Bid Bag Wolf: I've got eight thousand reasons to like the topcase. I've had it on most of the 10K miles I've ridden/commuted with no, zippy, ill effects. That said, I've yet to intentionally drag parts of the bike around corners... If you are wanting to race.. you'd want to take it off. windage? I have not had any issue that I think not having a topcase would have changed... windy days are windy days, it is rounded and has not been deal. Your exerience may be different - esp. if you cross windy mountain passes or ride along the West Coast cliffs exposed to the ocean on a windy day. Making the front wheel lighter? If you load any luggage on your bike, you will expect the ride to be different. Put the heavy stuff low in the side bags. The lightest stuff possible up on the top case. Your wife will love the backrest. You'll like the locking storage for any stop since both helmets, or a helmet and jacket fit. It doesn't leak. I like mine, your mileage and appreciation may vary. It is an ugly beast back there though and totally agree that the bike looks more like a minivan than a motoGP bike when it is mounted. since it is off in 2 sec. I don't mind.