Ok, I have a really stupid question. Please feel free to direct your ire and condemnation in my direction but do you think the NT looks better with or without the top box installed. As convenient as the box is I personally think the bike looks sportier without. Thanks
Stupid question- with or without top box?
- Thread starter Don
- Start date
What ever you like is what maters. It is your motorcycle. With that said I run top boxes on all my bikes. Personal preference.
Sportier without, maybe, but more practical with.
I have a tail bag on all my bikes.
I am a firm believer in the top box. I use it more than the pannier storage on my bike. For my NC700X I mainly use the top box for all general storage needs. I use the Frunk for storing my helmet when parked somewhere or for my purchases. Also, I personally like the looks of the bike with a top box.
Phil Tarman
Site Supporter
Like the others have said, go with what you like! It's your bike and your opinion is what counts. If you think the bike looks sportier without the top box and if you want a sporty looking bike, don't leave it on. I like bikes that look like they're going long and far, so I like the way my bike looks with a top box on.
When I got my first new bike, it was a '99 Kawasaki Concours, I liked the way it looked without the top box. My wife rode with me then and to carry stuff for two of us, we needed a top box (plus it gave her a backrest that greatly increased her comfort and sense of security). I figured I'd leave it off unless we were traveling together. But it turned out that I liked carrying somethings in the top box and other things in the Connie's panniers. I thought about taking the panniers off unless we were traveling, but I didn't like the way the Connie looked without them.
So, for me, the top box stays on. And, of course, with the NT, the panniers don't come off.
It's up to you!
When I got my first new bike, it was a '99 Kawasaki Concours, I liked the way it looked without the top box. My wife rode with me then and to carry stuff for two of us, we needed a top box (plus it gave her a backrest that greatly increased her comfort and sense of security). I figured I'd leave it off unless we were traveling together. But it turned out that I liked carrying somethings in the top box and other things in the Connie's panniers. I thought about taking the panniers off unless we were traveling, but I didn't like the way the Connie looked without them.
So, for me, the top box stays on. And, of course, with the NT, the panniers don't come off.
It's up to you!
For the day to day rides (commuting to and from work) I prefer the top box stays on, although the big panniers would be sufficant in theory. Top box is much easier to store luggage and helmet. Also during night rides (Sunset today at 5:30 in Paris) reflectors on the back of the top box make it easier to be seen from behind.
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- 2010 NT700V
I don't think it matters whether you leave the top box on or take it off. The NT isn't looking "sporty" with it's hippopotamus rear end and 58" wheelbase. You can take off the top box and add as many HRC, Flame decals as you please. It's still going to look like a Maxi-scooter with footpegs.
The only time my top box comes off is for maintenance reasons. I also have a brake light LED kit installed on it. All the more reason to leave it on.
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- 2010 NT700V
Without. No question. But you can’t even see it when you’re riding.
l hate top boxes- or at least their weight. I prefer my weight carried low as possible. Top box is the worst possible place to add weight to a motorcycle (that doesn’t need more weight)
l hate top boxes- or at least their weight. I prefer my weight carried low as possible. Top box is the worst possible place to add weight to a motorcycle (that doesn’t need more weight)
Macka
Guest
The question was: do you prefer the LOOK of the bike with the Top Box on or off?
I prefer it ON. It looks more complete, like a Touring Bike should.
Macka
I prefer it ON. It looks more complete, like a Touring Bike should.
Macka
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- 2010 NT700V
What OP should really be asking is why does it matter if it looks more sporty or not? You're not looking at the NT while you're riding it. Now if the NT's parked in the street, and you want to gaze at it from the kitchen window while you grab a morning coffee, then it may be worth your while to remove it when parking for the evening.
If the worry is others' opinion while you're riding and you're seeking peer validation, they make Harley Davidsons for that.
If the worry is others' opinion while you're riding and you're seeking peer validation, they make Harley Davidsons for that.
Always liked to switch up my FJR. Sometimes bags and top box, sometimes naked, sometimes just the bags.
Kinda preachy there guy. I was just asking what others thought. I never said I was "worried" about anyone elses opinion and if I wanted I'd pull my Roadking out of the garage and ride that.What OP should really be asking is why does it matter if it looks more sporty or not? You're not looking at the NT while you're riding it. Now if the NT's parked in the street, and you want to gaze at it from the kitchen window while you grab a morning coffee, then it may be worth your while to remove it when parking for the evening.
If the worry is others' opinion while you're riding and you're seeking peer validation, they make Harley Davidsons for that.
Its not a stupid question...more of a philosophical one. Personally, I dont care what other people think about my bikes.... I am not a top box person but I love B2000's roll bars. Completely changes the charactor of the bike. It does need big lids, but that's just me...
Chuck's right. Its YOU that is important.
Or, to quote Pirsig, "Quality in thought and deed is "Just what you like".
Chuck's right. Its YOU that is important.
Or, to quote Pirsig, "Quality in thought and deed is "Just what you like".
Yea People (women) ask me, "at your age why do you need four bikes in the garage, you can only ride one at a time." I first tell them "Because I can". Second I ask them how many pair of shoes do they have "You can only wear one at a time." Like what has been said. Your money, Your bike, your taste. You only have to please yourself.
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