Top Box & Panniers - I Think I've Made y Mind Up

[SKID]

After being knocked off my previous bike back in October last year it looks like I'm just about to receive my payout for the kit/injuries claim.

It's a better amount of money than I expected so much so that I've upped the anti and sorted myself a shopping list of bits I want/need for me and the bike.

At the top of my list were panniers and a top box and due to them being quite reasonably priced with a good reputation Givi got my vote but since seeing how much the insurers are stating that I'll get I've since changed my choice to the SW Motech - Trak boxes. I obviously need the racks too.

I've read the reviews of the Trax boxes and watched footage on YouTube of people also reviewing and showing you how easy they are to use and I'm pretty set on getting them no sooner the cheque lands.

Other items will be repair/replace kit, Starcom1, touring screen and HID kit oh and a very nice camera for the family (me really, always wanted a Canon EOS and it looks like I'll be getting it )

[StumpyFingers]

It sounds like you are well chuffed with your settlement.

[SKID]

It sounds like you are well chuffed with your settlement.

Sure am and the replacement bike, Lola my lovely TA, is all bought and paid for out of the previous bikes value given by the insurers

[SKID]

Cheque landed last Friday and as I'd previously posted the SW/Trax racks and boxes are already on order.

I'd already had to buy a new pair of boots which I've paid for out of my 'rainy day funds' so will repay that and I've also ordered a Honda touring screen and a new Alpinestars jacket.

Starcom, HID kit and camera may follow as I've still got quite a bit left but I want to take the wife and kids out for an afternoon/evening to the theatre to watch a show as a thank you/sorry for putting up with me being a complete grouch when my pride and joy was written off and I was looking for a replacement.

For now the remainder will continue to burn a hole in my pocket so will be safely tucked away making sure that I still have some of it left which will be put towards me joining some of you guys for TLD in 2011. This will also be my treat for my 40th birthday.

[cpp01]

Unfortunately I've been in the same position as yourself, it's a real pain especially if the other guy keeps lying and dragging things out as I had, so you have my sympathies. Are you fully recovered from any/all injuries?

Anyway back to the positives, congratulations on successfully resolving it at a higher price than you thought! What size/colour are the panniers and where did you get them from? I'm assuming pictures will follow once fitted...!

cpp01

[SKID]

Well I was one of the lucky ones actually as the guy who hit me was the honest one but his insurers were the ones trying to twist things and slow it all down.

Only slight soft tissue damage in fact it was that slight that I didn't even have a bruise but I did have elbow, neck and shoulder pain for a while but also put this down to riding a new and different bike, my lovely TA, and was a little tense after my off.

As for the boxes I've ordered them from Motorbikes and Parts Luggage Specialsts - Givi Luggage, Bagster Laggage, Kappa Laggage as they came highly recommended by a good friend. There's only one size of top box and it's 38lt Sw Motech TraX 38 Aluminium Top Box - £209.28 - Motorbikes and Parts - Givi / Kappa Motorcycle Luggage Specialists - sw-motech-trax-38-aluminium-top-box-p-16903.html. I've also ordered the smaller panniers the 37lt ones Sw Motech TraX 37 Aluminium Pannier Left - £200.83 - Motorbikes and Parts - Givi / Kappa Motorcycle Luggage Specialists - sw-motech-trax-37-aluminium-pannier-left-p-16905.html?osCsid=u1lp5banms8dv1m7grscd41c21 as the 45lt panniers are huge, far too big for what I need as I've only ever had panniers no bigger than 28lt, oh and all of them will be the black/silver.

Feels like being a kid again waiting for Christmas to come.

And of course pictures will follow, it would be rude not to.

[SKID]

Oh well the top box and panniers have been on order for a little over two weeks now and due to SW being out of stock I'm not due to get all of the items I've ordered for a further two weeks.

Lucky I'm patient but as they say; "good things come to those who wait". Just glad I not planning on a trip anytime soon.

Any how my new Alpinestars jacket arrived along with my Honda Touring Screen I'd bought together from Honda of Bournmouth.

Jacket is purfect and has been tested in really wet weather already. The screen only just got fitted and so far I'm sort of happy, just got to get used to the different noises I'm getting when riding.

First piccies as promised:

Before:
After:

[StumpyFingers]

Looking good.
The extra hight of the screen will send more noise to your ears.

[SKID]

It seems that way.

I always wear ear plugs (custom fit ones) and no matter how good they are there's still an amount of noise when travelling but the noises have changed.

Not only that I'm now wearing a new jacket but I'm confident I'll just get used to it just the same as I have before.

The reduction in air/wind pressure was pretty much apparent straight away which is what I was after the most.

[SKID]

Got used to the screen now and feel the benefits.

Better news is that after six weeks of waiting the Trax boxes and racks etc have finally arrived.

First lot got sent to another dealer so they sent another lot that got stolen dock-side.....along with the UPS truck the were in.

Third time lucky and I got them. Lucky I'm patient eh (although I flipped a couple of times due to a lack of communication from the dealer).

I spent ages putting the bits together before I attach them to the bike but looks all pretty straight forward.

My next post will include piccies