Varios on the GSA

[UK Jon]

Had the aluminium panniers and top box on my last GSA professionally polished to a mirror finish and then finished off with the orange 'R1200GSA' logo. Looked stunning. Always drew crowds wherever I parked and all the ladies loved looking at themselves. One even asked to use the nearside pannier as a mirror to apply her make up in the Pyrenees...........Other riders would park their bikes next to mine just so they could photograph the reflection of their own bikes. Can't do that or get the same pleasing attention with plastic boxes.

Also found top loading panniers more versatile then side loading. No risk of cracking any plastic or damaging hinges when had to force them shut on the odd occasion. Also worked well as chairs or table when camping.

As someone has said, they do look a bit 'airbrake' and hamper filtering, but filtering is not a priority when chilling out on holiday in the Alpes.

In fairness the Varios do not look too bad on the GSA, but I why settle for second best when you can have the real deal?

Regards

 

[catch]

Jon, I can somehow agree with your statement. It's also a matter of taste. But my taste is better and I am sure the vario panniers won't break as long as you don't go moto cross with the GS. My main concern you can see on the picture. (taken in Weymouth on a camping site)
When I travel I have my drinks and food in the panniers beside first aid kit and some tools to charge my phone. I tried to reach all my stuff conveniently with the aluminium panniers.......no chance! Had to rip all my luggage apart...
I tried to get my stuff in a top case and found out, the top case is actually hampering loading luggage as it takes away space for my big water proofed bags. The aluminum top case just offers space like a tea cup!
Varios without the top case on the bike give you a huge flexibility for loading luggage as long as you attach solid hooks to the varios to secure it. That's the only disadvantage, the varios come without any hooks.
But I admit, the classic panniers for an Adventure are the aluminium panniers.....also when they leave a friggin tinsmith shop on the bike after being removed.

 

[UK Jon]

Jon, I can somehow agree with your statement. It's also a matter of taste. But my taste is better and I am sure the vario panniers won't break as long as you don't go moto cross with the GS. My main concern you can see on the picture. (taken in Weymouth on a camping site)
When I travel I have my drinks and food in the panniers beside first aid kit and some tools to charge my phone. I tried to reach all my stuff conveniently with the aluminium panniers.......no chance! Had to rip all my luggage apart...
I tried to get my stuff in a top case and found out, the top case is actually hampering loading luggage as it takes away space for my big water proofed bags. The aluminum top case just offers space like a tea cup!
Varios without the top case on the bike give you a huge flexibility for loading luggage as long as you attach solid hooks to the varios to secure it. That's the only disadvantage, the varios come without any hooks.
But I admit, the classic panniers for an Adventure are the aluminium panniers.....also when they leave a friggin tinsmith shop on the bike after being removed.

Fully endorse your sentiments re aluminium GSA top box. Is pants in terms of capacity. To be fair the Varios in your photo match your bike really well. Looks pretty good to be honest, suits the olive and silver tank. Maybe I need to have a rethink..................

I did a camping trip to Ireland 2 up aluminium panniers and Redverz Expedition tent. Managed to get everything except tent poles (they were too long) in the GSA panniers and top box without using any other bags or holdalls.

Regards