Pannier Dilemma

[Gruffydd]

Hope to be getting my new 1200GS next week and have a dilemma over choosing panniers. I have looked at the expandable BM factory boxes which look OK, but a bit plasticky and seem to be of a complicated construction. Alternatively, I have a set of Metal Mules (31 & 38L version) which I bought for my previous 1150-GSA about 2 years ago but only used for one short trip before selling the bike.

I would therefore appreciate advice re best way to go i.e.
1 - buy metal mule frames for the 1200 and use my existing boxes (cost about £200) or....
2 - sell the mules as a complete kit (boxes and frame) and use the cash to buy the new type BM boxes (around £450 IIRC)

Gut feel, I prefer the mules for strength, capacity etc but like the BM boxes in that no additional frames are needed, the attachments already being on the bike. In terms of use, the bike will be used only for UK/ Euro touring with no serious overlanding envisaged!

Any advice gratefully received!

Cheers,

Griff

 

[Blackal]

Keep the Mules - about the best panniers made

If you get the Varios - you may regret it. Keeping the Mules........... you'll never regret it.

Vario topbox is okay though

Al

 

[pedro]

whatever you do

don't buy the varios

 

[Thunder]

Not a Vario fan myself, clever design but limited space paticularly in the left pannier and read a few reports of them coming loose and bouncing down the road.

Much prefer top loading panniers, easier to access while fitted which is a big factor in my book.

If it's down to the two choices definetly go for the new racks and hang on to your Metal Mules.

Of course the new SW Motech Trax will be out next month.

 

[Tim Cullis]

I currently have Metal Mule panniers on a 1200GSA and they are good for
- offroad and
- transferable between various BMW and non-BMW bikes

However I was very impressed with the vario panniers on my previous 1200GS which gave me absolutely no problems and are tougher than many people give them credit for, as you can see on this thread: http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=134454

My modus operandi was to plan to travel with the varios in non-expanded form and only go expanded when absolutely necessary (i.e. when stocking up with calvados and magret de canard at Calais).

Tim