JDH
Registered user
Gonzo said:
looks good, think I will go for this one. When you say a complete doddle to fit, does that apply to a complete mechanical numpty like me?
JDH
Luggage questions
- Thread starter walti
- Start date
looks good, think I will go for this one. When you say a complete doddle to fit, does that apply to a complete mechanical numpty like me?
JDH
Gonzo
Registered user
JDH said:looks good, think I will go for this one. When you say a complete doddle to fit, does that apply to a complete mechanical numpty like me?
JDH
I am the world's biggest mechanical numpty (I got the GS 'cos tightening a chain on normal bikes was a challenge too far) - so it can't be too hard! It took me an hour or so from memory.
Johnny - on the size, the lid won't quite close on two of my large size 60 helmets. If outer shell size reduces with head size, then smaller ones might go in. I can only suggest you find one and give it a try - come and see me if you want!!
Cheers
G
JDH
Registered user
Walti and Gonzo, thanks for the info 
. Now torn between the 46 and the 52, think the latter may be too big for my requirements, especially if I can get two lids in the 46.
JDH
. Now torn between the 46 and the 52, think the latter may be too big for my requirements, especially if I can get two lids in the 46.JDH
walti
Registered user
I have yet to try either of the Givi, and as I'm off bike for a few weeks (broken collar bone) I'm not rushing to sort it at the moment!
So let me know which you go for.
The bike was delivered back yesterday, complete with BMW panniers, and they look better than I expected!
I'll take a photo or two tomorrow!
So let me know which you go for.
The bike was delivered back yesterday, complete with BMW panniers, and they look better than I expected!
I'll take a photo or two tomorrow!
JDH
Registered user
walti said:
Sorry to hear you broke your collar bone, bl**dy painful injury. Did mine at Brands last year, ended up having to have it plated and pinned. My fault really as I didn't rest it enough, take a tip from me, rest it well and it'll heal ok.
JDH
swebb
Guest
JohnnySilvers said:Hi All
I too am in the same mind (bmw panniers and givi topbox).
Two questions:
1. Any recommendations for a specific Givi top box and rack (brand new GS1200)
2. Any comparison(s) or reviews of Kappa boxes vs Givi?
I tend to see a lot of motorbike couriers with Kappa boxes and I'm curious to know if this is because they are cheap or hardwearing.
cheers
I have the GS1200 with BMW panniers, and the Givi E52 MAXIA topbox.
I can't recommend it highly enough, my girlfriend loves the topbox (with back pad) she says he gives her great support and confidence (too much, she keeps falling asleep) and the volume is great, easily fit 2 full face helmets (flips too)
Great setup - can't fault it! Did a trip to south France with the setup, no bother.
I'm not at home right now, but if anybody wants me to, i'll get a picture of the setup and post it.. let me know?
HTH
Stu
JDH
Registered user
Stu, would like to see pics please, thanks for posting.
John
John
I wouldn't dismiss the BMW topbox before checking it out. I've been using the full BMW luggage for over a year without problem. The topbox is the piece of kit that gets used the most. It is fully waterproof and the expandability is great. The best bit is that you can mount the box directly on the pillion seat area. This is great as it makes the bike much more stable than having a box bouncing around at the extreme rear of the bike. It will easily take an Arai/Shoei lid and will even take a Schuberth when fully expanded.JDH said:
I could make similar comments on the panniers.
walti
Registered user
Hmmm....
Helmet didn't appear to go anywahere near the BMW box. I'd best have another check!
Helmet didn't appear to go anywahere near the BMW box. I'd best have another check!
JDH
Registered user
Fair comment GSM, wasn't aware you could mount the top box in the pillion seat area, guess that would help stability considerably. Now I'm all confused boo hoo 
JDH
JDH
Bertie
Registered user
More Luggage....
I bought the BMW panniers and top box when I bought the GS in May. I quickly purchased some inner bags, as I found them extremely practical previously on my Ducati ST2 when arriving at hotels and stuff - pull out inner bag, replace with helmet, check in, go to bar.... Simple!
However, the BMW inners were far too inflexible and expensive (albeit well made), so I got mine from a company called "Mane Event" link attached: -
http://www.maneevent.org.uk/bmw.htm
Not happy upon hearing that boxes might not be waterproof though - I thought that's one of the things I'd be paying for - my ST2 panniers NEVER leaked, despite looking and feeling flimsier. The wife won't be happy.....
I bought the BMW panniers and top box when I bought the GS in May. I quickly purchased some inner bags, as I found them extremely practical previously on my Ducati ST2 when arriving at hotels and stuff - pull out inner bag, replace with helmet, check in, go to bar.... Simple!
However, the BMW inners were far too inflexible and expensive (albeit well made), so I got mine from a company called "Mane Event" link attached: -
http://www.maneevent.org.uk/bmw.htm
Not happy upon hearing that boxes might not be waterproof though - I thought that's one of the things I'd be paying for - my ST2 panniers NEVER leaked, despite looking and feeling flimsier. The wife won't be happy.....
Tomcat
Registered user
I'm with GSMonkey on this one. I've never before had a topbox - hate the looks and bad handling of them hanging way out behind the rear wheel - but the BM version for the 1200 works really well, especially mounted in place of the pillion seat. It will take a Schuberth Concept but you have to expand the box and put the helmet on its side, and it will only fit in one way. Can't remember if the head opening of helmet goes towards front or back of the box, but one way or another it fits. I also use my GS for occasional business trips to London and can fit my laptop plus shoes and kecks in the top box without having to expand it.
