Standard R1200GS Luggage Rack Weight Limit

[h0wz3r]

Firstly, apologies for yet another luggage question but I couldn't find the answer I was looking for in the search box.

I'm in a real quandry about luggage options at the moment, primarily because I have no way of carrying anything at all and I need a top box more than anything.

I have a Givi Monokey top box from my other bike which has served me very well but it does have a few knocks and scrapes from heavy usage.

As money is a little tight due to just having forked out for the bike itself, I'm wondering whether to go for a Givi rack and use my existing box for now or to go for the BMW Vario top box along with the fittings.

Thing is I really rather like the Givi range, especially the E55 Maxia top box which complements the Vario panniers if / when I get them at a later stage. They seem to be much more practical in everyday use than the BMW one.

Going down the Givi route seems to be a far cheaper option too, given that it would cost me over £300 for the Vario top box, fittings and lock barrel. Money I can't really afford or justify at the moment.

ANYWAY.... there seems to be a few different types of Givi fitting for the GS, one of which simply bolts to the existing luggage rack (the universal fitting one - I presume it's ok for monokey boxes?) It's the cheapest option at £35 but how much weight can the standard rack take?

The other option is to go for the monokey rack that replaces the standard one but this is double the price.

Anyone know what the weight limit is and which rack I should be looking at?

 

[Owen Snell]

I have the Givi rack that replaces the existing and it is quite sturdy, much better than the OEM plastic rack. The rack came with a box off this site, so look at items for sale or post a wanted ad.

 

[EggChaser]

I also have the Givi box with the version that replaces the rack.

Be careful of the version that clamps to the existing rack and has 2 support arms that bolt to the ends of the subframe - there have been a number of instances of the bolts shearing. The replacement rack is definitely stronger.

BTW technically there are 3 Givi Options - the 3rd one being by the universal plate and bolt it to the oem rack. I am not sure how stable this option is as never seen anyone with it fitted.

Older/clamp on/weaker rack is on left

And another shot - rear older rack has a Touratech Bag under neath it.

BTW in this second shot the bike in the rear did suffer the support failure and it was a hell of a job with bolt extractors to get the end of the bolt out of the subframe - the rear bike now has the newer mount fitted.

 

[EggChaser]

Oh and a loaded up standard GS

 

[(RIP) Miff]

I have swapped my VARIO topbox for a GIVI box. The vario looks nicer, but holds bugger all. The GIVI holds two crash helmets, so is more practical.

The plastic universal top plate you mention looks really flimsy to me. Best to spend the extra and get the cast metal one.

 

[arrybash]

I have a GIVI E460 top box.

This has been fitted to 2 Triumph Tiger 955i's and now my new GSA.

I have used the same universal plate and top box on all three bikes so its now about 4 years old.

The top box never comes of and I have toured on it as well.

The set up has been faultless.

I think thats good enough testing to demonstrate it works well and a very inexpensive solution.

Chris

 

[h0wz3r]

I have a GIVI E460 top box.

This has been fitted to 2 Triumph Tiger 955i's and now my new GSA.

I have used the same universal plate and top box on all three bikes so its now about 4 years old.

The top box never comes of and I have toured on it as well.

The set up has been faultless.

I think thats good enough testing to demonstrate it works well and a very inexpensive solution.

Chris

How much weight have you had in the Givi box using the universal plate? That's the one I'm looking at as it's the most inexpensive option but the standard luggage rack on the GS is my concern. There doesn't seem to be a weight limit listed anywhere and at times I can carry quite a lot of stuff in my top box.

Also does it not mark the standard rack with it on?

Still don't know whether to get the universal plate or the cast metal one that replaces the standard rack. It all comes down to weight limits and security of the box on the rack but I'm not too concerned about the latter from what I've heard.

 

[kbada]

Have run an E52 on universal setup for years on three different GS's. Latest box is a E55 but that still sits on the original universal plate. The 'suspect' bolts have been shifted once whilst being transferred to a new GS.

When on holiday, the top box has to weigh 15kg or more - never had a problem......

Have a look at this thread, might help:

http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=159571

 

[h0wz3r]

So you reckon I should save myself a few quid and just get the universal plate then?

On a side note, I was watching a BMW Vario top box on fleabay that didn't sell and just mailed the seller now to ask if it's still up for sale. At the time of the auction it was up for £50 with no reserve, apparently in immaculate condition with no damage whatsoever.

Obviously I'd need the fitting kit for it but is it really worth going for the Vario even at that price or is it Givi all the way?

 

[EggChaser]

The Vario won't hold 2 helmets, the larger Givi cases will - other than this the Vario is a good case and can be configured for your ignition key.

 

[Wapping]

How much weight have you had in the Givi box using the universal plate?

Just how much weight do you expect to be carrying, exactly?

Obviously I'd need the fitting kit for it but is it really worth going for the Vario even at that price or is it Givi all the way?

Me?

I think you should make your own mind up but, if I were you, I would go for the Vario topbox. If, for no other reason than I think it's a good idea just at the moment.

There, job done.

Next please, nurse.....

 

[andyclift]

I can't put a figure on the weight I have carried but have had so much kit in my Vario box that it needed two hands to put on the bike + kit bungeed on top. The bike went all around Europe like that and nothing broke.

I think BMW reckon the limit for a Vario is 5 kilos though !!!

 

[Ali-bear]

The Givi weight limits are rediculously low, like two full face helmets or something. Probably also for the Vario but then you can get almost nothing in it anyway.

Just load them up and ride, if its really too heavy and you find the bike wondering around under acceleration, use a bit less gas

 

[bisbee]

The owners manual gives max payload for the vario top case as 5kgs if you put more than this in a Givi you may want/need to put a bit more wind in the rear tyre

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

I also have the Givi box with the version that replaces the rack.

Be careful of the version that clamps to the existing rack and has 2 support arms that bolt to the ends of the subframe - there have been a number of instances of the bolts shearing. The replacement rack is definitely stronger.

BTW technically there are 3 Givi Options - the 3rd one being by the universal plate and bolt it to the oem rack. I am not sure how stable this option is as never seen anyone with it fitted.

Older/clamp on/weaker rack is on left

And another shot - rear older rack has a Touratech Bag under neath it.

BTW in this second shot the bike in the rear did suffer the support failure and it was a hell of a job with bolt extractors to get the end of the bolt out of the subframe - the rear bike now has the newer mount fitted.

Include me in that number. Don't go down this route unless all you carry are feathers.