Top box question (Vario for K50 R1200GS)

[chojin]

I'm looking to purchase the Vario top box for my 2015 GS TE, probably from bmw-motorrad-store.co.uk - Do I need to buy the one with a mounting plate or without?
I thought the TE came with everything needed just to whack the top box on without any additional mounting kits. Obviously I don't want to waste £70 on the version with a plate if I don't need it!

 

[batman1]

You will need the optional black abs mount that suits the vario's, the standard GS black abs mount on the TE does not take the vario top box. If you had ordered it with the luggage it would then have been fitted.
Hope this helps.

 

[Engineer]

As batman1 says - the existing bit of black plastic on the original rack has to come out and a new piece fitted that has the correct 'slots' to take the tabs on the top box.

 

[chojin]

Bah. I was hoping to get away with it :/

Anyone have any recommendations as to the best place to get the whole kit with codeable locks?

Are the codeable locks a DIY job?

 

[chojin]

Also, is there a top box that *does* fit without the need for additional mounts?

 

[Grizzly To55er]

I got the full kit from BMW Motorrad Store ie vario top case, rack and codeable locks, excellent service.
Coding locks is a simple job, see http://www.mototrip-tours.com/blog/workshop/rekeying-bmw-case-locks/ or lots of videos on U-tube, just take your time

 

[chojin]

Thanks guys - appreciate the input.

 

[Grizzly To55er]

This is the more detailed video instructions for lock coding

http://youtu.be/mygeTPWUhqY

 

[Mr T]

I'm also looking to buy a vario box and thought the same thing. Bahnstormer have the boxes in stock, I think a ride up there to see is called for.

 

[paul08]

I have just bought a Vario Top Box from a fellow GSer on this website: box, mounting plate, codable lock and back rest pads. I had to buy the required two 'longer' bolts that fix the new frame to the bike (£2 at my local dealer), but they recoded the lock for free.
Paid £225 and the box was "as new"

 

[Flying GS]

I'm also looking to buy a vario box and thought the same thing. Bahnstormer have the boxes in stock, I think a ride up there to see is called for.

Would have loved to buy my Vario side cases from them, supporting local economy and all, but their price was nowhere near what I got from bmw-motorrad-store.co.uk. I asked. Too bad, slightly lower margin could make for slightly higher volume.
Coding the key was quick and easy thanks to YouTube.

 

[vRSG60]

Also, is there a top box that *does* fit without the need for additional mounts?

I'll ask the same question. What exactly is the standard plate for if the Vario top box doesn't fit?

 

[red1]

I'll ask the same question. What exactly is the standard plate for if the Vario top box doesn't fit?

Nothing but cosmetics and bungie straps.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

 

[vRSG60]

Nothing but cosmetics and bungie straps.

Sent from my Nexus 6P using Tapatalk

Madness. It even has tabs to locate a top box underneath, on the black bit.

 

[Matty589]

Having just swapped out the stock bit of plastic for another slightly larger one costing about £80 to fit a Vario topcase I have no idea why BWM doesn't fit this as standard. The GSA rack is ready for the topcase. The only difference on the GS is two wings either side of the rear plastic handle. What a waste!

 

[Adrian165]

What a profit for BMW overtime a vary box is fitted!