Non-BMW top boxes

[WalterK75]

Is there a top box that is not BMW which will fit on the original BMW rear luggage grid? I have a 2009 RT and would like to have a smaller box for daily use.

 

[jonnybow]

Shad makes a nice box, just buy it from someone other than Shad, their customer service is the worst in the business.

 

[chasman]

GIVI...lots of choices...uses a simple universal plate that easily mounts to your rack.

 

[lkraus]

AFAIK, all of the removable aftermarket boxes require an adapter plate mounted to the rack. Not a big deal unless you want to switch back to a BMW case from time to time. I think the market is too small for an aftermarket company to make a box that clips directly to the rack - one reason the BMW box is so expensive.

I'm a fan of the Shad boxes. Very good quality, and the lid latches I've seen can be opened and closed without a key. Shad builds at least some of the BMW equipment. The boxes are very good, it's the U.S. distributor that has earned a bad reputation.

 

[PoorUB]

It makes me wonder why companies don't make an adapter to screw to the bottom of the case that snaps into various BMW racks. I can't help but think that BMW will not let them. Patent B.S.

 

[ebell]

I’m guessing the answer to the OP is no.

FWIW I have a Givi Monokey metal plate and V47 box on my 2016 RT. I’m happy with both form and function. The box looks good (for a box) on the bike and the plate is unobtrusive when the box is off the bike (my usual setup). It’s an easy on and off procedure.

I’ve often thought about adding a sticky roundel to the box. But that may look a little cheesy.

 

[lee]

It makes me wonder why companies don't make an adapter to screw to the bottom of the case that snaps into various BMW racks. I can't help but think that BMW will not let them. Patent B.S.

I'm guessing there's not enough of a market to be worth it, plus BMW uses several different luggage racks.
Same thing on panniers, aftermarket companies make their own mounts instead of making bags that fit the OEM mounts.