I know it's been done to death, but Panniers

[Berin]

for a 1200GS, with Remus can.

Choices:

Caja Sahel - no real info on web site, had extended email conversations but somewhat difficult to get info, I'm still not really sure whether indicators need modifying, and whether the boxes OK with the remus can, or how long it takes to demount panniers from the frames and frames from the bike. But seem well made and a decent size.

TT - Special Set or Standard Set, don't seem to need an exhaust extension, seem to be the standard choice, bit smaller than Caja, but at least you can see what you get. Available, probably

Metal Mule
Look really good on the web site, don't seem to need exhaust extension, anodised option, QR system look good - but, most expensive and there seem to be a number of reports here about dodgy quality and somewhat haphazard after sales (along the lines of me phone's broke, guv), can't tell if the bigger set (45l/38l) is wider than the handlebars. Haven't spoken to then yet but I will if there are a few reports in mitigation of the rather damning ones I've seen.

Where does my hard-earned go, then?

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

BMW expanding cases

Only bettered by the above suggestions if

a) You plan on doing a 'proper adventure' trip where you'll appreciate the extra strength and 'mendability'.

or

b) You are a fashion victim.



Andres

 

[ROLLINSDAN]

Where does my hard-earned go, then?

Hepco & Becker or.....

BMW expanding cases

If I replace my Vario's with anything it will be more Hepco's, I think they are a lot better that most of the other options available, only one weld, the majority of the case is pressed, not cut and welded flat sheets of Alu........ Unless Vernatech's exist for a 1200 anywhere that is..........

 

[Berin]

I have the Vario cases, and they're fine most of the time but I do plan to venture further afield, starting with Morroco, plus some weekend off road type trips in the UK. The Vario's aren't waterproof, but the liners are and are very good, and the exhaust side one isn't much use size-wise unless it's expanded oput and then it's wider than the bars. And they're pretty heavy - but they do seem to support the whole weight of a horizontal bike and a wife eek: , which is good.

I'll look at Hepco and Becker - who's the UK importer?

 

[Deleted Member I]

I have the Vario cases, and they're fine most of the time but I do plan to venture further afield, starting with Morroco, plus some weekend off road type trips in the UK. The Vario's aren't waterproof, but the liners are and are very good, and the exhaust side one isn't much use size-wise unless it's expanded oput and then it's wider than the bars. And they're pretty heavy - but they do seem to support the whole weight of a horizontal bike and a wife eek: , which is good.

I'll look at Hepco and Becker - who's the UK importer?

You will be fine with Varios for Morocco ... I did extensive "strength" testing on a trip last year.

Remember to take some tie downs and some nice straps ... just in case

 

[earthmover]

Almost seconding Novice's comments. If you look on Timolgra's latest Morocco thread, my lone vario cases against a herd of aluminium ones. Only used them in the closed position, and the only problem I had was one side mushroom bolt coming loose once. Must admit to being slightly concerned as to what would happen if I dropped the bike on them. They didn't leak at all during a 500 mile motorway blast in the pi**ing down rain. I will probably keep mine until I destroy them, or fall over an inexpensive "hard" set up.
HTH
Mark

 

[Berin]

Only used them in the closed position, and the only problem I had was one side mushroom bolt coming loose once. Must admit to being slightly concerned as to what would happen if I dropped the bike on them. They didn't leak at all during a 500 mile motorway blast in the pi**ing down rain. I will probably keep mine until I destroy them, or fall over an inexpensive "hard" set up.
HTH
Mark

I've had the same with the mushroom bolt, loctited it now. I'd be concerned if the bike went over when they are expanded, and as mentioned earlier exhaust side is pretty hopeless unless it is. Don't want to be lashing them back together with string and gaffer tape if I fall off (which I will):

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've had the same with the mushroom bolt, loctited it now. I'd be concerned if the bike went over when they are expanded, and as mentioned earlier exhaust side is pretty hopeless unless it is. Don't want to be lashing them back together with string and gaffer tape if I fall off (which I will):

I've thrown a 650 down the road at 80 with the very similar 650 vario panniers fitted. It saved the bike and apart from a few minor scuffs just needed a new metal 'skin'.

I have also dropped my 1200 a couple of times, only at walking speed mind, fully loaded and with pillion. Pannier broke the fall both times with very slight scuffing to the plastic corner piece only.

I reckon thet are much stronger than you may at first give them credit for - the only down side being that if they do break they possibly can not be fixed as easily as a fully metal box.

Andres

 

[Deleted Member I]

As I said .. Sir will be needing tie downs and a nice strap ...

 

[Deleted Member I]

oh forgot the duct tape to keep it waterproof

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

Perfect timing Novice, posting that just after my comments

What's the story?

Andres

 

[Deleted Member I]

Perfect timing Novice, posting that just after my comments

What's the story?

Andres

No story ... just a photo I saw on the internet

 

[(RIP) Perryhill]

I'll look at Hepco and Becker - who's the UK importer?

Motobins are the main distriibutors but I'm just about to put my pair of 45ltr H&B Expedition Standard alu panniers on eBay but if you are interested send me a PM. Almost new condition etc - I don't think I am a million miles from you​

Neville​