1200GS topbox on 800GS

[v8legend]

I've just collected and fitted a 1200GS topbox to my 800GS. 1200 box, 800 plate, and it all goes on nicely thanks johnd). If you look at the pics below, then you'll see that the box is at a slightly different angle to the panniers. I'm thinking about raising the back of the rack with a couple of washers, and wondered if the 800 box is the same, and/or if anyone else has come across this.



2nd pic



Just need to get a Zumo 550 before my trip to Spain/France in July.

 

[Richie3264]

The bikes looking good there just a quick question when you say 800 rack is that the bmw 800 rack?

My local dealer wasnt sure if they fit or not.


I've wondered wether the 1200 box would fit, they seem to pop up on ebay more than the 800 varios.


Richie

Nice screen by the way

 

[v8legend]

The bikes looking good there just a quick question when you say 800 rack is that the bmw 800 rack?

My local dealer wasnt sure if they fit or not.


I've wondered wether the 1200 box would fit, they seem to pop up on ebay more than the 800 varios.


Richie

Nice screen by the way

Hi Richie. Yes, just to clarify. If you get the BMW F800GS vario topbox rack, then the 1200GS vario topbox will fit. I can't claim to have discovered this myself. I found the info elsewhere on this forum. However, like yours, my local dealer didn't know this either. Armed with what I thought was the correct info, I went along to NOG and we tried a 1200GS topbox on their 800GS demo bike (with topbox mount already fitted), and yes it works. Having said that, it was with some trepidation that I rode to Worcester yesterday, hoping it would fit. But no worries. I rode back about 90 miles along very bumpy roads, and it was still there when I got home (bonus!). I've even managed to get the lock keyed to my bike (again through info found on here). I like the practicality of plastic panels on the 800 panniers, as the ones on my old 650GS dented quite easily. However, whenever I've seen an 800 with topbox and panniers it all looks a bit dull and black back there. I looked into alloy/stainless infill panels, but once I found that you could fit this topbox, it seemed the route to go down.

Be careful on eBay, they seem to go for ridiculous money. They're only £260 from BMW (plus rack). If you do buy one, make sure you get the 1200GS rack which you can then list on here. I got mine on here, but you do need to be quick.

BTW, I've got a spare topbox rack (new in box), which I'm going to take back to NOG for a refund (£67 I think). If you want to make me a serious (and reasonable offer), then I could do a fellow Tosser a favour.

The screen is BMW touring screen, and seems to work OK....Gregg

 

[Richie3264]

Hi Gregg,
Thats all good news and it all looks good to me, My prefered choice is the BMW alloy boxes but the bike came with varios fitted and with the top box rack (thanks for your offer, but not required) but no top box

As I already have panniers and dont have any real plans for a major overland trip, buying the alloy boxes is an expensive unnecessary purchase. Now a top box for the right money I could warrant the expense

As far as the angle of your top box, it doesnt look too bad in the photos

Thanks for the info and good look with the trip. I will look forward to reading the Ride Report and seeing your photos

Richie

 

[Madshak]

Hello Gregg,

The 1200 Box looks miles better then an 800GS so I wanna do the same asap as trip to scotland is ony 3 weeks away!

Just to clarify, to do this to mine do I just need to order a 1200GS Vario Box and a 800GS rack & pltae? Gonna order over the phone and collect.

Any help would be appreciated.

Madshak

 

[GringoRojo]

it fits! yippee

cos I'm bidding on a 12 topbox on evilbay just now.

 

[Madshak]

cos I'm bidding on a 12 topbox on evilbay just now.

Me too! I'm havin' it!!!!

 

[ace supreme]

it looks exactly the same as the 800 topbox except with the silver bit on top. is it bigger? if not then whats the appeal?

 

[v8legend]

Hello Gregg,

The 1200 Box looks miles better then an 800GS so I wanna do the same asap as trip to scotland is ony 3 weeks away!

