Vario Topbox position

[matgriff]

Hi.

We're finding that the position of the standard vario topbox on my 2017 GS leaves me and the wife too cramped up on longer rides. It doesn't look like there's any easy way to move the box back slightly, so I'm thinking of replacing it with a different plate/box combination.

Has anyone found the same thing, and if so replaced with a Givi or Shad or similar ? if so do these provide a bit more space and allow the passenger to move back an inch or so ? I've seen on quite a few forums that people have modified Givi plates to move boxes back slightly, so this could be an option as it looks impossible on the vario set-up

Thanks

 

[hawkeye]

Not sure if this is on your 2017 GS, but on my 2019 R1250GS, the rear seat has two positions - with the rear seat in the furthest back position, my wife also finds it a bit "upright", but with the rear seat in the forward position, it's quite comfortable (I also have the backrest on my Vario box).
Does your 2017 have a 2 position rear seat? If so maybe try setting the rear seat in the forward most position and see if that works for your wife.

 

[leadfarmer]

Have a Givi Trekker 52 on mine that has done a few bikes now, gives plenty of room for the pillion

Also use touratech boxes as the Varios don’t leave enough leg/foot room on the 1200/1250, the 1300 ones are a bit better but still not great

 

[littleade]

Not sure if this is on your 2017 GS, but on my 2019 R1250GS, the rear seat has two positions - with the rear seat in the furthest back position, my wife also finds it a bit "upright", but with the rear seat in the forward position, it's quite comfortable (I also have the backrest on my Vario box).
Does your 2017 have a 2 position rear seat? If so maybe try setting the rear seat in the forward most position and see if that works for your wife.

Good spot, providing the OP has seperate seats then yes the pillion has 2 positions on all LC GS'. I had mine in the forward one by default as with the low riders seat there was an ugly gap between the 2. SWMBO never complained about not having enough room with it in the forward position

 

[steadysteve]

This type of box might be better as it is not square on the front edge and would allow your pillion to lean back slightly.
It is a BMW box , 49 litre, and the label inside says it’s for the GS and XR. Holds two helmets.
It fits onto the vario mounting plate that you already have.
They’re not cheap at £625… plus c.£60 for a pillion backrest.

There is also a 30 litre version of this box which fits the RS and XR. Slightly cheaper at £425.
The fixing points are the same as the 49 litre box so although I can’t confirm that it will definitely fit the GS I can’t see why not.

 

[matgriff]

Thanks for the advice, yes I have the dual seats on my 2017. The pillion seat is set in the back position, as I just thought that would give a bit more room between myself and the wife, but maybe it would be overall better setting it forward ? I'll try it.... thx

 

[matgriff]

This type of box might be better as it is not square on the front edge and would allow your pillion to lean back slightly.
It is a BMW box , 49 litre, and the label inside says it’s for the GS and XR. Holds two helmets.
It fits onto the vario mounting plate that you already have.
They’re not cheap at £625… plus c.£60 for a pillion backrest.

There is also a 30 litre version of this box which fits the RS and XR. Slightly cheaper at £425.
The fixing points are the same as the 49 litre box so although I can’t confirm that it will definitely fit the GS I can’t see why not.

That definitely looks like it has more room for the pillion than the Vario box. I think if I end up changing the box, I'll get a Givi plate and box, as it looks like these can be adjusted back easier that the stock BMW ones, also the price is way cheaper.