Top box, is it just me ?

[steveharleyuk]

I have the OEM top box and find it bloody difficult to open. In their wisdom and in an effort to keep it streamlined and beautiful, in addition to it being too small, BMW have made it flush, so that you have to get your fingertips under the flush lip to open it. Difficult even without gloves on. I'm finding it so frustrating that despite it looking good and matching my panniers, I'm thinking of getting an aftermarket, larger one that's easier to open. Anyone else have this issue ? I've tried lubricating the seal etc. but it's still a real pain. If they'd made it pop up slightly as others do, problem solved.

[Karlb]

no problem opening mine

[forestboy]

Buy a Givi  or Kappa and have done with it Steve BMW can't design panniers. Got Givi quick release racks and Kappa panniers for mine as I thought the BMW rack n panniers were horrendous and way overpriced.
Also have an old Givi (large) Kappa (small) topboxes that are at least 18 years old been on at least a dozen bikes and still do the job they were designed for.
 

[steveharleyuk]

Thing is, as you know, mine came with the matching panniers, top box and all inner bags, which work well for me on most fronts. I can live with the size of the top box but this opening thing is bugging me. I’m going to BMW on Wednesday probably, to get the clutch fixed so I’m going to see if other top boxes there have the same issue. Not much point me shelling out loadsamoney on new boxes when I have a matching set so we’ll see...

[Bree]

Don't think I would waste my money on a new top box. It would be really easy to fit some type of lifting tag on the lid, perhaps a tab fitted inside that hangs out of the lid and use this to lift the lid..to open. Unless of course you have money to burn.....

[eljay998]

I've noticed mine is becoming a bit of a pain too.

[smithy]

Mine is a bit difficult if I don't pull the red handle out far enough...otherwise it's fine.

Smithy.

[steveharleyuk]

I've always received outstanding customer service from Cotswold BMW and today was no exception. They checked out the top box and are replacing it with a brand new one under warranty. No quibbles. Superb team.

[Bree]

Originally Posted by steveharleyuk

I've always received outstanding customer service from Cotswold BMW and today was no exception. They checked out the top box and are replacing it with a brand new one under warranty. No quibbles. Superb team.

Great news, and excellent service.

[forestboy]

Cotswold are probably the best dealers in the country, certainly the best I've dealt with in over 40 years on bikes.