pannier rack question

Me again, so many questions

The 700 which I bought last year came with a set of OEM pannier racks attached. I am a bit ignorant w.r.t. panniers, I've only ever needed a top case but starting to do some longer trips and need the space the panniers offer.

Question is do these racks only accept OEM vario panniers or can I hunt around for other brands. If so, which ones?

Thanks again
H

Yes only OEM Vario panniers.
The 2008 on 650GS twin, 700GS & 800GS (NOT 800 GSA.) all use the same rear end, so any of those racks will fit.

GIVI do pannier racks, as do Hepco and Becker, SW Motech, Holan & metalmule being the most common.

http://www.hepco-and-becker-luggage.co.uk/index.php
https://sw-motech.com/en/products/luggage/
https://www.motorcycleplanet.co.uk/products/c562-bmw-f-700-gs-13-17/
https://metalmule.com/bmw-f650gs-twin-balanced-pannier-frames.html
eBay number - 202391531688

GIVI also make a numerous panniers in all sizes.

I had Hepco & Becker pannier frames on my 650GS.

And I had SW Motech quick release pannier racks on my 700GS. ( second picture.)

I have Holan pannier racks on my present 650GS SE ( first picture.)

http://holan.pl/en/99-panniers-pannier-frames-f800gs

I use Wolfman Expedition soft panniers as in piccy no 2, as they suit me -
Watterproof.
Hard wearing.
Well made.
Fit on many racks ( not vario as they are just for vario panniers only.).
Fold flat for storage.
Fit any tubed pannier racks.
On /off in 2 minutes.
https://www.windingroads.co.uk/expedition-dry-bags/wolfman-expedition-dry-saddle-bags

Thanks for the reply Ash. Can see why the previous owner sold them separately, they are quite pricey.

I'll hunt around for some varios and if I don't come right I'd look at replacing the racks with a non-OEM set.

They certainly ain't cheap & you get nothing for them if you sell a bike with them on.

( on most occasions )

So it pays to sell them separately..

Although the BMW luggage fits and looks good they are quite fiddly to use. Mine roll about in the tent while trying to fill them with camping gear. They have been a nightmare in compact budget hotels. They weigh more than the contents and I have never used them retracted. My wife's top loading Givi 21s cost £99 per pair and almost hold as much due to easier packing.