Vario Cases Modifications

[genka]

I want to see how you modified Vario cases. Straps to prevent stuff from falling out? External loops? Reinforcements? Lights? Something else?

[DenniSMC]

I am doing mine now. I put footman loops on the doors. And ROK 12"s in them. I use the stock mouting points under the seat for the other halves. The drawback is you need to unclip the straps to open the doors. But I only put my tent and small duffy on them. So its no big deal.
For inside I bought liners from Feebay. $65 and no worries. Just pull the bag out and dig around in it. Then put in back in.

[genka]

Only a single reply! I guess everyone like their Varios the way they are...

[mb90535im]

I use my Varios all the time and when traveling backing forth between home and weekend cabin typically add the BMW Vario liner bags. Haven't felt the urge to farkle them any further at this point.

I do disassemble and clean them a time or two a year depending on how much dust they see.

[DenniSMC]

I think most are afraid to try anything with them. Mechanically its real easy to screw them up. Even what I am doing might not be strong enough to strap things down tightly.
My first idea was to sell my bags and buy something else that is meant for what I have planned. But I am one of those poor BMW owners. To spent 1500-2000 on luggage is insane in my finacial situation would be selfish and careless. I would have to give myself a huge kick in my own ass if I spent that money like that. For what? A few more liters of storage? Vario 37-45 liters is not bad. The Tourtech stuff is only a liter more. I know they are stronger. And I would like them. But I already have these. SO I will use them until they are beat to crap. Hopefully the Footman thing works out. It would be a shame if it just ripped the cover off the door. I assume if i just strap things down tight enough it should be ok.

[Lensgrinder]

I added a 12v power supply to my top case so I could recharge my laptop and cell phone while I was riding. It worked great on my trip to Alaska and back. It plugged in under the passenger seat in the socket provided.

[Z50Pilot]

Originally Posted by Lensgrinder

I added a 12v power supply to my top case so I could recharge my laptop and cell phone while I was riding.

+1 I have an SAE connector under the seat and can disconnect it when I remove the top case (which is almost never).

I also carry a couple of straps in the top case, in case something breaks and I need to strap a bag on/closed.

[PhotoBiker]

Originally Posted by DenniSMC

I am doing mine now. I put footman loops on the doors.

I've tried three places lately for these damn loops, I just checked your post, I wish I'd know they were called "Footman loops" it would have helped with the looks I received.

Did you get these online somewhere? Or your local hardware?

I have a marine supply store to check out tomorrow still.

[DenniSMC]

Got some waterproof bags for my road trip to Florida next week. Between the footman loops and bags the storage space is almost double. And can still carry a passenger.

[OkieTom]

Which waterproof bags are you using, they look like an excellent fit....

Originally Posted by DenniSMC

Got some waterproof bags for my road trip to Florida next week. Between the footman loops and bags the storage space is almost double. And can still carry a passenger.

[1200gsceej]

I have one of those bags - great! I run mine across the seat (don't have a passenger). But can see that on a long haul that would be a good way to go.
-ceej

Originally Posted by DenniSMC

Got some waterproof bags for my road trip to Florida next week. Between the footman loops and bags the storage space is almost double. And can still carry a passenger.

[DenniSMC]

They are the Ortlieb medium bags. There was a sale in the vendors section.

[ordnasselA]

SO, any news from the English guy ? I wrote him on the ukgs forum, but no replay. Does any of you have any clue?

[dfhepner]

Originally Posted by ordnasselA

SO, any news from the English guy ? I wrote him on the ukgs forum, but no replay. Does any of you have any clue?

I also posted on the UK forum but no reply. I just may have to get down and design my own set.

[DenniSMC]

It works out well. You can only ride thin chicks. Actually you can move the bags further out to go hoggin.




After bashing the bikes thru the Everglades last week, I give the mod a big thumbs up. All mounting points seem in tact. Nothing loosened or fell off. I had no problems moving around on the bike on or off road.