Top Box Woe

[Martin H]

Fitted my top box this evening. I took the plunge and got the large one from Piaggio and must say I am very pleased with it even though the misuses is fuming at how much it cost.

I now have a slight problem. I can't shut the garage door, the missus is still rolling around the floor laughing at me😱

So now she (unfortunately I mean the bike) will have to live outdoors till next year when I intend to build a carport on the side of the house.

Can any one recommend a GOOD cover that folds small as I need it for when I'm working away as well.

[Pepy27]

Why can't you shut the door?

[frankiej1949]

Take the top  box off 

[Dave Milnes]

There is a area of concern regarding the use of covers as a weather proofing in that covering a bike that has been recently used in wet or just damp conditions causes condensation and retention of damp. Bikes used in wet conditions are best left uncovered where they dry out in the wind. You need to wait until the exhaust has cooled too before covering. Also even big bikes have been blown off their stands in windy conditions when covers are fitted as they act like a sail due to filling in the gaps so the shape is not aerodynamic for the wind to blow past/through, especially with a top box fitted.
Covers are fine for dry stored bikes to act as dust sheets to protect against scratches and general muck.

Does your OEM box bolt on directly rather than using a quick release plate?

[frankiej1949]

Dave, Its the OEM Piaggio top box and its on a quick release plate! So I do not know why he just doesn't take it off.

[Martin H]

Because I'm a lazy git 😄. Honestly though it was always a tight fit getting the bike in the garage due to a partitioning shelving rack. I don't really like the idea of a cover due to damp but they do claim to be breathable, haven't considered the wind factor as the bike is so heavy. Any one tried the Oxford ones?

[Dave Milnes]

Rockets Burgman 650 blew over last year and that's at least as heavy as an X10.
I had one of the Piaggio 'tailored' covers for my X9 when it was new and tried using it a few times, but taking it off wet then trying to fold/roll it up was a real faff plus it never folded up as small as it was when newly unpacked and was wet through still on re-using, also the top box 'pocket' in the cover made it difficult to get on and off, then I ripped it so binned it.
I can't help but think if removing the box to put the bike in the garage is too much hassle, removing a wet cover and stowing it, then refitting it every night is even more faffing about.

[Martin H]

I tend to agree so am now looking at one of these www.bike-home.co.uk/bike-home-motorcycle-cover.html

[spannerman]

For security, it is better to put the bike away in a garage (insurance discount), can you put the scoot in the other way round, or remove the shelving rack. Do you need the box on all the time?
I've just got Piaggio box for a tenner on ebay and will have to bolt it to the rack, but it will only be fitted when I really need it.

[Mr.Chips]

Jimc always poo-poo'd the idea of covering a scooter left outside since he rightly says it's built to get wet!

Mine is, of necessity, and seems to be fine although it's following, like Audrey, in the wake of the 'Pequod'; I should wash it more often.

 

[Mike H]

There is a area of concern regarding the use of covers as a weather proofing in that covering a bike that has been recently used in wet or just damp conditions causes condensation and retention of damp. Bikes used in wet conditions are best left uncovered where they dry out in the wind. You need to wait until the exhaust has cooled too before covering. Also even big bikes have been blown off their stands in windy conditions when covers are fitted as they act like a sail due to filling in the gaps so the shape is not aerodynamic for the wind to blow past/through, especially with a top box fitted.
Covers are fine for dry stored bikes to act as dust sheets to protect against scratches and general muck.

If you don't have a garage there's not many other alternatives. I use this:

http://www.mandp.co.uk/productinfo.aspx?catref=563767&tier1url=Bike-Care&tier2url=Bike-covers&tier3url=Tech-7

... must be XL size! Even then it can't include the top box as well! I have used this cover for all my bikes for some time. Quite tough BUT will still need replacing after a couple of years or so, due to ultraviolet damage.

I agree must not cover a bike while wet. Never had one blown over although they are adjacent to a high fence / wall.

Apart from the weather, I like them for keeping bird crap off, dirty footprints of cats and foxes and the odd thing falling out the sky, like spent fireworks rockets, small tree branches etc. Surprising how much cack collects on the cover after a while, don't really want it on the bike instead!

HTH

[JohnF]

I take the point about covering a “hot” machine, but sometimes you just need to keep the rain/snow/crap etc. off the bike!
You asked about the Oxford cover - I have had two of them. I had the Rainex when I had an X9. Excellent quality and fitted well. Still using it on my wife’s bike. Doesn’t fit on the X10 with top box, so I bought the Large size Oxford Stormex for the X10 500 fitted with the Piaggio top box. Fits very well with the original screen, and original top box, down to the ground at the back and front. There is a small problem at the back cos the cover has a rear vent which (on the X10 with box) sits on the top of the top box seat back, with horizontal rain  - and snow - there would be a few drops entering. This I fixed by sealing the vent holes with gaffer tape. Interesting I complained to Oxford about the rear vent, and we are now in discussion about the “universal” design.
If you have a Givi “large” screen, then the cover only goes down to the axle at the front.
However - I had a Piaggio branded x10 cover and it was crap. The Oxford Stormex Large size fits really well, and the construction is terrific. Lined and double stitched ,and the security chain holes front and rear are overstitched and reinforced. I can recommend with the provisor that you need to seal the rear vent holes.
I bought mine here: http://www.sportsbikeshop.co.uk/motorcycle_parts/content_prod/46433
Delivered 3 days later in France!
Get the Large size.
John

 

[Solo]

Should be OK outside in all weather if you use the old bikers trick of greasing the metal parts to protect from Salt and winter and other road and weather elements.

what i used to do in my sister garaged is put it far in then pop on center stand then, using eh grab rail swing the back round sideways on the center stand to close the door.

[Derek]

One of these?
I couldn't be arsed with the messing about TBH.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZl8rapQNA

[Martin H]

Thanks John

I have to use the top box every day. I'll play around with the different options and see what works best.

Thanks for all the input folks.

Martin

[Ferrit]

One of these?
I couldn't be arsed with the messing about TBH.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QZl8rapQNA

I just cannot get that low without falling over!

[JohnF]

Martin, I cant work out how to post a picture on this thread. If you let me have an address I will email you a pic of my X10 500 with top box in the Oxford Stormex cover. Covers it completely and good heavy duty quality with the provisor that you need to seal the rear vent.
John

[Martin H]

Neither can I !  Email sent

Thanks

[Pepy27]

[Mike H]

Oo you got that colour. Dribble drool...

[frankiej1949]

How come you have not got the heavier chrome bar ends fitted that come with the top box?

[Mike H]

Ah they come with the topbox do they? I'd assumed they were 'normal'!
  
But just Googled and yes X10's without topboxes have black bar ends, which I presume are not weighted? Plastic or summat?

[Pepy27]

Didn't know that. Mine was done by the dealer so I better contact them.
Are the heavier ones black too?

[Martin H]

Yes mine came with black bar ends but I had already replaced them with chrome ones. What difference does a few grams on the end of the bars make?

Interesting to see a dimple on the seam of the back rest in exactly the same place as mine!

[Martin H]

Ps mine is only that colour at the weekends 😁