Painting Vario Luggage

[Hatcho]

So in my never-ending quest to have a quad-black GS , I decided to have a go at changing the vario luggage from silver to black. I know you can buy black luggage from BMW, but I'm not keen on spending that much for a purely cosmetic change. I'm vain, but not that vain (or rich!).

Went with using Full Dip, a kind of spray on vinyl coating. Nice thing is that it can be peeled off later without too much hassle. Only just tried the topbox lid, so no idea how durable it will turn out to be, but happy enough with the result. Finish is a nice satin, not too dull, not too shiny. Turns out it easy enough to remove the alu part from the plastic box section for spraying.

 

[Bravo]

When i saw the thread starter I had a vision of you sitting behind your easel mixing some water colours,wearing a beret at a jaunty angle.

 

[Hatcho]

When i saw the thread starter I had a vision of you sitting behind your easel mixing some water colours,wearing a beret at a jaunty angle.

And nothing but a beret? I know how your mind works!

 

[Bravo]

And nothing but a beret? I know how your mind works!

Rumbled again.

 

[jdh1340]

howya...where in Ireland did ya get the spray and which 1 did ya use...it looks good

 

[Hatcho]

howya...where in Ireland did ya get the spray and which 1 did ya use...it looks good

Here's the Linky to the place I bought it from. Matte black is the colour I chose.

 

[Billy Law]

So in my never-ending quest to have a quad-black GS , I decided to have a go at changing the vario luggage from silver to black. I know you can buy black luggage from BMW, but I'm not keen on spending that much for a purely cosmetic change. I'm vain, but not that vain (or rich!).

Went with using Full Dip, a kind of spray on vinyl coating. Nice thing is that it can be peeled off later without too much hassle. Only just tried the topbox lid, so no idea how durable it will turn out to be, but happy enough with the result. Finish is a nice satin, not too dull, not too shiny. Turns out it easy enough to remove the alu part from the plastic box section for spraying.

View attachment 405229

Very nice. Never heard of Full Dip, but that's given me an idea for those silver radiator panels.

 

[Hatcho]

Very nice. Never heard of Full Dip, but that's given me an idea for those silver radiator panels.

If you are talking about the ones either side of the bike, you can get black plastic replacements on AliExpress. Build quality is pretty good too. Spot on in terms of fitting.

Linky

They have carbon and black finish, for GS and GSA LC models.

 

[Billy Law]

If you are talking about the ones either side of the bike, you can get black plastic replacements on AliExpress. Build quality is pretty good too. Spot on in terms of fitting.

Linky

They have carbon and black finish, for GS and GSA LC models.

I was as it happens. I've seen those in the past; wasn't sure about build quality. That said, a can of Full Dip seems considerably cheaper, but I suppose there's a risk of chipping.

 

[Hatcho]

I was as it happens. I've seen those in the past; wasn't sure about build quality. That said, a can of Full Dip seems considerably cheaper, but I suppose there's a risk of chipping.

Powder coating will give the most durable finish. Unsure how the full dip will last as this is the first time I've used it. Even if it chips, pretty sure you can just apply another few coats from the can.

 

[steadysteve]

Are you aware that the factory black panniers off the 750/850 GS will fit ?
They’re a lot more durable and resistant to any small knocks than the aluminium panels.

 

[steadysteve]

Are you aware that the factory black panniers off the 750/850 GS will fit ?
They’re a lot more durable and resistant to any small knocks than the aluminium panels.

These ones will fit

Pardon our interruption...

 

[Hatcho]

These ones will fit

Pardon our interruption...

Indeed they will, but at considerable expense compared to some spray on vinyl coating. Plus, my panniers sit unused for the majority of the time, so no point in investing heavily. It's a good point though, for those not wanting to respray their panniers.

 

[DING-DONG]

Are you aware that the factory black panniers off the 750/850 GS will fit ?
They’re a lot more durable and resistant to any small knocks than the aluminium panels.

@steadysteve will the panniers fit a 1250 or is it just the lid covers.

I’m on the hunt for some panniers.

 

[Hatcho]

@steadysteve will the panniers fit a 1250 or is it just the lid covers.

I’m on the hunt for some panniers.

They will fit the 1250, same as mounting system.

 

[DING-DONG]

They will fit the 1250, same as mounting system.

Thanks

 

[Hatcho]

Thanks

I would ask the seller to verify the expansion mechanism is working fine, also bear in mind you will need to setup the lock barrels to match your bike key. Not too complicated, plenty of youtube videos about it.

 

[steadysteve]

Indeed they will, but at considerable expense compared to some spray on vinyl coating. Plus, my panniers sit unused for the majority of the time, so no point in investing heavily. It's a good point though, for those not wanting to respray their panniers.

No worries, just wanted to point out that they will fit.
Fair point re the expense but you’ll get your money back if you sell yours.

 

[DING-DONG]

I would ask the seller to verify the expansion mechanism is working fine, also bear in mind you will need to setup the lock barrels to match your bike key. Not too complicated, plenty of youtube videos about it.

Great advise.