Looking for a small top case

Do you have the factory rear case rack? If so, the factory box isn't large, and integrates with your key. Beyod that, look at Givi and Shad cases for scooters, or the Corbin "Smuggler" rear seat replacemwnt.

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Thanks r0ckrat. I did look at the Corbin Smuggler. From what I could gather, it doesn’t hold much. I'll check out the Shad option. I think the smallest Givi I saw was at least 25 liters.

I remembered someone doing this, Lawrence, but not who.

At that price, if makes you wonder why top cases are so expensive.

I think it was @Dr. Strangelove @Panzermann.


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The smallest top case at Shad USA is 26 liters. Seems the criteria they start with is it must fit a helmet, which makes the cases tall. Similar with Givi. Would love to find something low and sleek around 15 - 18 liters, just for rain gear, some tools, tire repair kit, and first aid kit.

If all else fails, a careful browse in a store specialising in travel goods can often be very useful. It just requires a bit of imagination and creative thinking, especially as far as securing the case to the bike is concerned. But usually there are no exorbitant or fancy prices for these outside-the-box items.

I got pretty creative on my gsdewalt tool box Home Depot 65$

Thanks B Irie. The Nelson Rigg semi-rigid is probably the direction I will end up going with. I want to be able to leave it on the bike instead of taking it in the hotel every night, so will probably cut and drill an aluminum plate for the bottom so I can bolt it through my carrier rack with tamper-proof fasteners.

Here's another soft tail bag.

749corsa said:

Thanks B Irie. The Nelson Rigg semi-rigid is probably the direction I will end up going with. I want to be able to leave it on the bike instead of taking it in the hotel every night, so will probably cut and drill an aluminum plate for the bottom so I can bolt it through my carrier rack with tamper-proof fasteners.

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I went thru the same search process as you. I ended up with a Nelson Rigg Commuter Lite semi-rigid expandable...the smallest of the line. It works for me. I did some minimizing strap mods and can pop it off quickly to take inside at night. For lunch stops, I leave it on the bike and use a small TSA luggage lock to keep the curious at bay.

For weekend tours, I use a BMW 29L keyed tail case.

749corsa said:

Thanks B Irie. The Nelson Rigg semi-rigid is probably the direction I will end up going with. I want to be able to leave it on the bike instead of taking it in the hotel every night, so will probably cut and drill an aluminum plate for the bottom so I can bolt it through my carrier rack with tamper-proof fasteners.

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Mine is strapped on. It can also be mounted to rear seat and you still have ability to take seat off additionally you could get the BMW top box and keep it on the seat. You got options. It has a water proof cover too

sturgeon said:

There's a whole company, Caribou, dedicated to using Pelican cases as panniers, top cases, etc. I've used a Pelican 1450 as a top case, off-and-on for quite a few years, primarily with a foam insert to carry cameras. It's about 15 liters volume without the insert. I can mount it on a rear rack with a home-made ratchet strap system.

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Agree fully with what Sturgeon says. I too use the 1450 as the small around town case, and I too, have a foam insert to carry camera and lens. I had the 1550 Pelican case setup from Cariboucases; moved it from my 1200r to my 1200gs. I bought from Cariboucases the hardware to mount my 1450. Works perfectly. It's the same hardware they use on their 1550 case. Robust and user friendly. Highly recommended.
My GS is still for sale, btw and will include BOTH the 1550 and the 1450...how can you pass that up?