I really like the BMW Vario Panniers and tend to just leave them on the bike all the time. I have made a couple of minor modifications to them that may be of interest.
Firstly I decided to add reflective material to them. I found that a stick on yellow reflective number plate was ideal. Cut in half they were just the right height for a pannier. Not easy to find but only cost me £3 for a pair which as enough to do the front and back of the panniers.
Added a couple of rectangular reflective badges to the sides of each pannier. They came in a set of reflectors from Poundland. I thought they would make first contact if the panniers came in contact with something.
Added a BMW Roundal at the rear of each pannier. Part of a set of four alloy wheel centres, Used the other two on the centre pivot area and the screen.
Added a pair of Hein Gerricke Bungee Anchors (£3.49) to each pannier. Again they sit slightly proud of the pannier so might stop the panniers getting scratched if they come into contact with something.
On the Pannier rails I noted that there were three points where you could thread webbing through. I had a couple of pieces of webbing with Velcro on them and have found them useful for securing items like roll bags. I have one through each centre mount. When not in use I just fold them between the rear carrier and the rear seat.
I am going to be doing an HNC course soon and need to carry document files in the panniers so made up some retainers using elastic cord and cable "p" clips from Maplins. By chance I happened to have a M&S canvas grocery bag at hand and thought it might fit the larger right hand pannier. Low and behold it is a great fit for the pannier in extended position. Not bad for £1 or so. It folds up fine and my document retainers hold it in place fine.
Firstly I decided to add reflective material to them. I found that a stick on yellow reflective number plate was ideal. Cut in half they were just the right height for a pannier. Not easy to find but only cost me £3 for a pair which as enough to do the front and back of the panniers.
Added a couple of rectangular reflective badges to the sides of each pannier. They came in a set of reflectors from Poundland. I thought they would make first contact if the panniers came in contact with something.
Added a BMW Roundal at the rear of each pannier. Part of a set of four alloy wheel centres, Used the other two on the centre pivot area and the screen.
Added a pair of Hein Gerricke Bungee Anchors (£3.49) to each pannier. Again they sit slightly proud of the pannier so might stop the panniers getting scratched if they come into contact with something.
On the Pannier rails I noted that there were three points where you could thread webbing through. I had a couple of pieces of webbing with Velcro on them and have found them useful for securing items like roll bags. I have one through each centre mount. When not in use I just fold them between the rear carrier and the rear seat.
I am going to be doing an HNC course soon and need to carry document files in the panniers so made up some retainers using elastic cord and cable "p" clips from Maplins. By chance I happened to have a M&S canvas grocery bag at hand and thought it might fit the larger right hand pannier. Low and behold it is a great fit for the pannier in extended position. Not bad for £1 or so. It folds up fine and my document retainers hold it in place fine.
That's why I don't think it's the perfect solution.
