Vario Cases: rufty tufty.....

[ExpatinIstanbul]

or fall to bity?

I'm off to Iran this summer. Woohoo!




Oh, sorry. I've currently got vario cases and a 42L Givi top box. Given that I expect to do a bit of light off-road riding and will probably come across many not so good roads, I'm wondering if they'll hold up or fall to pieces.

Does anyone have any experience of this kit on the tough stuff?

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

They are really tough. I sent a bike down the road at 80ish on theese (650GS) and they saved my leg and the bike, which was hardly damaged at all.

The Varios just needed a new 'skin' and were as good as new

I think the only concern would be that if you did manage to break them or probably more importantly a mounting point, unlike metal luggage, you'd be hard pushed to repair them as easily as metal items.

It's something I've given a lot of thought to recently as I'll be taking my GS to the Gambia next year.

I've discounted metal panniers as I just don't like them and am not keen on top loading (probably the only person to think that though ).

For me, it's a toss up between soft luggage (much more versatile and easily repairable if need be) and my Varios - at the moment I'm erring on the side of my Varios.

Andres

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

The main reason I'm thinking of using them is cost. I can't quite get my head around spending so much on metal boxes, unless I'm going to go off for a year or so. I've thought about going soft on top, using the TT Steel net (pic below) or something similar for security. I suspect the Givi box will be a problem because it sits so far back off the bike and the plate doesn't look strong enough for the bouncy bits off road.

I've also thought about the mounting points, and whether they'll hold up. I'm looking at ways to reinforce them or perhaps take some strain off by strapping them together over the seat.

 

[Big Lee]

As long as they`re not over loaded with weight I can`t see it being a problem. I`d put the really light stuff in the Givi, sleeping bag, duvet jacket etc and any really heavy stuff, I`d be surprised if you`ve got anything that heavy, in an Ortlieb bag strapped to the back seat

 

[luckylucian]

Take some tiedown straps 'n zip ties just in case

 

[earthmover]

My Vario's have survived really well, but I do use them in the closed position 99% of the time. As has been said, don't put too much heavy stuff in if you can help it, and check the mushrooms are to tolerance and loctite them.
Mark

 

[Deleted account 211025001]

I've thought about going soft on top, using the TT Steel net (pic below) or something similar for security. I suspect the Givi box will be a problem because it sits so far back off the bike and the plate doesn't look strong enough for the bouncy bits off road.

I've also thought about the mounting points, and whether they'll hold up. I'm looking at ways to reinforce them or perhaps take some strain off by strapping them together over the seat.

]

Should of added, that's what I'll be doing ie panniers and dry bag/s across the panniers and pillion perch.
I'll be ditching the rear rack/plate for the trip as this gives a lovely big flat surface once removed and I'm not so confident over the strength of the top box/rack when loaded going over lots bumpy stuff and also want to keep weight as low down as possible.

Ratchet strapping the panniers to the rails should provide some extra reinforcement to the mounting points

Andres

Andres

 

[swissrob]

the net is a pacsafe net and prob cheaper via pacsafe than the touraw@nk price

EDIT: yes u get the nets about £15-20 cheaper at outdoor shops than at touraw@nk

 

[ExpatinIstanbul]

the net is a pacsafe net and prob cheaper via pacsafe than the touraw@nk price

EDIT: yes u get the nets about £15-20 cheaper at outdoor shops than at touraw@nk

Good info there Rob, cheers.