Has anyone purchased the Yamaha top box? I'm wondering how it fits onto the bike, is there an additional part required? How easy is it to fit/remove. Does it lock in place? Will it be it waterproof in a heavy downpour? How much does it weigh?
My local Yamaha dealer has no knowledge about it so I appreciate any help here
Thanks
Kev

Don't have it myself, but at least Titbird, Old Git Ray and Gas_Up_Lets_Go got the top box so they can answer you about water proofing and weight. What I do know is that the box needs no extra part, it locks into the holes you find behind the passenger bars and is easy to fit/remove (as long as you don't break the key that is a bit of a problem with the yamaha boxes).

Edit: read this thread, all answers should be in there somewhere: http://www.xt660.com/showthread.php?t=7708

__________________

Reinforcing what MOLGAN said:
It fits straight on to the bike (the 3 horizontal slots facing the rear) and locks on with the same key that locks the box by turning the other way. Here it is not yet locked in place, it will drop another 10mm and a lug will key into the rear slot above the Yamaha badge.


With the key turned to the left a handle at the rear pops out and when you pull it the box drops into place and the lug engages.


It does have one problem and that is that the lock is stiff and the key long and weak. I (and others) stripped down the inner lock mechanism and oiled it up. Its better but not great. Having said that, as I am aware of the problem and treat it with respect accordingly and have had no other problems with it.

It is very waterproof and even has a soft rubber seal at the join.


General view of the box.


PS At the moment I am in the process of designing a rack that remains on the bike and will still allow the Yamaha top box to be put on. I am doing this to get the best of both worlds. Top box for commuting and rack for touring.
The rack will be designed to allow the panniers to still be used and perhaps a vertical support for the panniers so they have something to stop them from bending inwards in event of a crash.

__________________
We are now retired....so....... lots of this and this and no more of this or this

Yip, that's a pretty common problem (and also with the panniers) - but. I took it to my local dealer, explained the problem, he had a look, squirted some lubricant in and it's as easy as any other lock now.

I'm not sure what the lubricant was, I had already tried a selection of different types and it made no difference at all. I'm back in the dealer this week so I'l try to remember what it is - it realy does make the difference.

__________________
>-------<

Never underestimate the power of stupid people in large groups.

Thanks for the replies guys and the pictures are very helpfull...thanks Ray. Just one more Q....how much does the box weigh?
Thanks again
Kev

Just a side track to this thread, Does the top box hinder passenger comfort, or does it help by creating a back rest ?

I was experimenting with an old top box and found it pushed the pillion fowards so they were bent over pushing into my back.

Can you fit an full face helmet in the top box ?

cheers

The box is very light, less the an the top box on my wife's scooter. I have done a 50 mile run on the motorway with it litterally stuffed to the brim with fruit so certainly over the suggested weight limit (don't ask) and hardly noticed it was even there (apart from filtering in tight traffic at 50 odd while going over cat-eyes - wobbled a bit more on them than usual.

If you're gentle with the lock I've not had any problem with it. Quirky but very livable with.

Its just big enough to carefully get my full helmet in. Overally I'm very pleased with it. I think it looks good on the back and my occasionaly use it works very well.

The box weighs 4.2 kg but it does not feel like it is on when used.

It does take a full face helmet but little else (gloves etc).


My wife says she does use it as a back rest but not all the time. It does not encroach on the seat space at all and we are larger that we want to be if you know what I mean

__________________
We are now retired....so....... lots of this and this and no more of this or this

Cheers Ray thats interesting stuff