Advice on Rack for ST1300 OEM Honda Top Box

[Moto-Charlie]

I have an OEM Honda top box on my ST1300. I am thinking I might want to put a rack on the lid so that I can carrry some lighter items up there in a waterproof bag.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a rack that will fit bolt on there and looks like it belongs?

Thanks

 

[Obo]

So you want something that you can remove the OEM top box, leave the OEM plates on and then attach a replacement rack over that so you can easily switch back and forth between the top box and a rack?

 

[Whisker Bill]

I have an OEM Honda top box on my ST1300. I am thinking I might want to put a rack on the lid so that I can carrry some lighter items up there in a waterproof bag.

Just wondering if anyone has any suggestions for a rack that will fit bolt on there and looks like it belongs?

Thanks

Hey @Moto-Charlie
I just purchased a used aftermarket top box, and yesterday I was thinking that there must be a rack that should bolt onto the lid, to give me a rack similar to that on my old GL1500 Goldwing Trunk.
I assume that was what you were thinking?
Regards
Brian

 

[Obo]

Ahh ok, re-reading your post and @Whisker Bill 's you want a rack to go on top of the OEM box.

The only issues I see with that are exceeding the max weight capacity and making the bike a bit more top heavy.

It's doable. Here's an example: https://motorcycles-for-sale.biz/sale.php?id=11334




Here's a video showing one with a Givi rack on it:

And one showing some racks for both the top case and the side cases!

 

[TourNut]

I used one of the GIVI racks for the OEM box . I put some spacers on to get it up off the painted surface more & for flag mounting addition . Also 4 very wide s.s. fender washers , rubber washers , outside &
( 4 ) 3 X 3" sheet metals epoxied to the inside to avoid cracking the painted box lid. Painted outside pieces with silver wheel paint . Covered inside plates with black duct tape to protect inside box stuff .

 

[SupraSabre]

The cracking part will be your biggest fear. As TourNut did with the fender and rubber washers will be your best bet. AND do not over tighten them!



I've only used the TurboTom racks on mST1300s (made for the ST1300) but you still have to use fender washers and rubber washers to cushion it.

BTW, the TurboTom racks haven't been available for about 5 to 7 years, although you might find one on a bike being sold.

I do have a GIVI rack that I will be putting on my '04 once I get it back up and running.

 

[NMSTrider]

I went at this a little differently than a standard luggage rack to make it perhaps more versatile and definitely cheaper. I used a cutting board from WalMart as the base; drilled six holes in it and the lid for mounting and used aluminum spacers because of the curvature of the box top. The spacers have fender washers and rubber washers inside and out for better load distribution. The small case has four spools bolted to it that slip into the keyholes. There is a 1/4" threaded insert near the middle of the plate that accepts a bolt from the inside of the case to lock it in place. There are slotted holes on the perimeter of the base for strapping bags and the like onto the bike. The case is great for a camera, ear plugs, and misc. bits and bobs for a journey. It helps to have a small lathe and milling machine, but I think this would be a project for a drill, a hole saw, and patience.

 

[ST Gui]

I looked at Obo's first video and had a Game of Thrones flashback moment — high born motorcycles indeed!

Personally, I wouldn't put a rack on a factory Honda topbox. As handy as that might be I'd hate to put even the slightest crack in it. If I absolutely needed the additional storage the bottom of the lid would be reinforced with a metal plate to distribute the weight. But since I won't carry a pillion the rear seat would get the storage and not the top of the box.

 

[Obo]

I looked at Obo's first video and had a Game of Thrones flashback moment — high born motorcycles indeed!

Personally, I wouldn't put a rack on a factory Honda topbox. As handy as that might be I'd hate to put even the slightest crack in it. If I absolutely needed the additional storage the bottom of the lid would be reinforced with a metal plate to distribute the weight. But since I won't carry a pillion the rear seat would get the storage and not the top of the box.

Do the "extra top box" mod. If it's good enough for a 'wing...

 

[jfheath]

The rack that @Obo posted looks very much like a Givi E96 rack.

Oddly, they fit very well either way, but there are issues if you have a brake light/spoiler attached.

Before the spolier, I had the rack mounted with the stand-up part at the rear. It looks as though the front of the rack would make the position uncomfortable for the pillion. It doesn't - it sits further back than this photo suggests. But this is no good if you have a spoiler.



So when I put a spoiler on, I turned it around. Initially raising the footings with a couple of washer to give the fraction of clearnace that is needed. But eventually, produced this sawn-off top box rack.



The metal is very thick gauge steel - the hole in the middle is much smaller than you would imagine. This arrangement worked really well. I only wanted it to carry a picnic blanket and a tent 'footprint' when we were camping. Bulky, but light.

They are quite heavy - compared to the load the top box is allowed to carry, The case lid itself is sturdy enough, but that is a lot of extra leverage on the lid. My tethers went south almost immediately. You have to be careful not to let it drop onto the sadle. It puts a lot of force onto the lid's hinges. If you look at how small the hinges are, you will see what I mean.

I've removed mine now. We have decided that camping / touring is no longer for us.

 

[Moto-Charlie]

Thank you very much to everyone who posted a reply - I appreciate it.

It's been very helpful to see the pictures of the racks mounted to the top boxes. My understanding has been that Givi makes the side/top boxes for Honda so it would make sense that Givi racks would fit well. It's also been interesting to see them with the stand up part facing forward and some facing to the rear.

NMST rider's idea of a lighter box on top of a box is a little unique - never thought of that. I have seen Obo's version of an extra top box mounted to a trailer hitch. That might have some appeal if I were to carry more stuff.

At the moment I'm looking to carry some bulky but lighter stuff like jfheath mentioned - a couple of down style puffer jackets and one or two other similar light items. I may revisit finding some way to attach/weather protect them on top of the side cases.

 

[Obo]

If you're not going to have a pillion on with you I'd look at ways to strap your stuff onto the rear seat.

That's what I've done before... (pre St1300)

 

[Moto-Charlie]

If you're not going to have a pillion on with you I'd look at ways to strap your stuff onto the rear seat.

That's what I've done before... (pre St1300)

Thanks - I agree with you and that's what I do if solo. My inquiry about the rack would be for that little extra bit of storage when my wife is on the back.

 

[TourNut]

I only put the weight of an air mattress on my box's rack , but I have holes reinforced with 4 - 3 X 3" metal plates epoxied on the inside of the lid anyway .