1200GSA: Converting to 1200GS Panniers

[Alex B]

Anyone here converted their 1200GSA over to accommodate the standard 1200GS panniers/pannier frames ?

Thinking about converting from GSA1200 panniers/frames to the GS1200 variants.

Thanks !

 

[Bobster]

Cant see it being a problem ive got brand new vario panniers and top box. Would consider a swap if interested.
Cheers Bob

 

[Rasher]

I may also be interested, what are the differences, I assume Adventure ones are a bit bigger?

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

I've done it on mine ..... you need to lose the GSA rack as it locates in the same holes that the Vario panniers hang from then you need to buy & fit the plastic support arms for the panniers

 

[Big Derek]

Yes my pal has done what your thinking, I wish someone would come up with a plastic type (variant ?) panniers that would fit straight onto the GSA metal pannier rails what I call scaffolding! I also think a smaller set of alloy GSA panniers would sell too!

Big D

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Yes my pal has done what your thinking, I wish someone would come up with a plastic type (variant ?) panniers that would fit straight onto the GSA metal pannier rails what I call scaffolding! I also think a smaller set of alloy GSA panniers would sell too!

Big D

Something like the plastic panniers on the KTM 950/990 Adventure would be good

I love my Vario panniers but you do have to factor in the cost of some inner bags or put up with the fact that when loaded if you open the lid everything falls out onto the floor

 

[Alex B]

Gentlemen......

Thanks for your feedback. Very helpful.

I'm going to do some "measurements" next week and I might well be back to offer a deal of some sort........ (i.e. my GSA pannier mounting racks plus two genuinely "as new" panniers) to acquire GS pannier mounting racks and panniers.

If anyone is seriously interested, send me a PM (although apologies if I don't reply at once as my wireless system is on the blink and that's another job on my list).

Oddly, enough I think the GSA panniers look better on the GS1200.


Nice ..... do you have any pictures you'd be able to share ? Only asking and only if already available ! Cheers.

 

[Andy B]

I went down the Vario on a GSA route - couldn't justify the cost of a change for about 4 weeks of the year! (Always wanted the GSA ones though!)

Due to an off this year I've now got two nice new shiney ones!

 

[Howard]

I am due to pick up a new adventure around mid Dec. The deal with BMW is that they come with the aluminium panniers (not top box) thrown in.

Would be interested to hear from anybody who has a good (or even better new) set of Vario panniers and top box, and fancies having some sort of a swop.

Please pm me.

 

[bisbee]

I love my Vario panniers but you do have to factor in the cost of some inner bags or put up with the fact that when loaded if you open the lid everything falls out onto the floor

I use a couple of jute bags for life from the supermarket cost a quid each and fit just right

 

[Tricky]

Vario set up

Have them on my GSA.

It's a nice set up and unless you plan to do serious off roading whilst on tour they are fine. The bike looks better when there off as well.

Also you look less of a Ewan/Charlie RTW wannabe.

 

[Alex B]

With HumVee's Excellent Decals

BMW Adventure Panniers with Mr HumVee's Excellent Decals.

 

[shugie]

Just gone the other way, swapped the Varios for GSA, not a tricky job, and re-fitting the Vario mounting rails would be a ten minute job, except perhaps for the final adjustment of the all important mushroom head bolt.

 

[ianran]

I've had both. the Vario's are great if you leave em on all the time for carrying stuff as they are "thinner" however Aluminium ones are easier to load (everything doesnt fall out when you open the lid) and appear to be bigger.
Aluminium ones make nice scratches on cars when you filter!!