Vario Panniers

[lawvar]

Hi I have vario pannier full set that came with the bike

The previous owner went through a gap smaller than the pannier it had creased and pushed the aluminium skin in.
You can get a replacement lid but there over £90 !
I dismantled the lid and managed to get the aluminium skin off it's just bounded in four places although very very well (A and E and a deep gash in my thumb)

My dad (aged79) is still brilliant with a hammer and knocked out dents etc.
There are still gashes in the skin (not just my thumb) which will be filled.
My dad (again) found out that silver wheel paint is almost an identical match to the colour of the anodized skin.
Will take a pic when its done hope this info is useful to some of you on the forum and the fact they can be repaired on the cheap.

 

[Blackal]

Hi I have vario panniers

I'm pleased for you.

Al

 

[seahorse]

I've seen replacement lids for less than £90 on ebay. The F650/800 GS Vario lids are interchangeable AFAIK but they are plain black with no aluminium insert. I have both, can check it out for you.

 

[sagalout]

I'm pleased for you.

Al

They seem to get a bad rep on here but I haven't had any issues with mine. I don't use them a huge amount as I usually get by with just the top box - probably done 10 actual proper trips with them, mostly in the standard width (i.e. not extended) but found them robust and easy to fit on and off. I use liner bags so side loading isn't an issue.

 

[lawvar]

Mine came with the bike I thought they were great
Had Italian nonfango pannier before on my Honda
Can't understand why people don't like vario ?