Only downside of having the box in place of the pillion seat is that its a bit of a bugger swinging your leg over when getting on the bike. And your mates will probably make rude remarks about it looking like a pizza delivery bike....
TC
Only downside of having the box in place of the pillion seat is that its a bit of a bugger swinging your leg over when getting on the bike. And your mates will probably make rude remarks about it looking like a pizza delivery bike....
TC
I have the BMW panniers and have found them completely waterproof, even the severely heavy rain and spray on the motorway (yuk).Bertie said:
I had an ST2 as well and they never leaked either but they were certainly flimsier and the rack looked ugly when i removed the panniers.
My main complaint about the BMW panniers is that they are too wide and don't hold as much as my previous bikes Givi cases. BMW could have made them slightly taller and not bothered with making them adjustable. The left hand one is almost uselessly small.
Completely agree with JayGee about the BMW panniers. Only thing is you need to stick to the weight limit or they will droop rather severely - saw a 1200GS like that in Germany earlier this year. I've gone for Jesse aluminium panniers now - very, very good. No problems at all with the BMW topbox; have never found any instability and the flat top is good for strapping lightweight items to it.
Uselessly small left hand pannier on an 1100 / 1150 ?
I have a full sized set of system cases and a Wudo exhaust lowering bracket. The bracket is easy to fit and to remove. I'm looking to sell them as I don't need the extra capacity anymore.
If anyone is interested then feel free to pm me.
I have a full sized set of system cases and a Wudo exhaust lowering bracket. The bracket is easy to fit and to remove. I'm looking to sell them as I don't need the extra capacity anymore.
If anyone is interested then feel free to pm me.
To be honest, it was the pillion mounting position that sold it for me. I found that mounting on the rack (and I'd guess the same is true of all the other topboxes) is that it takes a lot of weight off the front wheel and can lead to weave at high speed, particularly around HGV's on the motorway. Never had a similar problem with it mounted pillion stylee.JDH said:Fair comment GSM, wasn't aware you could mount the top box in the pillion seat area, guess that would help stability considerably. Now I'm all confused boo hoo
JDH
Tomcat is bob-on re. difficultly of getting on - you have to kick your leg over the seat, or swing over with your knee on the tank, not a great hardship. The real benefit is stability.
You can really load up the topbox in this position and there is no fear of it falling off (racks tend to shake up and down amplifying the movement of the bike). When on a tour, I generally lash a roll on top of the topbox (pillion mounted, unexpanded), which again doesn't affect the stability as the box is quite low down.
Finally I think that the pillion mounted topbox looks the best out of all the options (not as though you'd be swayed by such arguments
).These were my reasons behind selecting the BMW topbox.
Gramps
Registered user
Best Luggage?
Bwm is best. Mine do not leak. I have the topbox in the pillion position. It is more stable. You say you are to start/new to touring and need best advice on which to buy. The Bwm stuff! First consider what you are to carry and how much you think you will need. The small useless pannier is suitable for your spare oil and any tools you might 'think' you need. The other larger one is suitable for all your clean or next to put on clobber. and the top box for all your overnight gear. You will have so much room you'll wonder why you left the kitchen sink at home.
During the year start to collect all the nearly worn out stuff you keep wearing. Put it on one side, take it with you, wear it - and don't bring it back!! You'll be amazed how much room you have when you get home.
Also get some inner bags if you are flush. C Bailey do nice ones IMO. They fit the boxes and hold a great amount.
Regards
Gramps
Bwm is best. Mine do not leak. I have the topbox in the pillion position. It is more stable. You say you are to start/new to touring and need best advice on which to buy. The Bwm stuff! First consider what you are to carry and how much you think you will need. The small useless pannier is suitable for your spare oil and any tools you might 'think' you need. The other larger one is suitable for all your clean or next to put on clobber. and the top box for all your overnight gear. You will have so much room you'll wonder why you left the kitchen sink at home.
During the year start to collect all the nearly worn out stuff you keep wearing. Put it on one side, take it with you, wear it - and don't bring it back!! You'll be amazed how much room you have when you get home.
Also get some inner bags if you are flush. C Bailey do nice ones IMO. They fit the boxes and hold a great amount.
Regards
Gramps
Variobox system
A word of caution about the BMW variobox system.
Variobox no.1. had to go back to the shop as the lock kept disappearing en route.
Variobox no.1 handle snapped off whilst going up the escalator to my office
Variobox no.2. had to go back to the shop as the lock disappeared on route.
Variobox no.2 is going back to the shop as it flew off on a pot-hole. A close examination shows that the crucial fastening bit is made of plastic.
I am getting a refund on the varioboxes and plates. They are not up to a 12-mile commute and certainly not up to touring.
On the positive side they are waterproof and you can put one on the pillion seat. You can't put one behind the other (ie one on pillion on on rack) though
A word of caution about the BMW variobox system.
Variobox no.1. had to go back to the shop as the lock kept disappearing en route.
Variobox no.1 handle snapped off whilst going up the escalator to my office
Variobox no.2. had to go back to the shop as the lock disappeared on route.
Variobox no.2 is going back to the shop as it flew off on a pot-hole. A close examination shows that the crucial fastening bit is made of plastic.
I am getting a refund on the varioboxes and plates. They are not up to a 12-mile commute and certainly not up to touring.
On the positive side they are waterproof and you can put one on the pillion seat. You can't put one behind the other (ie one on pillion on on rack) though
carcomm89
Guest
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