Norge Factory Top Case?

[MGPilot]

For those of you with top cases, did you get the factory top case or do you prefer a different brand?

Thanks.

[kingoffleece]

I moved a GIVI E55 from another bike-works a treat.

[calfruit]

I purchased the factory top case, only because I wanted it to be colored matched.
The quality of the case leaves much to be desired

[MGPilot]

I purchased the factory top case, only because I wanted it to be colored matched.
The quality of the case leaves much to be desired

What has brought you to that conclusion?

[sbaker]

Hello;
I have the Hepco Becker with a matched paint insert.

[calfruit]

Once my case is opened, it cannot be closed with one hand.  It is like the bottom portion is not structurally strong enough to retain its shape. To close the lid, I need to put pressure on the top from the front ( by the back rest) in order for the lid to fit over the bottom and engage the lock.

[Zoom Zoom]

When I had my '07, I began with a Givi top case. It was ok and I really had no issues with it. Eventually, I purchased the color matched top case. I think it looked better and best of all, used the extra lock set that came with the bike. One key for everything! It also set just a tad further back providing a little more space for the passenger. (Just the way it was designed.)

I never had any trouble with the lid as described in a previous post, but there may have been changes since the 1st gen Norges. The only thing they were known for was coming off the latch. There were a few reports of that happening. I added a bolt with a fender washer through the bottom center, a spacer, and piece of flat aluminum below the mount. The spacer was to keep from accidently over tightening and cracking the bottom of the case. By doing that, there was no way the case would come off unless I wanted it to. Since I tend to set things up the way I want, it was no big deal. Easy enough to take off when I wanted to.

John Henry

[lost]

I went with the factory top case so it would match. I think it is better quality than the Givi I have on my FZ1. It is plenty big and comes with a backrest for the passenger. Easy on and off and it was not outrageous on price. I did buy at time of purchase of bike and did get some discount.

Jim

[PJPR01]

Does the factory top box use the same key as the side bags, or is it the Givi that can be keyed to match the side bags?  Can never remember which way that goes.

[lost]

Does the factory top box use the same key as the side bags, or is it the Givi that can be keyed to match the side bags?  Can never remember which way that goes.

Mine came with a different key. The side bags are keyed to the ignition and the top case is a second key. It is a different style key. The Givi you can key alike if you buy 3 lock sets. The side bags can be ordered as a set but not with a top case. At least that is how it worked in 2012.

[Gliderjohn]

Guzzi has a weird sense of humor at times. My 2011 Norge came with the extra lockset so if you bought the Guzzi top case you could match the lock to the ignition and side bags keys. So one orders the top case and then finds out you can't use the extra key set. 
GliderJohn

[PJPR01]

    Thanks guys!

[JeffOlson]

I have the factory top case. It looks like it was made specifically for the Norge. (It was.) Fit and finish are just as good as the panniers (which is to say, acceptable).

As for closing the top case, I can do it one-handed: once the lid is touching the bottom, I place the fingers of one hand on the lid and my thumb on the bottom at the back by the lock, and I then use my thumb to press the bottom inwards so the lid will close onto it. Voila!

As for the top case lock, it will not accept the extra lockset from Moto Guzzi. There appears to be no easy way to make it fit. Consequently, we are stuck using two keys. If it is any consolation, this is a problem with Vespas, too, and their factory top cases: two different keys will be required.

[canuguzzi]

Factory top case here too and I really like it. It holds enough and looks good on the bike. It is so simple to put on and take off it makes travel much easier at the end of the day. One key twist and off it comes. The lockdown is secure and you know it, a reassuring snap to let you know its not going anywhere. Still, as with the side bags, a Velcro zip tie because things can happen.

It cones with a nice back pad for the passenger. Just make sure your helmet isn't resting on the passenger seat because opening the case will send it elsewhere.

It also carries very nice, well balanced and isn't so deep that it bangs into your legs when walking to the room.

The finish is good and a pleasant change from the Trophy where just looking at the bags would cause paint to come off.

[Waltr]

Does the factory top box use the same key as the side bags, or is it the Givi that can be keyed to match the side bags?  Can never remember which way that goes.

Not anymore, different key.

The Factory case looks correct,  I damaged the lock on mine and needed to replace it (could not buy a lock).  I bought a 55 liter Hepco Becker Jr. and it works very well.  I like that it csn be closed and does not to be locked or will it lock itself when shut.  The stocker is inexpensive and comes with everything needed.  I wish I had bought the Hepco Becker with the paintable panel though.

