Inner Bag, Top Box........How to pack??

[Rick505]

Ok folks.....purchased a Triumph Top Box and related bits.  First thing I noticed, and probably already mentioned here, is it sure isn't a Tardis.  Interior seems a lot smaller than the outside dimensions would indicate.  Anyway, decided to purchase a set of inner bags for top and side cases.  Last week started a trip and decided to take the top box bag thinking it would be easier packing.  I didn't overpack the bag and still had an issue every time I attempted to close the lid on the bag.  I presumed the little side pouch thing goes on the side with the power outlet.  Is there some secret to packing the thing and actually having the top box lid easily close?? I had a real time attempting to get the lid closed.  Had to push and prod it before the lid even thought about being closed.  I figured out the buckles on the case top strap would always fall in the way but even keeping an eye on them it still barely fit.  I was partially waiting for the top to pop open when I was cruising down the highway (Interstate).  Luckily I kept important stuff in the side cases.

[bobv07662]

I only use the inner bags in the side cases. Rain suit in the tank bag, I pack the top box about 1/2 full so I have room for a helmet when I stop.

[trophied]

If it clicks at all when you close it, it's not "popping" open.  Go to a fabric store and get a little of the black small flat elastic strip material (the stretchiest you can find) and attach it to the top box retainer straps so that it just keeps them inside the box, and if the box is packed it will stretch to accommodate whatever is packed and eliminate the straps getting under the lid.  Or simpler still, cut some large rubber bands and attach.  I'm not sure I understand what's happening, but I don't use a liner in the top box or the side cases, because it seems to me they take up some of the space the way they are made and reduce the capacity.  Handy when you stay overnight to just take them in?  Yes.  Efficient to pack for a trip?  Maybe not so much.  I made an extra set of the elastic straps for both my side cases and that keeps things in place a little better and somewhat segregated from each other.  It wouldn't bother me to just take the side cases off and take them in with me if I needed to.

[karl]

My top case has always had issues shutting. some dry lube on the latches helps.  pushing the little hooks forward by hand will insure that it latches.  Check that it is actually latched prior to removing it to take into your rooms so it wont inadvertently open and scar itself up. Don't ask.

[BigPoppa]

I use my bike for commuting during the week and I use the top box liner bag. Although it's never fully packed I had to get used to closing the lid with the liner bag in there. A couple of things I did/do to make it easier to close:

• Tuck the liner bag handles into the side pocket(s)
• Always make sure the lid case strap "buckles" are tucked well down the side of the liner bag before closing
• Reach inside the lid to pull the horizontal strap toward me so it clears the liner bag

Even after all that I do occasionally have to futz with the lid a couple of times to get it to close cleanly but it's no longer the major effort it used to be when I first started using the top case.

[Rick505]

Originally Posted by BigPoppa

I use my bike for commuting during the week and I use the top box liner bag. Although it's never fully packed I had to get used to closing the lid with the liner bag in there. A couple of things I did/do to make it easier to close:

• Tuck the liner bag handles into the side pocket(s)
• Always make sure the lid case strap "buckles" are tucked well down the side of the liner bag before closing
• Reach inside the lid to pull the horizontal strap toward me so it clears the liner bag

Even after all that I do occasionally have to futz with the lid a couple of times to get it to close cleanly but it's no longer the major effort it used to be when I first started using the top case.

I think ultimately that's what I had to start doing.  I'm leaning toward the idea that those top strap buckle things were getting caught initially but started to remember keeping an eye out for them.  Still glad I used it since I could pull out the bag and take it into the room intact. 

Thanks again everyone who replied.

Rick

[Volfy]

I too only use inner bags for panniers.  Top case is reserved for locking in my helmet, gloves at stops.  Also use it to hold frequently used stuff while traveling.  They stay with the top case on the bike at night.

[Xsv]

I found the Triumph top box case bag difficult to use.  It now sits in my shop, unused.

I replaced it with Osprey Transporter 40 bag.  It fits the top box well and allows room on top for your coat.  On a recent trip I had the bag packed full and had enough room for my Firstgear 37.5 Kilimanjaro Textile Jacket to fit on top.  Tight squeeze, but it fit.

It conforms nicely to the top case shape and is not so thick that it takes up valuable space.