Vario topbox on GSA

[brianmaslen]

Just in the process of swopping my 2006 GS for an ex demo GSA. The GSA will have new panniers but no top box so was thinking of swopping the Vario topbox and mounting plate over. I would prefer to use the existing GSA rack if possible rather than purchase a GS rack, any suggestiosn as to best approach, I could of course look for a secondhand topbox and sell or swop the Vario if anyone is interested but actually like the t/box.
Will also have for sale a NN tinted screen, GSA Beak, Vario Stash Panel, Fastaway footpegs and probably Touratech crashbars (slight scratches).
Regards Brian.

 

[GSmiles]

You might do better to sell the Vario...The Vario top-box is wider than the distance between the ally panniers....if you fix the vario mounting plate straight to the GSA rack you will find that the lids won't lift- the Vario will be sat right on top of them.... If you use the rear rack/grab-handle assembly from your GS , the Vario top-box will sit high enough that you can remove the lids ok, but only by releasing both ends from their catches,not just releasing one catch and hinging vertically... and even then the wire stay will be getting in the way....The max width of top-box that willl fit between the pannier lids vertical arc is 43cm. You could check out the TRAX top case from SWMotech(41cm) or the Hepco-Becker Xplorer(43cm) if you want something of less "pill-Box" proportions than the BM item.....Good Luck!

 

[Yellow Peril]

I used a vario for some time on my GSA with no problems at all, I had 4 small legs made to bring the vario fitting bracket level with the pillion seat and ali was fine, in fact still use it now and again:-

 

[GSmiles]

Whoops, I'll shut up then.... ,
Bike looks cool in yellow though

 

[harry]

Think about ordering tailor made from Redcap of this parish.

Secure it using the puck system.

 

[brianmaslen]

Thanks guys some good ideas there, any chance of some more detailed pictures Shaun, and by the way that looks a very low seat you have there. Does Redcap have a website or perhaps I can find some pics of his work on here?

 

[brianmaslen]

Would the puck system work with a top box?

 

[andyclift]

Just changed my GS for a GSA and wonder why bother with the top box. My experience was very heavy empty and poor capacity relative to the outside diamensions. I felt the same about the Vario panniers and after the first holiday sold them and bought Zegas

For the last couple of trips the Vario topbox stayed in the garage and I used a Ortlieb waterproof rack pack on the rear rack instead. Much better solution. Weighs nothing, 100% waterproof, huge capacity and flexible for odd shapes - and a fraction of the price.

Just changed to GSA and bought the panniers but will stick with the Ortlieb for the rack.

 

[madmax]

I use my monokey givi box on adaptor plate on back of my 06 GSA, yes the ally lids do catch sides of box, but it only takes 2 seconds to lift off out of way.

 

[Yellow Peril]

I must admit Brain these days I use the same method as Andy, as I always have a pillion we can carry far more with the Orileb bag.

But as you asked the legs look like this:-

The bracket is used to clamp to the GSA rack without damage, the leg screws into the top of it and then the screw is standard from the vario's bracket, the leg is approx 45mm.

The seat is a standard GS's recovered probably look's lower as the pillions seat was built up a bit, now using a sargent seat far superior.

 

[brianmaslen]

Thank you Shaun for the pictures, only just managed to find the link to the thread, your solution seems to work just fine. I have been offered a GS rack from someone on this parish and may well go that route as an interim as it will allow me to run with just the top box for local trips and gives my wife something to lean against in those mad overtaking moments.