Please help a GS wanabe

[SpanishTrecker]

Hello

This is my first post after reading a lot of threads on this site.

I am pricing up my first GS after falling in love with them while on holiday in Spain. I hope to be moving there in the next year and plan on getting a GS rather tahn a car.
My question is 'Which panniers?' BM or aftermarket?????????

 

[Fanum]

Aftermarket

Cheaper, tougher, and you can get something that suits you and the sort of use you'll put them to.

There's a FAQ in the 'Font of all wisdom' section all about panniers

Welcome aboard BTW

 

[SpyInTheCamp]

I suppose your choice will depend on what you plan to use them for and capacity requirements etc. I have the BWM vario cases and have been pleased with them. In particular, the adjustable panniers are good for commuting etc. if you don't need them fully expanded.

Kai

 

[Dickieboy]

I was dissapointed with the BMW topbox and sold it on to by a givi, after attending the hogroast earlier this month with BMW system cases and seeing the variety of Ally. etc I will be ditching them too and getting a set of allys.

BMW make beautiful bikes but I'm not convinced of their luggage so far.

 

[Brian ROSEN]

Luggage for the GS

I think that the standard BMW cases are excellent and as has been mentioned their ability to expand( and remain watertight) is a real bonus. I was not so keen oin the topbox and have a large Givi which will take two helmets and looks OK. One advantage of buying standard BMW luggage is that you can have locks to suit your ignition key and another point is that if it won't firt on your next model the dealer will be happy to take it in P/Ex. Just one point about the cases - the adjusting screw to hold them in place should be checked regularly (some people Loctite them.)

 

[stephinson]

with the givi top box do you have to remove the back rack off the gs before you fit it

thanks

 

[MATKAT]

oE rubbish

dont buy the OE ones, hopeless, i sold mine. Metal Mules are good, Verns are good and Jesses are too. I prefer Mules as they are the easiest to get off

 

[PJ1200]

with the givi top box do you have to remove the back rack off the gs before you fit it

thanks

If your talking about the rack with the grab rails, then no. The Givi plate fixes directly to that.

 

[stephinson]

yes i mean the standard grab rails

I can now ride to the shop and see what it looks like on

cheers


hopefully I should be able to fit it outside the shop??

 

[North]

I have the BMW vario cases and their fine for the city and trips.

But I do like Civil One's city bags.

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=73526

 

[Hunda]

I've got the BMW Aluminium panniers supplied with the bike. Never had a BMW till recently but had plenty of Jap bikes with various panniers (givi etc) and the BMW ones are by far the best (assuming you can live with big solid aluminium nothing subtle about these boxes). Make good seats while camping to.

 

[Julio_Babucha]

I am Spanish, leave in Spain and owns a R12GS with OE panniers. They are just crap! Top box brokes down and felt off 2 times !! BMW says "sorry, your garantee is finnished..." and side panniers side locks have already some free play in the rivets and repair them is a real nightmare!! H&B, Givis, or Aluminium shelves will do a better job.

If for any reason you decide to by OE, make a hole thru the topbox bottom and tray and pass a bolt thru. It will save you to walk back in the middle of a road to pick up your pannier!!

Enjoy rides!!