Huge ugly topbox

[REGS12]

Don't know why vario topbox has grown to such an ugly size.
Would the BMW large soft bag 2 be ok for everyday use and would it keep stuff dry and safe.

 

[Wrinkly]

Don't know why vario topbox has grown to such an ugly size.
Would the BMW large soft bag 2 be ok for everyday use and would it keep stuff dry and safe.

I must agree,the vario top box is one ugly piece of kit plus it sits way to high and far back.

Steve

 

[Blackal]

A soft bag will never be as secure or convenient as a top-box.

Why not buy one of the old vario boxes and plate - and fit that?

Or - approach Roger at Ard-Cases, and get a few ideas of what he has made in the past - and get one from him.

His boxes are the best value around, in my opinion - and he is a gent to deal with.

Al

 

[dave hendy]

Anyone who rides 2-up found the old topbox a complete waste of time, this is more practical although to be fair it is ugly!

 

[Jumblemo]

I have the large softbag, and decided to leave my Vario panniers at home and just use the bag on a 4 day tour. The weather was very wet on 2 days and I can say that It does keep it's contents dry.

But, it is not secure as supplied. It can be removed from the bike easily and it's zips are not supplied with mini-padlocks ( for what they are worth). So I'd be uncomfortable about leaving it unattended particularly with anything valuable in it.

It isn't quite the right shape for the rear rack, which makes me wonder if extended use could deform the stiff contoured base of the bag or cause wear marks on the rack edges.

I'd say its a good touring option but not so convinced its as good as a top box for secure storage or long term every day use.

The problem with the Vario top box for my needs is that it's too small to take 2 helmets. I think the Givi top box can accomplish this.

 

[Blackal]

Anyone who rides 2-up found the old topbox a complete waste of time, this is more practical although to be fair it is ugly!

It's perhaps more accurate to say - "if you want to stow helmets in your topbox - then the original Vario won't do"

Plenty of couples manage fine with the Vario (and even the panniers)

Al

 

[King55]

Rack Thoughts

I have just picked my bike up and had the large BMW softbag instead of the Ugly vario top box.
Going on a European jaunt with it soon, but im going to fit the cymarc rear rack as a good cover/protector first and fit the bag to that so not to scratch the original.

http://www.cymarcbikeparts.co.uk/r1200gs-lc-rear-rack-with-utility-bracket-111-p.asp

Agree with the security issue but im on a throwaway clothes as i go trip with the lads im keeping nothing valuable in it. plus my mates on the new Triumph Trophy so i can sneek my electric gear in that

Going to look a Givi when they get there act together for the LC

Dave

 

[Nutty]

I've gone down the small BMW softbag route, along with vario panniers. It fits a treat, and has a back rest for my wife, but obviously I won't be putting anything of any value in it.

 

[Engineer]

I've gone down the small BMW softbag route, along with vario panniers. It fits a treat, and has a back rest for my wife, but obviously I won't be putting anything of any value in it.

Yep I do the same, have a large soft BMW roll bag, but this is just a bit too big for pillion use, but the small soft bag is genius and fits on the rear rack a treat.

 

[dave hendy]

It's perhaps more accurate to say - "if you want to stow helmets in your topbox - then the original Vario won't do"

Plenty of couples manage fine with the Vario (and even the panniers)

Al

We had/have no problem with the panniers, they are a great design and the inner bags are fantastic.

Top box is crap if you want to go away 2-up for over a week you need more space. My 52L givi topbox did the job every time

Dave

 

[Wrinkly]

I shall be keeping the Adventure rack and top box from my present bike and adapting it to fit the new bike (hopefully)

Steve

 

[Mad_Accountant]

The vario from the F650 / F700 is a neat item, I wonder if there is any way that can be fitted?

Failing that I guess vario panniers and no top case could be the route I'd go down.

Regards everyone

 

[REGS12]

Finally

Finally have new bike. Excellent piece of gear. Solved the luggage dilemma by getting both the BMW small and large soft luggage 2. Far cheaper and prettier than topbox. Fitted small bag with the straps all sorted, then was able to remove that and fit the large one with the same straps in a couple of minutes. Small bag for everyday use, large one for serious trips

 

[Beemerman59]

Whilst you may know there's nothing valuable in your softbag, the thieving scrotes don't so will nick it regardless which would be frustrating at the very least. I use a Givi Maxia 52 when I want to use one and that swallows up two full face helmets with ease. Just hate topboxes in general for their aesthetics....

 

[ianran]

Whilst you may know there's nothing valuable in your softbag, the thieving scrotes don't so will nick it regardless which would be frustrating at the very least. I use a Givi Maxia 52 when I want to use one and that swallows up two full face helmets with ease. Just hate topboxes in general for their aesthetics....

I'm no racing god but they don't do your handling much good either!

 

[Treg]

Finally have new bike. Excellent piece of gear. Solved the luggage dilemma by getting both the BMW small and large soft luggage 2. Far cheaper and prettier than topbox. Fitted small bag with the straps all sorted, then was able to remove that and fit the large one with the same straps in a couple of minutes. Small bag for everyday use, large one for serious trips

Can you post some pics of the bags mounted?

 

[bikewise]

topbox

I love my vario topbox . So there i have said it. Oh the relief to have got that off my chest. The guilt was killing me!

 

[Engineer]

I love my vario topbox . So there i have said it. Oh the relief to have got that off my chest. The guilt was killing me!

Glad you chose the sensible suspension option - I haven't ridden a dynamic suspension LC but I bet it doesn't handle as well as the base model

P.S. the top box is still bloody ugly.

 

[martinvrs]

I love my vario topbox . So there i have said it. Oh the relief to have got that off my chest. The guilt was killing me!

Well after many many weeks waiting, I'm getting my top box next Friday & I cant wait.

 

[REGS12]

Can you post some pics of the bags mounted?

Sorry Treg, can't do photos. They look cool and are very stable once I worked out the best tie points.