Follow along with the video below to see how to install our site as a web app on your home screen.
Note: This feature may not be available in some browsers.
Welcome to the forum Kelly. You didn't mention the size/model of the bike. For me, on the F800gs, I went with the plastic Vario cases. Size, function and fit they have worked out well. If I had a GSAdventure I probably would have gone with the aluminum. The only complaint I hear on the aluminum is the grey of the aluminum rubbing off on the contents. HTH GaryHi, I'm new to BMW motorcycles and touring. I would like some input from experienced rides. What do people prefer and why?
Thanks,
Kelly
Hi Kelly,
Sorry I'm late to this thread, but I've had some experience with this.
I've had the BMW Vario bags on my 2005 R12GS since I bought it in 2005. They're excellent street-use hard bags. Waterproof, keyed to your ignition key for convenience, the right bag will hold a helmet, etc...
BUT, don't buy them if you think your bike will EVER be on the ground. In the summer of 2006 I had a parking lot lay down. I got off the bike on an Austin hotel parking lot after a hot 200 mile ride from Dallas, the last 50 miles of which was in Austin rush hour traffic. I was hot, tired, cranky, not thinking about what I was doing, and I got off the bike without putting the kickstand down. I knew it the moment moment my right foot hit the concrete, but it was too late. All I could do was get in position to lay the bike down as gently as possible, which I did. I laid it down so softly that there wasn't a scratch on it. Not even on the mirrors, hardbags, ... NOTHING. But the hardware inside the left hard bag was bent by virtue of the bike's weight being on it. Only the weight of the bike bent it! As you probably know, the Vario bags can expand from thinner to wider. But since then, the left hard bag has been stuck in the wide mode. Its not been a big deal as I tend to keep them in the wide position anyway, but it is a lesson as to the Vario bags' lack of sturdiness. Imagine what a lay down at ANY speed, or on a bad road would have done. It'd have been demolished.
Fast forward to a month ago. I'm still using the same left hard bag even though it looks a bit uneven with the bent inner hardware. One day I was leaving work and, as I approached my bike in the parking lot, noticed that my left hard bag was partially caved in! Obviously, somebody hit my bike in the parking lot! The car or pick-up nudged the left hard bag almost caving it in. There is no question in my mind that its the result of a VERY slow speed parking lot fender bender. After all, it didn't even move the bike! But the Vario "hard" bag is so messed up that I have it rigged to stay on the bike using zip ties! It won't close easily, and the locking mechanism no longer works. A couple of weekends ago it fell off on a group ride because the mounts are bent!
Suffice it to say I'm in the market for either a new set of hardbags, or a replacement left Vario bag. Of all the aftermarket aluminum bags, my research has sold me on the Micatech Pilots, but since that is a $1,400 pricetag I'm still debating what to do.
But the point is, that the BMW stock plastic bag is not remotely sturdy. If they were priced accordingly it wouldn't be a big deal. But since a new set of Varios with mounts will cost the same or nearly the same as a set of Micatechs or Jesses, then in my opinion there's no reason to get them. Bottom line: if I were buying the bike again today I'd get the aluminum bags.
Hope this helps, and let us know what you do!
Mod.... Can we have this guy banned? No one should have to put up with this sort of crazy talk.If I were going to plunk down money today for new bags I would buy soft sided bags, but that is another discussion.