Can someone advise me on any options ( other than the wunderlich's) as to waterproof small bags to sit on top of the Vario side cases. I find when we are out fro a while on the GS it would be nice to have a bit more storage. We are in Boise, ID. 08'R1200GS
Ntlost
The vario side case mounting is basically some type of plastic composite. When I first got my GS in 09 I put the bike down at about 20 mph in mud over ice. Ripped off the left side vario case, the rear plastic hook type thingey was gone completely. Had to buy a new left bag (lot of money)
Get the new bag, while I was putting it on I notice that the mounting bracket was damaged also during the fall ([more money)
Jump ahead of my mistakes and invest in some real panniers.
I went with micatech, great mounting, strong boxes
Are you looking to bungee something to the top of the vario case? If so, try Ortlieb or Wolfman. I do not know of something that will attach itself or "fit" the vario case unless you bungee something on.
I have the vario bags and when I'm travelling on an extended trip, I will often use an Ortlieb for extra waterproof storage.
The wunderlich unit is a ortlieb bag
The vario has no provisions to attach anything to
The additional weight in the waterproof bags bouncing on the plastic brackets of the vario will only work for a while
This whole exercise with the vario bag cost me a lot of wasted money
Buy real panniers
I love my Vario Bags but the plastic latch on the top case broke doing single track and I lost the damn thing. New replacement has a metal latch and I have learned to leave the hard bags at home doing class five riding. A small soft bag for essentials only.Originally Posted by bobpeek
Jack
"All my life I wanted to be somebody. Now I realize I should have been more specific."
I'm sorry your experience was costly but your suggestion of buying new may not be an option for the OP. Depending on the type of riding you do, the Vario cases may or may not work well. I've modified mine and they are not way more durable and do the job. Buying new bags and hardware are not an option for many.
Also, Wunderlich has a very small selection of Ortlieb products on their website but there are other retailers and a wide variety of bags to choose from.
What was the cost of a new top case??
With more agressive riding you wouldn't want any cases on your bike, maybe a small backpack
Ntlost seemed to be looking for more storage while he was out touring.
The plastic brackets for the vario sidecases will not support additional weight.
Newstar
We're talking BMW's not KLR's with homemade brackets for Pelican boxes.
Although the pelican boxes would probably be stronger.
How did you modify the plastic mounting brackets ? ?
Novice Adventurer
Ntlost,
Check your PM's.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote