Boxes and their racks can look pig ugly on some bikes, but they're very practical!
I've a 36Litre Givi box on my Bandit4 and would struggle without it on most days!

I usually just use a rucksack, sometimes a tankbag aswell. My mate went round europe on a bandit600 with the full top box paniers and tankbag. And he carried enough luggage for him and his girlfriend for 2 weeks including camping gear!!! weighed a ton but i was still pretty impressed, they definitely have their place.