Vario vs Aluminum cases

[Boxerlust]

I need some conventional wisdom/input from you guys...
Have a 1250GS-HP with Vario bags and top-case which are not bad per se but I think I like the Aluminum boxes better.
Bigger 44 vs 39 , 37 vs 29 liters and sturdier in case of a mis-hap.But also expensive...Would you do with the Varios or get aluminum boxes for the mentioned advantages ? I think I keep the Vario top-case though which I like.
And then go with the stock BMW Alu boxes which have the advantage that you don't need an additional key or go with the TT Evo-X or cheaper Wunderlich Alu-boxes ? I think the black anodized BMW boxes and the black Vario topcase would look good and do the trick...but is it worth the money ?
Let's hear what you have to say...it is still cheaper than buying a GSA...

 

[Rusty]

The Vario cases I had on my GS were great in all respects but now owning a GSA I think the big black metal boxes just suit it fine ... personally I think they would look strange on anything other than the GSA ... but of course it is your bike and your money .. go with what YOU want and bollox to the rest of us ! Enjoy either way

 

[Doc]

I have the Aluminium panniers and have the Givi outback trekker top box.I prefer those to the varios but like Rusty says go for what you want.

 

[Rockred]

I’v had both, on my 2012 GS I had the Varios and now have a 2015 GS with the Aluminium panniers. I prefer the Aluminium ones, the reasons being is the that the Varios being side loading, can be problematic with things falling out when you open them up.

The Aluminium one are just easier to use on a day to day basis, plus are far more sturdy in case of a mishap.

Enjoy your new bike..

 

[Bayman]

I’v had both, on my 2012 GS I had the Varios and now have a 2015 GS with the Aluminium panniers. I prefer the Aluminium ones, the reasons being is the that the Varios being side loading, can be problematic with things falling out when you open them up.

The Aluminium one are just easier to use on a day to day basis, plus are far more sturdy in case of a mishap.

Enjoy your new bike..

Thats what I think as well

 

[Spareparts]

I can recommend going for the Bumot boxes instead. Stronger and more waterproof than the BMW (Touratech) alu boxes. The Bumots come with their own frame, and they do not require you to buy a new passenger footpeg (which the BMW alu ones do). You can get them in different sizes, and the exhaust-side pannier is shaped around the exhaust which keeps things more compact flush too. They are side hinged which are more practical, plus they have stay-in-place hinges that allow you to open them midway without needing to open them all the way. Bumots also come with a nifty toolbox. I use mine with the standard Vario topbox which is still ace.

And here with the topbox and frame only (and boxes of mangoes!)

 

[JerseyNeil]

I have used both too. My 2017 GS Rallye came with the Varios (I also did 20,000miles on my TC with Varios).
As soon as I could afford the upgrade I sold the various and fitted all the bits for BMW Ali cases.

Much more capacity and top loading is far more practical. No regrets. Oh and if you really want to throw cash at it. The Kriega KS40 bags fit inside perfectly too

Neil

 

[Deleted account 251212001]

Having had both going to go with others, a big vote for Alu boxes or another brand, not keen on varios , small, faffy, and look a bit gay imo

 

[Victor c]

Another vote for the BMW Alu boxes, especially for camping touring. More user friendly and you can use them as seat/table. I never liked my vario panniers in the extended config, as they just looked to vulnerable on the plastic mounts.

 

[Arsey]

I can recommend going for the Bumot boxes instead. Stronger and more waterproof than the BMW (Touratech) alu boxes. The Bumots come with their own frame, and they do not require you to buy a new passenger footpeg (which the BMW alu ones do). You can get them in different sizes, and the exhaust-side pannier is shaped around the exhaust which keeps things more compact flush too. They are side hinged which are more practical, plus they have stay-in-place hinges that allow you to open them midway without needing to open them all the way. Bumots also come with a nifty toolbox. I use mine with the standard Vario topbox which is still ace.

And here with the topbox and frame only (and boxes of mangoes!)

And if you have a GSA then the Bumots fit straight on to the BMW frames.

 

[Alan R]

All of the above responses are good, but none answer the pressing question of stability at 140mph in Mexico. I feel sure that the OP will want to know that before, as they say in these parts, he pulls the trigger on a set of panniers.
Alan R

 

[Spareparts]

And if you go for the 40/36L combo, the total width of mounted panniers are narrower than your handlebars by about 1".

 

[stick]

The only issue I have with the Ali boxes is the when not on the bike the frames look rubbish , at least with the vario panniers you don't need the frames on , I have both sets and the ali boxes and frames are only fitted when going away on tours.
T

 

[Boxerlust]

You guys cost me money... Thanks !
Squareparts,I also want to keep my Vario-Topcase which I like since it is toploading and won't hit the ground but do the toploading aluminum sideboxes still open with the wider vario topcase ?
AlanR , I already know the answer...
Stick , you got a point but I always ride with boxes on the bike except on trackdays where I run a S1000RR...
Did some research yesterday @ my local dealership...I would have preferred the BMW Alu panniers for reason of SINGLE key for boxes,topcase,GPS mount but it will be too expensive because passenger peg mounts have to be changed or taken off completely.
Wunderlich boxes look like a sensible option but I don't know where these boxes are made and they are a little heavier like 2 pounds per bag.
I probably go with the 45/40L Touratech Zega Pro X in anodized black which look like a good option except for the additional key...as also the little storage box inside the left bag carrier for the toolkit and tirepump.I think silver anodized would be looking out of place with the black vario topcase - if the combination still works with the top loading side boxes...otherwise the cheapest solution that has been paid for the slightly gay looking,small inside and flimsy Vario boxes have to do until you crash and mend the broken pieces far away from home and wishing for aluminum boxes...
Have a Corona...

 

[Spareparts]

You guys cost me money... Thanks !
Squareparts,I also want to keep my Vario-Topcase which I like since it is toploading and won't hit the ground but do the toploading aluminum sideboxes still open with the wider vario topcase ?

Vario topbox and Bumot panniers work fine together. No issues. Wouldn’t bother with Touratech... their quality and strength for the price just don’t compare really.

 

[Arsey]

Vario topbox and Bumot panniers work fine together. No issues. Wouldn’t bother with Touratech... their quality and strength for the price just don’t compare really.

Totally agree. Bumot all the way .

 

[trancey]

The aluminium boxes hold more and work well due to being top loaders. I have a GSA but this time I've gone for Givi Outback Trekker panniers and top box so, if I change bikes, I only need to buy the pannier frames and a plate for the box, mine are black.

 

[Boxerlust]

Thanks for the answer ! I just don't like the looks of the Bumots...I like the TouraTech made BMW boxes best but I think the Evo X system in black would look good with the Vario topcase...they both look kind of round on the edges and I think the black one would look better than the silver finish even if the silver finish is more practical where the black can get really hot in Mexico...but oh well style always wins over practicality or not...

 

[Spareparts]

If going for looks, then whichever brand you go for, you will want to have boxes where the right hand side moulds around the zorst... others (ZegaPros included) look crap with the gap on the rhs.


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[Arsey]

If going for looks, then whichever brand you go for, you will want to have boxes where the right hand side moulds around the zorst... others (ZegaPros included) look crap with the gap on the rhs.


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Not much point in going for looks if it’s being attached to a 1250 !!! You can’t polish a 138mph turd )