Luggage doubts...

[cK75]

I´m thinking about changing my 1150RT for a 1200GS so I´ve been looking some information about which panniers could be the most I like. These are the elected ones:

- BMW vario system
- BMW aluminium
- Zega special 35 or 41 liters

Could you please tell me about pros and cons of each one? Thanks for welcoming me to your community.

 

[Pukmeister]

I have the BMW Vario expanding ones for my 1200. They are OK and look nice but the left hand (exhaust side) pannier is too small to be of much use, and the plastic isn't that strong, if the bike fell over they would be wrecked.

My friend has the Touratech Zega's on his 1200 and they are very well made and solid, and the left hand pannier is fairly useful. I wish I had spent my money on a pair of those instead of my Vario cases.

 

[AndyR34]

I have the BMW Vario expanding ones for my 1200. They are OK and look nice but the left hand (exhaust side) pannier is too small to be of much use, and the plastic isn't that strong, if the bike fell over they would be wrecked.

My friend has the Touratech Zega's on his 1200 and they are very well made and solid, and the left hand pannier is fairly useful. I wish I had spent my money on a pair of those instead of my Vario cases.

Puks - Au contraire, when my bike 'overbalanced' onto the road as I mountd a HUGE kerb last year (I swaer it was 3 feet tall!), I was left with nothing but a little scratch on my Vario LH side box.
Accepted that yes the LH side one is a bit small and unusually shaped, (especially if you have the inner bags).
IMHO if like me you probably won't go off road that much or round the world (Europe yes, Mongolia no), then I reckon the Varios are OK, but still pricey!

Regards
Andy

 

[Blackal]

I´m thinking about changing my 1150RT for a 1200GS so I´ve been looking some information about which panniers could be the most I like. These are the elected ones:

- BMW vario system
- BMW aluminium
- Zega special 35 or 41 liters

Could you please tell me about pros and cons of each one? Thanks for welcoming me to your community.

Welcome!

To be honest, you will get lots more information by doing a search of the threads for previous posts. A lot of people posted photos at the time.

Al

 

[cK75]

Welcome!

To be honest, you will get lots more information by doing a search of the threads for previous posts. A lot of people posted photos at the time.

Al

I used the search function but I couldn´t read every post!!, and that searching helped me to choose these ones, I´m not asking for a review, just to number pros and cons. Thank you anyway.

 

[Thunder]

Welcome to the collective CK75.

Of the 3 options for luggage you have mentioned only the Varios will fit dierectly to a 1200GS, the others require additional mounting racks (I'm assuming when you say BMW Aluminium you are referring to the 1200GSA panniers).

I personally prefer an aluminium pannier over the vario for additional carrying capacity and looks, best thing you can do is try and see each option in the flesh.

 

[bigchris]

I've just got the Zegas, and im fairly happy with them. Things which im disappointed about:

They dont look like they cost nearly 600 quid. The insides of the boxes aint painted/lacquered and the aluminium rubs off easily (finger touch!).

Bugger to fit - spend a good 5 hours and have at least 2 mates to help you out (one to make tea, one to hold the frame, you to do the bolts.

Other than that, are proper sturdy when attached to the bike.