Kappa K-Venture Luggage Upgrade on my CB400X

With the recent acquisition of the Honda CB400X, it’s now time to get it tour-ready. The previous owner threw in a a puny 35L top box and that was hardly enough for my needs. I’m a storage hog and I love ample storage space on my motorcycles. I just love the idea of the ability of my mechanical steed to carry me and my luggage to far flung places – adventure on a whim!

So what better way to equip the Honda mid-sized adventure bike with some adventure luggage? A set of adventure aluminum boxes, of course!

The Givi urban tourer look.

I had initially wanted a set of Givi plastic luggage that will give the bike an urban tourer look. But I know of someone who got a set of Givi V35 side boxes and accompanying rack that would have cost as much as a *COMPLETE* Kappa aluminum luggage set – INCLUDING a 48L top box! GASP!

So after much research, I thought that a set of Kappa K-Venture’s from the ever popular Lim Ah Boy gave the most bang-for-the-buck. And I went for the KVE48A top box and a set of KVE37A side cases. Kappa, being Givi’s sister brand, carries a set of aluminum luggage that’s strikingly similar to Givi’s more well known set of Outback Trekkers – only cheaper!

As these aluminum boxes are pretty heavy even when empty, I opted to get a set Kappa-designed side rack that was built specifically for the Honda CB400X / CB500X, instead of the universal rack. You see, as my Pulsar is not a globally popular bike, Kappa (or Givi) doesn’t have a 200NS-specific side rack. As such, I got a set of universal side rack and had a shop to install it for me. While it still does its job decently well holding my K22N plastic panniers, it didn’t have a horizontal brace bar. So when the panniers are loaded up a little more, it tends to sag downwards and inwards – creating a V-shape profile when viewed from the rear. This doesn’t give me a lot of confidence with it’s load carrying capability.

The Kappa side rack is almost identical to the Givi PL1121 rack for the CB500X / CB400X.
This was what I *DIDN’T* want – universal side brackets for the cases.

The bike-specific side rack was thoughtfully designed and excellently constructed. When put together, it gave a VERY solid feel – something that I was confident would hold the loads of the heavy’ish aluminum panniers. And the most impressive part of it was that the set even comes with an exhaust muffler extension that diverts hot exhaust gases downwards and away from the bottom of the panniers, so that the panniers don’t get exhaust heat damaged! Well done Kappa!

Exhaust gases are now directed downwards – away from the bottom of the right-side pannier.

The 48L top box along with the 37L side boxes now give me a massive total of 122L of storage space! Sufficient for any upcoming adventure that I may have!

Ample storage space on the Kappa KVE48A 48L top box. Enough to fit my Kabuto Ibuki modular helmet with quite a bit of space to spare!

For those who hate juggling a bunch of keys would love the KVE37A side box set. Kappa has decided to include an additional key-lock set that can be used to replace the one on the top box, such that ALL THREE boxes can be opened by a single same key! Neat!!

The additional key-lock set that came with the KVE37A side boxes.

I didn’t have the chance to compare the Kappa K-Venture set with the Givi Outback Trekker. But from my desk research, I think the top boxes are highly similar – they probably even use the same mount! While the side boxes look very, very similar at first glance, there are some subtle differences.

The mounting mechanism on the Givi Outback Trekkers appears to be superior to the Kappa K-Ventures. The Givi Outback Trekker side cases have an additional locking mechanism that’s the Kappa K-Venture doesn’t. Also the Givi’s seem to have a visual indicator that turns green when the panniers are locked in place – giving the assurance that the boxes are properly secured. Kappa K-Venture’s mounting system is much simpler, but possibly almost as effective.

Givi Outback Trekker side cases vs Kappa K-Venture ones. The more popular Outback Trekkers have an additional horizontal locking mechanism that’s missing on the K-Ventures.
The Kappa KVE37A aluminum side case simpler mounting system.
The more complicated Givi Outback Trekker mounting system. More secure?

I don’t know about you, but for half the price of the Givi’s, I’m sticking to the Kappa K-Venture aluminum adventure cases!

Now, I’m just dreaming of my next motorcycle adventure!

12 thoughts on “Kappa K-Venture Luggage Upgrade on my CB400X”

  1. The terbulance and drag at higher speeds will result in u having to put in a fair bit more of handbar input and that will cause serious amount of fatigue.

    In addition the high windshield along with yourset pannier/top box set up will act like a sail in the presence of cross winds so do watch out.

  2. Hi….may i know how much did you spend on both the rack and the side case??I’m intending to get one of those too

  3. Nice setup! Might I check the total price of the side boxes at the time you got it installed? Including the rack.

  4. I found you when searching for review if these side boxes. Not much reviews about it.

    Do u really feel the difference when travelling in nsh ? Suitable for using it commuting locally ?

    Thks for your reply in advance.

    1. The Kappa K-Venture (and Givi Trekker Outback, I believe) aluminum cases uses plastic mounting points (as opposed to metal on some other brands) that are attached to the aluminum boxes. Some extreme adventure riders find that disturbing. But personally, I found them to be adequate. Then again, I’ve not dropped my bike and so didn’t have the chance to test the plastic mounts’ durability.

      The ample storage space and top-loading configuration are a blessing for longish motorcycle trips. In fact, I kinda miss the storage capacity now that I’m using the BMW Vario boxes on my recently acquired GS – they have far smaller capacities. For a smallish : medium sized bike – including the 400X – the panniers affect top speed. So if you’re a speed freak, then take note. I’m a storage hog, and I used to leave them on even locally. At about 1m overall width, I don’t have trouble maneuvering on local roads. Granted, due to the fat ass, I won’t be as nimble as the smaller scooters and sports bikes when squeezing through traffic. But I also reckon that that might be a good thing as it forces me to (somewhat) maintain lane discipline and not do anything too stupid when lane splitting.

      What bike are you looking to mount these on?

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