I need to put a trunk on my SW and don't want to shell out the bucks for a Givi box so I've been looking at the Bestem and J.C. Whitney top boxes. Anyone here willing to give me an opinion on either or both?

I can only comment on the JCW. It works well and keeps my stuff bone dry! I have both the med and the XL. The XL fits all I need: rain suit top & bottom, tire plug kit, tinted face shield, heated gloves, extra clothes in case wx changes and there is room for a couple of drinks and some food. I have had the med for 4 years and the xl for two. The XL shown below. Looking at the Besteem it looks well made also.

Hi exavid,

Try this thread. It has a lot of good information: http://www.silverwing600.com/silver-wing-accessories-modifications-f5/topbox-which-one-to-get-t826.htm

Thanks for the responses!

I fully expected DaveR to have commented favorably about the Bestem (he has one, and has told me how good it is). Maybe he has not noticed the query.
So, I've got this back to the top of the list again.'

I think I'll go with the Bestem box but wait until after the Christmas holidays pass before ordering. I appreciate the responses.

Here is the one I have from Cavalry Customs. I don't care much for the backrest but the box is decent sized and the color matches my Swing.

http://www.cavalrycustoms.com/store/product91.html

Looks good, too many choices.

Started out with the Bestem liked it had no problems, added 2 led strips under the long reflector then hooked it to the brake lights. Was offered a great deal on a Givi which appears too be a little bigger, not much so I built a bracket for the mount as it was not made for the Swing.If I had not been made such a deal I would not have taken the Bestem off as It was doing a great job, stayed dry even though I went through some major downpours one where I had to pull over to the side of I-10 along with the rest of the traffic 18wheelers included.Need to get some more flexable led strips and add lights to the Givi now Think I will add more on this go around so I can use some for running lights.

This is "Old Dave" in Western Nebraska....
Yes, I do have the "Bestem" T-Box. I like it very much, went to Wal Mart
after I purchased it and picked up some gray liner material like is used on the
back of car seats. Purchased some spray in glue and lined the box. It really
made a nice suit case out of it and does not rattle. For the money I don't think you can beat it. I like the mounting bracket. If you look at my pictures on
the "Album" section you will see how versatile it can be. I made a back rest
and mounted a high mount stop light. When I don't have the Bestem box on
I have a back rest for my passengers. I don't think you can go wrong with
the Bestem.

What model Bestem do you have Dave?

Item # 350143608026 Item Title, Honda Silverwing Silver Wing Bestem
Top box Trunk T- box $69.95 UPS Ground shipping Included.

Business Information cruiserbackrest
Copntact E-Mail cruiserbackrest@gmail.com

That's all I have................hope this info helps

"Old Dave"

exavid,

I have the Besteem box too and have had it for about 2 1/2 years and it has done well. It is not as nice as a Givi but I just didn't feel like spending the money, like I did with the Majesty I had. It rattles a bit since it isn't really a tight fit on the rack, but I jam some small pieces of cardboard between them every few weeks and it does the trick. One day I will fix it for good.

I'm not sure how much longer my locking mechanism will last but hopefully it won't break soon. It is loose and about to come apart. But for the money they are great boxes and the rack was easy to mount too..just not as easy or nice as the Givi.

I have had my Bestem TopBox on my Silver Wing for about a year now and it is doing well. I've attached LED turn signals and use the embedded brake light. The brake light could be brighter, but I will replace it in time.

I don't feel bad hacking on this box because I got it for a really good price. Storage space is excellent. I cured the rattle with rubber washers on the mounting posts. I need to paint the safety orange plastic band, besides that I really like the Bestem Top Box.

I've had my Bestem(929) about the same length of time that 'ultralight' has. I'm pretty satisfied with the brake light and also plan on adding some turn signals to mine also. Haven't had the rattling problem that some have experienced but know what they're talking about. My unit proved not to be water tight but then it was out in a full day of horrendous rainfilled thunderstorms and prolonged 65 - 70 mph speeds; so I give it the benefit of the doubt on that score.

As to the orange and red plastic surround pieces, I removed them and installed red and silver reflective tape. Still might do as 'ul' did and repaint them also. All in all, I'm satisfied with the box. It holds a lot too!