Loaded top box on my V-Strom 250 causing its handlebar to wobble: Why?

The wobbling starts slow and gradually increases to the point of losing control.

BHPian kaizengadi recently shared this with other enthusiasts.

Hi Guys,

Recently on my V-Strom SX 250 during a 750 km ride, I noticed that my handle started to wobble starting from low speeds of 30 km/h, whenever I lifted my hands off the handle. The wobbling starts slow and gradually increases to the point of losing control.

To experiment, I detached my 45L Aluminium Generic Chinese top box (weight: 5 kg empty, 7 kg filled) when I reached my hotel. After that, I rode nearby and observed that the wobbling issue did not persist even at speeds above 60 km/h.

I am using the stock top rack carrier provided with the Vstrom SX 250, with the top box carrier plate.

1. Is there any way to avoid this behaviour with a loaded top box?
2. Can adding an external top rack carrier solve this issue?
3. What is the general weight of a 45L top box loaded?

Update:

1. I see that the max weight recommended by Suzuki on the stock top rack is < 6 kg.
2. I have attached the top box base plate(black) onto the stock top rack(grey). The top box slides onto the rubber screw.
3. The top box fits snugly and there is no play as such between the base plate and the top box once attached. The wobbling stops when I have my hands on the handlebar.
4. Is there any way to increase the limit with an aftermarket top rack? Since on weekend trips, I would like to carry a change of clothes which might add up to 2kg bringing a total >6kg.

Here's what BHPian iamahunter had to say on the matter:

For starters, try not to take your hands off the handle while riding.

The top box plays with the balance of the bike. As it is high and behind the bike, it disturbs the bike's centre of gravity. It kind of acts as a lever against the front of the bike, hence causing an unstable front, especially as the Vstrom itself is a light and somewhat tall bike.

There is no guaranteed way to remove this other than to get rid of the top box.

However, the top box is very convenient on the day or 2 days trip, I would suggest keeping it light as possible.

I have quite a heavy top box on the Versys, however, it's mostly empty during movement. I use to store my helmet and riding gear if I have to step away from the bike at some point.

At times I have also noticed that the bike is comparatively stable when the tank is full. Mine has a 20L tank adding a good amount of weight at the front to balance it.

Here's what BHPian sukiwa had to say on the matter:

Hope you have already checked the cold tyre pressure?

Just to experiment, I carried school notebooks in my Givi 43L top box on V-strom SX 250. The distance was less than 5 kms and also tried removing my hands from the handlebar for a short distance as well, bike continued in a straight line without any wobble.

A load of notebooks (6 Kgs) showed its presence while taking turns, although heavy it didn't move much. Below notebooks lies my empty backpack, it might add up some more weight. Plus the weight of knee guards and gloves.

In summary, loading up the top box didn't lead to wobble for me.

Here's what BHPian Jaggu had to say on the matter:

Wind rear suspension tight by one notch and see, that should help stabilise the additional weight at the ends.

Check out BHPian comments for more insights and information.