[PJPR01]

Oh boy...more options to consider now!  Paintable, non Paintable, matching locks, non matching locks, 1 arm closing, 2 arm closing...so many choices!

I may just not get a top box and leave it off...as it sounds like MPG will suffer anyway!   

[JeffOlson]

^ I suppose there is a decrease in MPG with a top case, but not much (maybe a couple of MPG?). There is also a little impact on the handling with a top case, but not much.

For the best MPG and handling, one should probably remove both the top case and the panniers, and set the stock windscreen to its lowest position.

[Gliderjohn]

Quote from JeffOlsen:

^ I suppose there is a decrease in MPG with a top case, but not much (maybe a couple of MPG?). There is also a little impact on the handling with a top case, but not much.

For the best MPG and handling, one should probably remove both the top case and the panniers, and set the stock windscreen to its lowest position.

I have ran my Norge pretty hard through fairly tight curves with bags and top case and the only thing I may noticed is the extra weight but really no kind of handling problem. The bike will still carve nicely. I have also had it up to 140 mph indicated with the bags and top case on and the Norge was rock solid.
GliderJohn

[PJPR01]

All good info again...thanks gents.

I wonder what kind of MPG you can get running flat out at 140 mph!   

[ITSec]

Guzzi has a weird sense of humor at times. My 2011 Norge came with the extra lockset so if you bought the Guzzi top case you could match the lock to the ignition and side bags keys. So one orders the top case and then finds out you can't use the extra key set. 
GliderJohn

Guzzi was still shipping the first generation topcase when your bike was built - and it could use that cylinder. However, its nasty habit of departing the bike at speed led to the 2nd gen design which came with a more ordinary key.

[MGPilot]

Since I just bought a Norge, even though I don't expect to need a top case, will probably get a matching factory case. Seems like enough people prefer the matching looks, that even if I don't use it, having it might make the bike easier to sell some day.

[Gliderjohn]

I find a topcase to be invaluable.
GliderJohn

[toolittletime]

Givi............... ..

[PJPR01]

Just out of curiosity, do you guys notice any difference in turbulence or buffeting with vs. without the top case on when you have no pillion?

Thanks!

[kingoffleece]

Never a pillion for me-wife rides her own bike-but with every top box I've had the effect is minimal at best-at least for me.
What I do notice is the weight if I'm in the twisties.

Whenever possible I'll leave to top box and bags at the hotel and just use a tank and/or smallish tail bag and turn all day long!
If mot. keep the weight low, as you know already.

[JeffOlson]

Just out of curiosity, do you guys notice any difference in turbulence or buffeting with vs. without the top case on when you have no pillion?

Thanks!

No. There surely must be a difference, but I can't feel or hear it. Too much road noise, truck noise, tire noise, wind blast... Perhaps if I were ever the only vehicle on the road, and there were no wind, I might notice the difference.

Just for fun, I removed my top case last night after work. On this morning's ride to work, I noticed no difference in turbulence or buffeting. What I did notice was regret. I need that storage space! I am putting the top case back on tonight!

As for the weight difference, well, both my Norge and I are, shall we say, "Sturdy." What are a few extra pounds among sturdy friends?

[PJPR01]

Cool...thanks for the feedback guys.   Makes sense...I've just taken in my Norge for its regular service and a shock upgrade, and I do like the look of it "naked" without any side panniers sometimes, it's such an attractive bike stripped down as well.  I do have a nice rear seat back cushion attachment on my Corbin that my girlfriend can lean against which makes it comfortable for her on long day rides, but if we're going to do multi day trips together, I think the rear box may be a necessary evil to hold the multiple extra goodies she'll need to take along!

[MGPilot]

Since the rider is larger and not particularly streamlined, makes sense that the weight of a top case would have a greater effect than its wind resistance.

I was surprised to be able to notice the difference in the ride of the Norge with or without empty panniers. We have a rough section of freeway nearby and the bike is noticeably smoother over that section if the side cases are attached. Go figure.

[Cool Runnings]

Givi............... ..

Thinking the Givi rack is fugly without the top-case attached?

Tell me if I'm wrong?

[Huzo]

Still running original top case on my '07 Norge, but scared on night rides that I'll turn around and it not be there !!! The latch has never let me down, but we've all heard the horror stories. I fitted a 6 mm pin to the original mount and drilled a neat fitting hole in the bottom of the top case so the pin protrudes inside when on the bike, then a retaining clip thru' the pin, I don't think it can fail ??? Also put an extra latch on the front of each pannier to help close properly when loaded up, 8 days rain in Norway and not bad results. The stock setup on the Norge was a bit under engineered IMO.