As a commuter who travels on a NYC highway with narrow lanes, potholes and loads of cars that an r12r with side cases can't fit in between, the BMW Topcase, with its ease of use and 28 liter capacity is a must. Other cases work- just not as well. Had a givi on an F800r- good but not as good. And it does make a good backrest for my pillion when i have one!For me, the extra expense was more than worth it- just like the extra expense of the bike itself was- is.