Topbox: Bestem or Givi?

river

It's hard to know the difference from pics, they look the same. The Bestem is < $100, while the Givi will run $300 or so.

So what's the difference?

Thanks...
 
river said:
It's hard to know the difference from pics, they look the same. The Bestem is < $100, while the Givi will run $300 or so.

So what's the difference?

Thanks...
Click to expand...

I would have to say thickness of the plastic. Reading the reviews has lead me to believe that the Bestem boxes are a bit thinner which makes them just a tad more flimsy/flexy. The Givi's are a thicker plastic that feels more solid. As far as whether this will mean anything to you, it will depend on what you're planing on doing with it. We have riders that have had a lot of good experience with both. Hope this helps.
 
I've got the 46 liter Bestem, been on the bike for 3yrs without any issues.

solo is right about the thickness, but it hasn't cracked or warped out of shape.

If you can afford the Givi I'd go with it just for the better mounting system and it really looks nicer up close:D

Search the Farkles forums under Windshields, Luggage and Fairings and you'll find pics from others that have mounted the Bestem.
 
Thanks guys. Is there much difference in the hardware, like hinges, locks, latches, or the rear brake light, that you know of?
 
You normally get what you pay for. The Givi will be better quality.

I have a Bestem 2012 on my bike and it has functioned perfectly including one 14 day 3200 mile tour of New England. It does what I ask it to do, but it probably not as good a piece as the Givi. It does a wonderful job considering it only cost $59.

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I bought the red bestem.It isn't the same red as my '05 ST but close enough for me and at $59 it is a great topbox.I've been using it a long while now and can't see any reason not to recommend it.I've never had the givi so can't compare the quality.I bet it isn't 5 times better however,300/60.:D
 

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I've had both a Bestem 929 (which got returned) and a Givi E52 (which is mounted). For a budget box, the Bestem can't be beat. The engineering, components, fit, finish and mounting arrangements on the Givis are head and shoulders above the Bestems, but whether it's worth 3-5 times the price is up to you.

Search for threads with the word "Bestem" in the title and you'll find lots of discussion on them.

--Mark
 
Thanks much.

Blrfl, how do you like the E52? I've been eyeing that because seems like you can't have too much space on a trip, but I was wondering if it's too big. Got any pics of it on your ST?

Thanks....
 
river said:
Blrfl, how do you like the E52? I've been eyeing that because seems like you can't have too much space on a trip, but I was wondering if it's too big.
Click to expand...

Nah, there's no such thing as too big. The E52 is no longer the top of the heap in the space department; there's an E55 available in Europe.

I like mine just fine. Yes, it has the size and appearance of a Weber grill, but it inhales my entire Roadcrafter or two full-face helmets with room to spare. My only complaints are minor: small things tend to slide around on the bottom, the lid flops closed if you open it with the bike on the side stand and the key has to stay in the lock as long as the box is open. I cut a mat for the bottom to solve the first problem; the others I can live with.

Got any pics of it on your ST?
Click to expand...

Take a look at post 6 in this thread. The lighting is an an AdMore kit with a custom harness that can be seen here: CLICKY

--Mark
 
I had a Givi topcase/rack on my VFR800 and bought the Bestem for the ST1100. In any category of quality you can think of the Givi is much better, but the Bestem worked just fine for me on the few occassions I used it (mainly as a backrest for the wife). A big difference is how cheap the rack looks when the case is off.
Personally I wouldnt put a $59 case on an ST1300.
 
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