Just to clarify, to do this to mine do I just need to order a 1200GS Vario Box and a 800GS rack & pltae? Gonna order over the phone and collect.

Any help would be appreciated.

Madshak

Hi Madshak.

Yes, that's exactly what you need. Mounting plate for the F800GS (part No 71 60 7 696 303), and a topbox for the 1200GS. Most BMW dealers don't seem to realise that the 2 boxes are interchangeable. Enjoy your trip.

 

[v8legend]

Me too! I'm havin' it!!!!

Be careful guys. These things fetch silly money on eBay. I got mine on here for £180 including the plate. It was brand new, and had never been on a bike. From memory the plate is about £67, and the topbox is about £260 new from BMW. I even think some dealers hire them out.

 

[v8legend]

it looks exactly the same as the 800 topbox except with the silver bit on top. is it bigger? if not then whats the appeal?

You're right. As far as I can see, the two are identical. No real difference in price, it's just that one looks better. So no harm in making your bike look a bit better if it doesn't cost any more.

 

[GringoRojo]

Be careful guys. These things fetch silly money on eBay.

yeah, I've got a limit.

From memory the plate is about £67, and the topbox is about £260 new from BMW.

new box is £255, but plate for the 650 was £115 so need to watch the pennies.

I even think some dealers hire them out.

very interesting, didn't know that.

Me too! I'm havin' it!!!!

, I hope your joking?

 

[v8legend]

but plate for the 650 was £115 so need to watch the pennies.

I've got a brand new one in its box that you can have for £65 delivered. Paypal gift.

 

[GringoRojo]

cheers, but already got it.

 

[Madshak]

Cheers All for the advice.

Just ordered the 800GS rack/plate and the 1200GS Vario box from my local dealer. Bike going in for service next week and there have agreed to fit the rack but won't fit the 1200 box because BMW don't recommend it.

Does the 800 box attach differently to the 1200 one? I'm collecting the bike and riding it home, how easy is it to attach to the the box if i have to do it myself at the dealers?

 

[v8legend]

Cheers All for the advice.

Just ordered the 800GS rack/plate and the 1200GS Vario box from my local dealer. Bike going in for service next week and there have agreed to fit the rack but won't fit the 1200 box because BMW don't recommend it.

Does the 800 box attach differently to the 1200 one? I'm collecting the bike and riding it home, how easy is it to attach to the the box if i have to do it myself at the dealers?

If they fit the rack (It's only 4 bolts anyway), then the topbox will just clip on. The way it fixes to both racks is identical. Having said that, fixing it does take some getting used to. Make sure they sort the topbox lock to match your bike key, they should do this for free. If they don't, then it's easy enough to do yourself.

 

[v8legend]

Cheers All for the advice.

Just ordered the 800GS rack/plate and the 1200GS Vario box from my local dealer. Bike going in for service next week and there have agreed to fit the rack but won't fit the 1200 box because BMW don't recommend it.

Does the 800 box attach differently to the 1200 one? I'm collecting the bike and riding it home, how easy is it to attach to the the box if i have to do it myself at the dealers?

Tell them not to be so lazy, and do their bloody homework. Afterall, you are the customer, and you're the one spending money with them. I spent 15 mins today with James at NOG (helpful as ever), and we quickly established that the 800 and 1200 topbox lower has the same part No (all these parts are available separately). This is the bit that clamps to the rack, so I see no reason why they won't fit it. Infact it seems the only bit different is the lid. How then, BMW claim different capacities for the 2 boxes is beyond me. It seems that anyone with an 800 box can convert it to a 1200 box with a £63 lid. I hope this helps.

 

[v8legend]

yeah, I've got a limit.



new box is £255, but plate for the 650 was £115 so need to watch the pennies.



very interesting, didn't know that.



, I hope your joking?

I'm not sure if you won that auction, but there is another one listed.

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/BMW-R1200-GS-...mQQptZUK_Motorcycle_Parts?hash=item2a0651e243

 

[GringoRojo]

no, beyond our budget