is that you can use this to your advantage if you decide to sell your bike. 

Assuming that the bike itself is well looked after, if you're willing to sell your top box along with your bike, it might be more attractive to potential buyers. 

Again, top boxes can be expensive, and you've bought one for them, sparing the buyer from buying (and certainly from installing) one themselves.

And those were the 5 reasons to invest in a top box for your motorcycle or scooter. if you're in the market for one, I highly recommend it. It's been a great investment for me, and I'm sure it will be for you too.

Thank you for tuning in, and until next time – happy trails – no matter what or where you ride!"