Bestem Top Box Install and Wiring Info

[Dbuggy]

Hello,

After reading the reviews of the Bestem 2012 topbox I ordered one from Amazon. It was $87. I installed it over the weekend and thought I would post some info.

First the box is not the greatest quality but I knew this going in... the latch is pretty flimsy but will work for my needs.

I did as others and drilled holes using the existing plastic rack cover from the Honda as a guide. *** I looked for info on the wiring that comes with the box and couldnt find any so I am positing it here - The Blue wire from the Bestem is Ground and the Yellow is Power. I have a Back Off device already wired in so I removed the rear fender (4 screws) tapped into the ground (Black wire) using quick splice connectors from the auto parts store. I then tapped into the power coming from the brake light switch/relay (red wire on my Back Off device).

I drilled a hole in the bottom rear of the Bestem box (an inch in front of the curve at the base) then continued the hole through the metal bracket and finally through the gray plastic trim on the bike behind the passenger seat. This allowed me to run the wires into the compartment behind the passenger seat. There is a small opening at the base of this compartment to get the wires into the fender area where the brake and signal lights are. When the passenger seat is on you cannot see any wiring.

For the price and fairly light duty use this box is a bargain. If you have questions on the install or want pics just send me a message.

 

[djluch]

Great info. I have been debating this a lot. For my 05 they don't have a color match (I talked to them and the pics on their web site don't reflect current stock) I am debating getting an unfinished one and painting it. Givi is just so expensive, but, I'm hesitant to try to do the mods to mount this. Question is...if no back off device, do you think i could pull the seat and tap into the brake light wires? I did this on my old Nighthawk 750 for a small Givi (two wires, no running light, just pure brake). Thanks

 

[MV_Dave]

Mine is a 1100 but that's what I did. Tapped into the brake lights and it works like a charm. Took all of 3 minutes. :-D

 

[djluch]

thanks. me taking off a fender could be a bad thing!!!

 

[racer1735]

thanks. me taking off a fender could be a bad thing!!!

Unless I'm gravely mistaken, the fender he is referring to is the black splash guard handing down in back that you remove when you change tires. Held on by four Phillips screws. Simple stuff.

 

[djluch]

Thanks again all. I ordered a primed, but not painted ST 2012 box from Bestem. have been at AutoZone with my saddlebag off the bike and in tow w/ me...and think I found auto paint which should match pretty close. (their Duplicolor products). Will give it a shot and paint and clearcoat top and send pics when project is done.

 

[Dunten]

Well? How did it go? I am sure many would like to know.

 

[bwoodsom]

Thanks again all. I ordered a primed, but not painted ST 2012 box from Bestem. have been at AutoZone with my saddlebag off the bike and in tow w/ me...and think I found auto paint which should match pretty close. (their Duplicolor products). Will give it a shot and paint and clearcoat top and send pics when project is done.

The red color that bestem offers is very a very close match to the 05 red st.

 

[mean13]

Great info. I have been debating this a lot. For my 05 they don't have a color match (I talked to them and the pics on their web site don't reflect current stock) I am debating getting an unfinished one and painting it. Givi is just so expensive, but, I'm hesitant to try to do the mods to mount this. Question is...if no back off device, do you think i could pull the seat and tap into the brake light wires? I did this on my old Nighthawk 750 for a small Givi (two wires, no running light, just pure brake). Thanks

I ordered the red and it is too dark for my 08, but it looks like the 05 color...or at least pretty close.

 

[bwoodsom]

05 red...

 

[Dunten]

Please tell me what kind of lip you have on your windshield?

 

[bwoodsom]

Laminar Lip on a stock windshield. link it is tough to get the exact height right but when you do it creates a quiet air pocket and decreases back pressure. I mounted it with strips of Velcro and rode up and down the highway between exits 30 times before I had it just right. Then I bolted it down.

 

[Dunten]

OK. I am stuck.
I have the 929 Bestem Box installed on the bike. The information here was usfull but the mounting plate was different on mine and finally had a friend come over and help.
I bought all the bushings, bolts and washers, described on the forum ($17.00) and did not use any of them. The bolts that came with the box worked perfectly.
I saved a little money and went to the $ 1.00 store and bought a cutting board for $ 2.99 and painted that one instead.
But my question is there are two pair of wires. (1) Red,Black,Green. (2) Blue and Gray. and I don't know how to splice them together.

 

[Cjake]

Is there a thread with the install instructions? I ordered a Tbox 929. Should be here on tuesday. Thanks

 

[khanawalt]

I just installed this box on my 04, and the color match is remarkable!

 

[Oldbikefixr]

Kind of oldish thread. I put a Bestem box on my 1991 right after I got it three years back. The provided mount plate holes were nowhere near in the correct locations, more like a simple waffle pattern, and the u-channel bracket was worthless. Soooooo, I cut a piece of cardboard to shape using the plate (traced it). Used a sheet of typing paper to create a hole pattern. Placed it over the grab rail bolt holes and dimpled it with my thumbs. Cut the dimples out and transferred the pattern onto the metal plate with a silver felt tip pen. (Take care here to not mount the plate too far forward or the seat won't be removable once the box is bolted on.) Had a local machine shop cut out the holes since the forward two were centered on a recess wall. Used fender washers top and bottom AND four inch long bushings to fit the mount bolts. Nice and secure installation, and I wanted it removable with no damage to the grab rails. BUT....I also had to use some sticky-on-both-sides foam tape to prevent the box from rattling. Brake light harness connection is well discussed in previous posts. I'm not seeing the Bestem box on Ebay anymore. One does show up on Amazon infrequently. Good box, has functioned well for at least a dozen two-up trips, no leaks, no cracks, is holding its color well........