So, I've gone for the vario panniers with no intention of going down the top box route this time, however, my wife won't go on the back of the bike without one.:huh: I could use that as a green light to never take her on the bike, but guess I need to keep her happy, sometimes! I'm thinking of going for a small box, rather than the vario box as that's HUGE, so has anyone on here has gone for a similar setup, if so what did you get?
Why not try a sissy bar (nicely padded) with an attached luggage rack? Best of both worlds - no huge top box and your SO will ride with you. .
I'm leaning towards the Vario topbox because I like the adjustable aspect of it. Is there a down-side that I may not be considering? Panniers can wait simply because I'm waiting to see what some will offer in the future and the adjustable topbox should be fine for my daily needs. Since you ask for pictures I'll add the Jesse Luggage panniers pic they sent me. (Yes i know that it's not what you asked for)
my Vario on 800GS flew away on the highway So I had to bolt it. And buy another one. -- the downside is the weight in general, but in your case you lose a LOT with ultralight baseplate. Also, it can crack more easily when you hit something, the fixing of another luggage on top is a problem in general.. and.. also.. it does not look as good as the original ALU boxes. IMHO.
Hummm, those are all things worth considering although on longer trips I tend to remove the top box and add the side boxes. (Soft bag(s) for the tent and stuff) However being able to attach "stuff" to the top of the box would be a nice option. It seems that every system has it's own up/down aspects... What caused your top box to separate from your bike?
I'm now thinking of the small BMW softbag 2, it's a fraction of the price of a vario, and also has a backrest. Anyone here using one?
I went the TT route with 31/38l boxes. They are not the slimmest but I like the volume and layout for lots of uses. The asymmetry does bother me as the bike is full of the like. I don't have a car, so ease with grocery bags was a concern. They haven't disappointed yet.
I am thinking of going the same route. As I recall the 31/38 combination is 38 inches wide. That is less than handlebar width. Can you post pictures of your setup?
How bout this idea... We take either the BMW bag or the touratech roll and fill whith stuff we need, while taking care to have soft stuff where she rests her back... Best of both worlds! An if she complains too much on the ride, at a gas stop loosen the staps on the bag. Accelerate hard, problem solved. Kidding, I love my wife and would never do anything like that!
My Jesses should be here by the end of next week. Hopefully I'll have them on by Friday. I'll post pics when I do.
Now that your bike is out of the shop I look forward to your pictures and thoughts. Both Jesse and Touratech are being considered.
If Touratech had their "special set" available, or even Globescouts (look very nice and I'd probably choose before Touratech) had set with an exhaust cutout then I'd probably choose those over Jesse. Don't get me wrong, Jesses product is very nice and extremely heavy duty. I loved my bags on my last GS, but their customer service is downright frustrating.
Yep, I talked to Touratech and they are working on it, but the estimate is 4th qtr this year. That plus the fact they typically cost about $500.00 more than the asymmetrical set I can live without the symmetrical with the cutout on the exhaust side. Add to that you lose about 8 liters from the cut out bag you actually get a little more capacity from the standard set. Coming from Metal Mules on my F800GS I have enjoyed a pannier that is easy to load and no seal lip at the top. I still want to compare the Zega Pro with the Jesse. I have about 2 months till delivery so plenty of time to decide. Either way they both are good choices.
Based on timing I am going with the TT panniers. The Holan, GlobalScout, and Jesse look great, but TT are available at the dealer now. The rest are at least a month our for delivery. Sent from my SCH-I535 using Tapatalk 2
Availability is certainly a deciding factor for many. It was for me. I'm surprised the Touratech stuff is available though. I have some engine guards ordered and they are still in pre-order faze as is most the wethead stuff still.
Best value product from BMW at around $230 and I didn't have to by a new one for the LC! Only about 22l capacity but perfect for an overnight trip. I used two sets of the straps ( long and medium) and it was rock solid on a 1200km break in trip. Didn't have a pillion for that trip but have used them extensively with a pillion who says the back rest is very comfortable.