Trouble is they can’t win can they? Most consumers are chasing the latest and greatest, even on something as simple as luggage. Jury is out for me. The panniers on my K1600GT are awesome with central locking but certainly not durable or worth the horrendous price tag.
To anyone complaining about BMWs luggage pricing, take a look at any manufacturer hard luggage nowadays - they’re all flippin’ expensive. KTM1290SA touring luggage is £1,500, Triumph Tiger 1200 trekker pack is £1,790 plus fitting, Ducati Multistrada V4 plastic luggage is a shade under £1,500, even the relatively lowly Honda NX500 is £1295 for a decent topbox and dinky panniers. Given most luggage is cheap (often rebranded) moulded plastic they’re all over-priced.
I notice the new Vario panniers have attachments for threading straps through, or for attaching bungee hooks, which the old boxes don't seem to have. If it were me, I'd buy a Givi Trekker Outback 58 litre top box, it's solid and very secure. If you need more capacity, buy two soft panniers, and you could also strap a waterproof bag to the Givi top box and/or the pillion seat. The BMW luggage is very nice, but par for the course, it's rather expensive! 👍
One of the benefits of the BMW panniers was the fact they got off and on very easy, at least on the RT. Much better than on a ST1100 for example. Seems no longer be the case with these R1300GS boxes. I'm not a big fan of a topbox. It's like a Porsche 911, there is a lot of weight behind the backaxle. A fundamental design flaw. All bikes I have tried with and without top box always ride a bit more sure footed without the box, even the RS. If I want/need to take luggage, I take my car. Much easier and much more room...
Totally agree with aluminium top loaders being the most practical option. Dropping your camping gear into muddy fields whilst trying load/unload side cases is rubbish. The flat tops of alli boxes allow easy strapping down of other gear too. I had the BMW water proof inner bags for my alli boxes and they were also designed to strap on the alli box lid. This was awesome as you always seem to need more space as your camping trip goes on to accommodate less perfectionist packing away as you use stuff. Also, if you bought gifts etc to take home you always knew you effectively had 2 empty panniers of space should you need it just by strapping the inners to the lid and this also allows isolation of any grubby gear from your clean stuff.
Aluminium cases looks bad ass, but the truth is that if the biker wouldn't do a real extreme adventure tour as crossing from Morocco to South Africa via jungles, it's a bad idea to have them!!! they are heavy, can cut a leg in a crash, and cost a lot!!!
I can’t understand where is BMW expecting to go with the new Gs, and this panniers are a perfect example of what I mean. It’s nice, and useful, but tremendously expensive and not at all the image of “rugged terrain” adventure etc etc that the GS needs to go for and used to be known for. It’s the essence of what made the gs a success. This is more RT than GS, not looking sturdy enough, even if so….
Nice to be able to gain an extra couple of inches. 😮 Very informative Mr Flyer. Over complicated in my humble opinion, but I guess there will be plenty of folks who love them and have deep enough pockets.
Thanks, Andy. I own a 2018 R1200GS and just cannot get excited about the whole R1300GS - it's considerable increased cost over where I got in, the looks, the new ergonomics, like you, these panniers are not good, especially at those prices. I wonder who the customers for the R1300GS will be. The addition of even more electronics, like on my bike, make long term ownership very questionable. The unavailability of a factory service manual in order to force every owner into factory dealer service departments does not work for me, either. Or maybe it's just me, certainly this is just my opinion.
What’s a bit annoying is that BMW have made it more difficult but not impossible to fit after market boxes. Looks like you have to remove all the central locking electrics to get other boxes on but as you say Andy they don’t hold as much as the old or a good set of aluminium panniers. I’ve said before these would not look out of place on an RT so it’ll be interesting to see if BMW are going forward with a universal luggage system that clips and locks on multiple bikes. Please please BMW don’t do this to the GSA !
Best review ever of a luggage system. Everything important is explained. Missendflyer knows what he tells. Very expirienced in travelling on bike, knows what important is, and was just nice to have or absolutly nonsense/useless. I’m 100 agree with your oppinion. For me as a BMW Fanboy I would look out for alu cases. Good Ride to all of you in 2024.
Having had vario’s on my 2008 GS I got shot of them precisely for the reasons you mentioned. For touring two up the alloy panniers are much lighter (even taking into account the mounting racks), much bigger and easier to use. Not sure GSA racks would look right on this GS…..the more I see of it the more I think BMW have lost the plot. I have test ridden one and it is great BUT for my needs (much touring with pillion) my current 1250 with GSA luggage is the much better bike).
You are good at what you do, watched a few of yours now, well done. I'm in Oz and tour Loooong distances. If I may comment. The side panniers being square (old) is really handy. Wifey and I have the insert bags for the old and it is extremely handy, you pull up at a motel/hotel and remove the bag and go inside, done!. The bags are also vario for my wife's hair dryer (don't go there :-) ). So no I do not like the new ones, stupid shape. As for the knob verse the bar to increase size, use mine very regularly and have never had an issue. But on a positive I do like then top box on the new. As for the new having inside lights.....just another thing that can break, when you have a insert bag, it takes seconds to remove and go inside to your waiting beer after doing 700kms in a day (typical in Oz). So agree with your comment, with the new bike I would not get the new vario's.
Why have BMW complicated such a simple concept and you don’t even get a high level brake light which you get with a much cheaper Givi. There’s already a recall on the top box, the forums will be awash with dissatisfied owners and their faulty luggage over the next few years.
Well on paper the new features are improvements but for me the most important things about luggage are capacity, ease of use then cost - none of which these do that well on imo….
I'm constantly amazed that people are willing to hand over huge amounts of money to BMW for substandard tat. They're obviously buying into something, but what, I can't figure out.😂
I've just bought an Oxford top box for my Suzuki V-Strom XT 1050 for £60. Much cheaper than OEM and I can actually fit 2 helmets in it. Begs the question how manufacturers can still get away with the cost of theirs...
I know I've said it before but BMW certainly know how to overprice everything that's for sure, have you got up to 25 grand yet or is there more to come.
With triple boxes I prefer to keep two locked and one unlocked for easy access. Top opening saddle bags are certainly preferable. Aluminum boxes are easier to take care and the adjustability, lights inside, and central locking is certainly something I wouldn't want to pay extra for.
Hi Andy.. this was a great film and review…. I had added these to my order including liner bags .. not sure what they will be like .. and not sure if the bags are the liners ??? It did take my order to £25.5k !!!!!! A massive plus point for me is the bike looks good without them .. the R1250GS system looks awful without the pannier’s in my opinion ..
My original Vario panniers, top box and plate were less all in than just these panniers when I bought them from Germany in 2015! Looks like they've lost the plot when they designed these, giving people stuff they don't need but not concentrating on the important stuff. I can understand the need/desire for central locking on a big luxury tourer like your wing, the RT or the K1600 but this is supposed to be an adventure bike and they look totally unsuitable for that role. The seem a bit pointless and far too expensive unless you're going to be doing long touring trips 2 up.
Yes, they just added weight to an already heavy bike, and I ended up doing what you do one up. Top box with bag on seat. My old versys had great light panniers, and with a low slung exhaust, you get two panniers the same size. Nothing has beaten that yet.
Honest review as always. I have just bought aluminum panniers having come to the same conclusions. I was amazed at the heft when I lifted one. For those yet to decide it would be useful to know the weights as well as the overall width on the bike in both positions.
Great review, Andy - thorough and informative. It’ll be interesting to see how those boxes fair over the years. I not your older gains on the 12 look in pretty good shape, though as you say you didn’t use the side boxes all that much. I’d be interested to see whether they make much of a difference to the ride, given their weight and bulk, especially when splitting and weaving. Great work, as ever.
So, more fiddly to put On and remove. Heavier, more expensive to buy, more fiddly to expand and retract. - and that is “progress”??? Keeping my R1250 until hell freezes over.
Just sat on the 1300GS today, OMG its comfy but heavy :D Loads of travel in the steering which is great, unfortunately its out of my price range and licence range (A2 restricted). I'm deciding if I wanna buy the last F 750 GS from my dealer or wait and save to buy the new F 800 GS. So many options..... never enough money.
Approx. £1500 per bike? Certainly makes a case (sorry) for larger groups having a courier van & willing 'Stigfonso' for such things. (Leaves your nags nice & nimble between stops too : )
I had Varios on my 2017 GS. I have the aluminum top loaders on my 2022 GS. I prefer the latter. The Varios usable volume was compromised by being side loading. These new ones are so complex and busy.
Interesting review, I can't help thinking the old Vario adjustment system you have on your 1200GS is far more robust than the new system on 1300GS which looks rather fragile (only time will tell)
I simply find the luggage design is overly complicated - make them fixed capacity - less things to break/go wrong. My FJR1300 top box will swallow 2 full face helmets but as you note, when touring it will be full of kit. Again lights and USB connectors are unnecessary - I have an SW Motech Pro City tank bag and I simply run a phone charging wire from a power port on the bike into the tank bag where I stash all the things that I need easy access to.
As always, useful and thorough video, thanks. Maybe useful to know that BMW aren’t shipping the top box at the moment since there is an issue with them 😢. According to the dealer I’m waiting for them from.
So BMW thinks illuminating a pannier at night is more important than illuminated switch gear? …… probably the same clown who ditched rear brake light so new blind spot safety feature could be added 🤔🤔🤔
Very trick, but no thanks! Central locking is one more tech farkle to pack up! The older Vario levers have a mechanical advantage and yet they get difficult to expand and retract after a while…those twiddly knobs look too weak, mechanically. Pretty, but nah! 🤷♂️
I have similar issues, with the new Triumph 1200 Gt Pro. Yet to use the panniers on a tour, but i can already tell, their going to be problematic, based on weight alone. God knows, what they will be like, when their full of gear. Really painful on the hand to, as their solid plastic. Seems a common theme, me thinks, with modern Adventure bikes??
