Econo Topbox is Nice for the Price

JC Whitney Top Box: Low Price Alternative to Givi?
Considering one of JCW's low-buck top case options? Order now and J.C. Whitney will throw in the universal mounting plate for free. That's a pretty good deal because they normally sell for $40.

A real Givi will set you back at least a couple hundred dollars.

But are they worth it?

It depends. If you compare the quality of the cheaper alternatives to a Givi, Coocase or Hepco & Becker the difference will be evident immediately. The plastic is much thinner, the lock has an ornamental feel and the mounting plate is pretty lame. But the price is a mere fraction of the name-brand European cases.

J.C. Whitney offers two basic style and sizes- in matte or gloss finish. Aerodynamically designed of heavy-duty ABS black plastic, they both include a built-in backrest pad and cargo straps inside. These trunks can be locked, unlocked and removed from mounting plate with one key (aka Givi Monokey).

We found the mounting plate pretty worthless, although it might be helpful for some installations, it was a bit too wimpy for our taste. Either case was large enough to hold one full-face helmet. Dimensions for the small box are 17-1/2"W x 15"L x 11"H or 33 liters of luggage capacity and the large truck measures 22-1/2" x 16-1/2" x 11" for 40 liters. Mounting plate dimensions: 9-1/2"W x 11"L x 1"H.

If you travel on your bike and need a top box a lot, this might not be the one for you. For occasional road trips this is probably just what you need. They will keep your gear dry and they look okay (does any top box look good?). Toss the mounting plate and use through-bolts to attach unless you plan to pluck it off frequently. Also, we would caution those of you that intend for your passenger to rely on this as a backrest. If your pillion is, um... substantial... you may find this to be a bit flimsy.

Available online from J. C. Whitney