I have three 52l Givi Maxia boxes, they seemed huge at first, but barely stop me filtering.
As old git says though, it’s all about only taking what you need.
The missus and I did 8 days round Europe last year (using booking.com for discounted hotels) but only used the side boxes, and they were half empty. That left the topbox for ‘assorted stuff’ we might want to access easily.. leggings, map, sunglasses, iPad, handbag (hers not mine ????) etc, and also to carry any snacks, drinks & throw gloves into when we parked up.
Locking helmets..?
We used the ‘locks’ (metal loops) built-in under the bikes seat to secure our helmets if we were to wander off, otherwise, if nearby we simply hung them on the mirrors.
We didn’t camp but could probably have squeezed everything into one box if we’d tried (that includes the wife’s essentials - hair straighteners etc).
Sensible packing & multi-use, flexible gear, means you can travel light.
(Amazingly you can buy pretty much anything you might have forgotten, or wish to replace in European supermarkets too ????).
Common sense when you park should see your gear remain secure.
I have a metal wire loop, it’s quite thin but enough to stop an opportunist, that I pass through the arms of our jackets and ‘lock on’ using the same helmet loops under the seat.
As others have said, if some scroat really wants your gear, (or bike) they’ll take it regardless of security, so don’t waste time worrying about it.
I’m looking to get some of those e21 or 22 boxes, as in reality, I reckon that’s all the space we need.
If I camped I’d probably add a rack to the topbox and carry it and stuff like sleeping mats on there.
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