Vario Panniers - two rights might make a right

Simon E

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I am in the process of considering the vario panniers for my 1200 GS and was wondering if anyone has come up with a way of using two right hand panniers instead of a right and left. Reason being I would like to avoid having the slimmed down left one that has the cut out for the exhaust. I realise that it will make the bike wider at the back but I won't be using them that often. I have already considered a number of other options such as Givi, Caja, Touratech and am interested in other experiences.

cheers

Simon
 
... Have a look at a Vario pannier, assuming you can relocate the snap-catch, not only is there a cut-out but also the 'handed' taper to consider.

... Two rights? ... erm, re-arrange these words: - Pope, of, chance, more, the, shagging.

... If you want an unbalanced 'whole' pannier set-up you really need to consider Metal Mule, Hepco&Becker, SWMotech, TT Zega, Vern, Caja Sahel, Krauser, Givi or any of the other third party set-ups.

... You could also try 'small-left, larger-right' set-ups if you want balance but no cut-out
 
you an get an underseat exhaust set up - then have 2 balanced (even sized) panniers.............. but the grief involved in modifying a right hand vario would be more trouble than its worth - and they are not even waterproof.....!
 
panniers

The varios are utter shite. I know someone will come straight back and say that they're not, but in my opinion, they are utter crap. Especially the plastic locks, which can be forced with a screwdriver in about 5 seconds. They look alright on the bike, but that's about it.
 
Used mine for nearly three years and never a problem with them. What do all the moaners do with theirs?
 
I thought it might set some hares running :rob In the end I have decided to tell swmbo to pack less and get the varios. We don't do loads of touring miles so they will probably only be used in anger a few times a year. They look pretty good and match the top box I already had. I know the quality is nothing like some of the others mentioned but I can live with that (as long as they don't fall off!)

Thanks for the comments though guys.

Simon
 
Simon, do a search on them in here and you will find many, many satisfied owners of the Vario kit.

Mine are used and abused all the time, have been to Turkey, Morroco and Tesco (probably the harshest test of all :D ).

They have never leaked a drop or fallen off once and they expand/contract according to need.

I think they are fantastic :thumb2

Andres
 
Simon E said:
I thought it might set some hares running :rob In the end I have decided to tell swmbo to pack less and get the varios. We don't do loads of touring miles so they will probably only be used in anger a few times a year. They look pretty good and match the top box I already had. I know the quality is nothing like some of the others mentioned but I can live with that (as long as they don't fall off!)

Thanks for the comments though guys.

Simon
Click to expand...


I have had no problems with mine either.

I'm thinking of changing them as it happens. We're doing a bit of touring this year and I figure it's a good excuse to upgrade to some roughty toughty alli ones :augie Big box both sides with under seat exaust conversion.

If your interested in a used pair, drop me a line at [email protected] their not mint but their not full of dents and scrathches either though there is some marking on them.
 
After first Europe tour sold mine and bought Zegas. Not pretty but MUCH better.

The Varios had crap capacity especially the left one which is close to useless, the expansion stuck, the side loading was a pain (especially when parked next to another bike) and it the inners weren't used (which made the capacity worse) everything fell out when opening, the plastic started cracking around one lid seal becasue it was a sod to line up right when loaded and they moved on the mounts when loaded and expanded.

The Zegas have much better and more useable capacity, they are easy to load and for big stuff just leave the lids at home, the bike mounting is H bomb proof and absolutely solid (they acted as rear crash bars when I dropped it with no damage), the tops can be used as a rack and they are lighter.
 
I stopped using my Varios for similar reasons. Capacity is poor compared to my GIVI one, but they look better on the bike. Anyway, a tumble into a Scottish ditch whilst admiring the scenery really made my mind up when one of the flimsy anchor points snapped.
 
Simon, I commute 400km most weeks from KL to Singapore, it often rains and believe me a monsoon rain is a test for any kit. The varios are really ok, look the part and are decent quality.

But bye the way I think asking swimbo (can anyone tell me what it actually stands for?... ) to pack less will definately be harder that the pope shagging exercise.
 
Nippy Normans supply Touratech, Wunderlich, Desert Fox and many other makes of accessories.
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