Thanks BMW Motorcycle Magazine for the test and write up of Giant Loop’s new Fort Rock Top Case! Especially cool is that it was used as part of the new BMW R1200GS “water boxer” test. Enjoy the go light, go fast approach – the Fort Rock Top Case weighs a fraction of the typical hard top case system. Remember to pack just the light, bulky things in the Fort Rock Top Case.
“Rear Luggage Bag: While traveling light is always preferred, there are times when light just isn’t an option. This is especially true when [riding 2-up and carrying two riders’ gear,] camping or traveling for extended periods. That’s where the Giant Loop Fort Rock Top Case comes in.”
“It’s a U-shaped bag that will sit on the [rear] luggage rack and wraps forward around the passenger onto your saddlebags. The bag is made from a ‘super tough trucker’s tarp Bomb Shell?.’ The bag is a huge 85.5 liters and includes two built-in handles for carrying off the bike. There are two exterior mesh pockets at the front conveniently located for the rider or passenger. Thoughtful touches are the storm flap covering the zipper and reflective trim around the bag.”
“Following the instructions with the case, I used the included dual sided hook-and-loop strap to attach the bag at six points on the luggage rack [tail rack] and rack side supports. Once I shifter the bag a few times, settled on the exact mounting location and tightened the hook-and-loop straps, the finale was to tighten down the load on all three sides with my own nylon straps and Fastex? buckles.” [Note: Giant Loop recommends Rok Straps, Pronghorn Straps and the cam-lock straps on the Siskiyou Panniers as additional stability for off-road riding.]
“My enthusiasm for the Fort Rock Top Case hasn’t changed over the first few trips. For flexibility I pack using my waterproof Giant Loop Great Basin Dry Pods. The case gives me plenty of room up high for lightweight items like the clothing, jacket liners and sleeping bags, while saving saddlebag space down low and forward for heavy items like tools and canned goods. And as an added benefit, when packed with soft goods the case makes a comfy backrest and secure cushion on three sides when you carry a passenger.”
? “On- & Off- Road Test: 2013 R1200GS Second Opinion- Multi-Tool Versatility,” BMW Motorcycle Magazine, Fall 2013