Vario panniers fitting

[johnboyb]

Hello - I'm very new to this site as I've just bought a 2016 R1200 GSA so excuse me if this has already been discussed (I couldn't find anything)
The GSA has no panniers but has a frame that is ready to fit BMW aluminium panniers.
I've seen the Vario panniers and quite like their look (and some decent 2nd hand prices). I know the Varios fit directly to the bike without using the frame but I've heard from a dealer that I may need to change the pillion footrest hangers. Does anyone know if this is right? If so this could increase the cost of the Varios if I have to extras.

I also need to know if an adaptor plate is needed to put a top box on the rear rack.

I've attached a pic of the bike's rear end.

 

[DJ123]

Yes you will need to remove the (aluminium) rack and change the pillion footpegs as there is a hanger they use for support. The ones you need are the normal GS pillion footpegs.

Your top rack can use the standard BMW aluminium top box w/o any adaptations needed. If you want the Vario top box you will need a standard GS rack.

 

[NeilGS]

You would be better fitting GSA panniers and topbox.
Suit the bike better and don’t have to buy and swap brackets etc.
I have a set of black GSA luggage if interested.

 

[SBD]

Varios are good if you use them occasionally and take them on and off. But they do waste a load of space and weight by being varios.

 

[johnboyb]

You would be better fitting GSA panniers and topbox.
Suit the bike better and don’t have to buy and swap brackets etc.
I have a set of black GSA luggage if interested.

Pics & prices?

 

[NeilGS]

Pics & prices?

You have PM.

 

[littleade]

Your top rack can use the standard BMW aluminium top box w/o any adaptations needed. If you want the Vario top box you will need a standard GS rack.

I can't comment if the GSA rack shown in the photo will accept a vario top box or not, but if you swap it for a standard GS rack to take a vario top box, you will definitely need the vario adapter plate as well.

 

[Spook1969]

I have a 17 plate standard GS with full vario panniers. Would be interested in doing a swap over?

 

[Fullchat]

I have done the conversion on a 23 GS to accept the GSA aluminum luggage. Reason being is that I have had 3 X GSAs and have virtually new aluminium boxes. The pannier fitting frame also provides some protection if the bike is dropped and I like the look of that luggage setup.

For this I sourced second hand GSA pannier fitting racks and a GSA luggage rack, with all the corresponding mounting hardware.

These are the parts you will need to accept the Vario luggage on your GSA..

GS footpegs which have an extra lug to slot into the Vario bag and the GS luggage rack.

 

[steadysteve]

Be aware that if you attempt to remove the footrest hangers bolts you will need to give them some heat with a hot air gun first. Plenty of heat so that when you touch the bolt to check the temperature you say “shit that’s hot!” Obviously you have to be a bit careful to not remove the frame paint…
This softens the threadlock and ensures the bolts come out easily. It’s a good idea to remove the seat so that you don’t melt the material.
Exhaust end can needs to come off to get the footrest brackets off, or at least it did on my 2013 model GS.