Vario Panniers? Too cumbersome?

[yans]

Guys and girls, need your expert thoughts please....

I have a GS Rallye, and off to touring to France in a few weeks.

I've never had panniers before attached to a bike but went ahead a purchased the Vario panniers and top box from my mate as it as a great deal and thought it would a great addition to the bike...

Is there something fundamental that will make riding/touring with the panniers on that I should think about or worry about ?

They are going to add weight and width, but being attached to the bike means they are sturdy and obviously lockable...

Just wondered people's experiences and worries riding with panniers ? Any major negatives that I haven't thought about ?

Thanks very much.
Yans.

 

[roamer]

The varios are aparrently heavier than the aluminium ones,
I find them handy as the reduced setting still has capacity for a solo trip, or camping weekend,
There are no frames once removed, and water tight,
Handling wise on road they dont affect my progress ,
They can be expanded if more space reqd,
The cheaper inner bags allow more capacity and the convenience of not carting dirty panniers around,
I have the givi trekker aluminium top box, the panniers and or the box are used depending on the journey,
Roamer

 

[Nice 'n' Fat]

Pannier inner bags are a must

 

[CPJS]

Plus sides
I find the vario panniers waterproof and secure and fit well on the bike.

Downsides
Heavy, heavy,heavy. full set about 18kg empty.
You need liners as the panniers are too heavy and cumbersome to carry into hotels etc.
Not much useable inner volume compared to the outside dimensions due to the vario workings.

When solo touring I find the weight and aerodynamics of any combination of the varios too restrictive.
I use a 50ltr oxford aquapack strapped along the rack and rear seat and a tank bag, this keeps a far better weight distribution and does not affect aerodynamics.
Most people pack far too much stuff for a trip, leave your lippy and hairdryer behind, they do have shops abroad.

 

[yans]

Thanks to you both.... very helpful... I dont need to carry lots, just handy that they are solid and waterproof etc.

and yes looking at non oem inner bags, there are so many options...

How about filtering through traffic? A problem?

 

[Matty589]

They key with filtering is the panniers being narrower than the bars. Then to know roughly how wide a gap you can get through. Ali panniers in the GSA carry lots but as wide as a house, varios unexpanded allow decent filtering but not inner city filtering - then again you’re probably not going to spend much time in the middle of a busy city with a GS and full luggage!

 

[burnsey66]

How about filtering through traffic? A problem?

Personally, I’d have a few runs with them attached - I don’t find filtering a problem, but I’m a darn good rider

The continent always seems less congested, so if you;re ok here, Bob’s your uncle.

I can’t stand a top box, as I can’t cock my leg the same - horses for courses.

Oh, you have to wrap them black - it’s the law...

 

[yans]

Plus sides
I find the vario panniers waterproof and secure and fit well on the bike.

Downsides
Heavy, heavy,heavy. full set about 18kg empty.
You need liners as the panniers are too heavy and cumbersome to carry into hotels etc.
Not much useable inner volume compared to the outside dimensions due to the vario workings.

When solo touring I find the weight and aerodynamics of any combination of the varios too restrictive.
I use a 50ltr oxford aquapack strapped along the rack and rear seat and a tank bag, this keeps a far better weight distribution and does not affect aerodynamics.

The extra weight concerns me.... slow manoeuvrings etc... but the like the versatility... hmmmm...

 

[yans]

They key with filtering is the panniers being narrower than the bars. Then to know roughly how wide a gap you can get through. Ali panniers in the GSA carry lots but as wide as a house, varios unexpanded allow decent filtering but not inner city filtering - then again you’re probably not going to spend much time in the middle of a busy city with a GS and full luggage!

Absolutely.... and yes its the inner city that concerns me, but yes, will be a low percentage in that kind of environment...... will be more enjoying the lovely long curvy French roads

 

[yans]

Personally, I’d have a few runs with them attached - I don’t find filtering a problem, but I’m a darn good rider

The continent always seems less congested, so if you;re ok here, Bob’s your uncle.

I can’t stand a top box, as I can’t cock my leg the same - horses for courses.

Oh, you have to wrap them black - it’s the law...

Started riding with them yesterday, first time... felt fine, didn't even know they were there.... apart from super high motorway speeds, which was only a test... wouldn't sit at those speeds very often....

I also hate the look of the top box, but again, so DAMN handy to lock the helmet away!

Wrap in black you say.... WOW!! thats an AWESOME idea
Guess thats tricky????

Thanks!!!

 

[dave hendy]

The extra weight concerns me.... slow manoeuvrings etc... but the like the versatility... hmmmm...

I am 5ft 8ins and about 11.5 stone and I have no problem controlling my GS 2-up with panniers/topbox and tank bag. The only problem I have with the extra weight is getting the bike off the side stand especially if on a camber.

 

[CPJS]

Put on the panniers, just fill them up with some old bike kit and go for a ride, see how they feel.

 

[yans]

I am 5ft 8ins and about 11.5 stone and I have no problem controlling my GS 2-up with panniers/topbox and tank bag. The only problem I have with the extra weight is getting the bike off the side stand especially if on a camber.

Yes, guess I meant slow manoeuvrings in terms of when I am off the bike and pushing or something!!! Need to get to the gym eh!! LOL!

 

[yans]

Put on the panniers, just fill them up with some old bike kit and go for a ride, see how they feel.

Yep, started this procedure... with them empty!!!! LOL!!!!

 

[the woodster]

Day to day riding/commuting - vario top box only.

Touring - side panniers only with drybag slung across. It's always tempting to load up the top box and take it touring but the weight is held quite high and affects handling.

I bought the varios because I didn't have to get any scaffolding and the bike looks clean without them on. They are heavy themselves and mark up quite easily but you can protect them. Inner bags are essential.

 

[yans]

Day to day riding/commuting - vario top box only.

Touring - side panniers only with drybag slung across. It's always tempting to load up the top box and take it touring but the weight is held quite high and affects handling.

I bought the varios because I didn't have to get any scaffolding and the bike looks clean without them on. They are heavy themselves and mark up quite easily but you can protect them. Inner bags are essential.

Taking on board your comments matey, thank you!

I'm probably going put stuff in inner bags in the panniers, and leave the top box free for the helmet when we stop off places so I can lock it and not carry it

Next stop, inner bags!!

 

[Bobbin-Man]

If you carry a pillion consider the Givi Trekker 52L as an alternative top box, it'll take two helmets easily and the design looks fine with the Varios, in fact visually it doesn't look much bigger than the Vario top box. We've found the Trekker is big enough for an overnight bag - ideal on an overnight ferry when we simply grab the bag and leave the helmets in the top box before heading to the cabin.

 

[yans]

This was me yesterday

with the panniers on, bike still felt great on the corners

 

[yans]

If you carry a pillion consider the Givi Trekker 52L as an alternative top box, it'll take two helmets easily and the design looks fine with the Varios, in fact visually it doesn't look much bigger than the Vario top box. We've found the Trekker is big enough for an overnight bag - ideal on an overnight ferry when we simply grab the bag and leave the helmets in the top box before heading to the cabin.

Thanks for the tip Bobbin!! Gonna stick with the normal Vario top box... still perfect for one helmet (yes not bringing the wife ) and can grab pannier bag(s)... just need to deal with the extra width and weight!!!

 

[Norfolk Tiger]

When packing it is always a good idea to "pack some space" to allow room for stuff you may pick up along the way.