With all that whizzy gubbins going on in there you'd a thought they'd have come up with a little electric extender for the knob. Would please my missus anyway, but then she's never happy..;)
I dislike side opening panniers so they were never going to be an option for me, I’ve been using Givi Trekker Outback’s for some time, in fact the same set have been on a Triumph Explorer and two BMW R1250GS’s, I already have the Givi top box plate and am waiting for the pannier rails to arrive, I usually have a 48 litre left and a 37 litre right, just waiting to find out how close the pannier rail fit is on the right hand side to see if I can use two 48’s when touring. I also installed a charging connection into the left hand pannier which I power with an optimate lead from the left hand side power port on my 2021 GS, I’ve found that I’ve never needed it so will be removing and blanking the hole, the additional power outlet on the 1300 is on the right hand side just behind the pillion foot hanger.
Weighty and over engineered, I suspect the panniers will gather dust in the garage most of the time. But who doesn’t love an extra 3 inches just by twiddling a knob. ;)
Too much gadgetry 🤔 Shad or Givi aftermarket would be my preference or indeed repurposed ammo boxes bolted on! These are sure to go wrong, drain battery and need expensive BMW support …
I think this complexity and expense is one reason a lot of people are put off the GS. It’s a bit like that massive Swiss Army knife with every function but is just a bit OTT. Still well thought out and executed.
Just received my revised top box yesterday and I’m disappointed. The boss that holds the electrical connector cover falls off in the lock position! In my opinion at this price point they are not fit for purpose. The more people return these cases the more chance BMW will listen & modify.
Lights in paniers and top boxes as you said you may never need them but they are there. But no backlit switches. Seems an overaight for a 24k priced bike.
Speak for yourself about not putting a helmet in the top box when touring! My top box has my locks in it when riding, or helmet & tank bag in it when stopped (as the locks are used on the bike).
Ridiculous pricing by BMW. If I end up with this bike later this year or early next year, which I think will likely happen, I will be sourcing third-party luggage. I am totally with you on this 👍
Fair review. I purchased the triumph/givi trekker luggage for my bike. The dual opening style is nice, and the weight isn't too bad for hard luggage. I'd go with soft luggage any day if it wasn't for thieves! The benefit of weight, compression, and external mounting capability makes soft luggage functionally much better.
A lot of dosh. Look good, I think the top loading side panniers are more practical. Not sure why the top box is expanding, just have it the bigger size and ditch the mechanism.
I would like to know what is the recommended weight the rack and side mounts can carry because making them bigger is probably pointless unless you are carrying feathers as most racks are only 10kg and 5kg per pannier
One problem : the top box locking mechanism has failed with people losing boxes. BMW MOTORRAD has stopped delivering ordered top boxes and removed the option from new bike orders. They are yet to offer a revised version and yet to compensate affected owners. This new F1300GS keeps giving 😂!
Great in depth review as always. Looked at these at my local BMW dealer and really didn't like em, far too complicated. Got top loading aluminium boxes on my 1250 GS for me by far the best for capacity lightness and security. FB👍
You didn't mention the electrical connector covers in your video. With panniers removed you have a circular plastic cover that clips over the connector on the subframe. I've heard that they have a habit of falling off and are expensive to replace. Great summary though and like you I'm not sold on them.
Good review. I bought the topcase and I am very undecided about the panniers, as they are not very large and they are heavy, and expensive as you say. I agree with you about the wheel mechanism for expanding the case, to me it feels a bit flimsy and I was concerned enough, that I lubricated it after using it a couple of times. In saying that the case is a nice shape,, feels sturdy and well made, opening on two sides is good and the light and USB port are good as is the central locking. Again, will the spring loaded electric connection point last in long term use?
Got to say I’ve had my top box since November and have had no issues with it in function and form. I really like the lid arrangement and the hydraulic strut so for me it’s a great box. Sure the price is high but you get what you pay for installed and ready to go no research no ordering just get on and use it perfect.
Mr. Missenden was too kind about Vario Luggage. I personally think they’re ugly and cheap looking vs the bike, and not durable for an adventure bike. Central locking a luxury, not a necessity. Andy’s right, the vario function is flimsy.panniers feel wide fully extended. And they scratch and dent so easily: I’ve had a very gentle drop, and the pannier looks like I’ve ridden a few thousand miles off road. I’ve acquired scratches and a small dent in the other pannier in normal use, no idea how.The other moan is that you don’t have the fixing points you had on the 1250 gsa. BMW discouraging after market products.? I’ve sold mine, and am losing the electronic gadgets ,and going back to the boring old ally boxes. The real bitch is when I bought the bike the varios were the only available panniers, and I’m now £500 out of pocket to get some decent luggage. Of course some rider will want BMW head to toe without a Wunderlich or Touratech badge in sight, and fair do’s. I love the bike, dunno why 1250gsa owners feel nostalgic for their old tanks. Everything is better, except maybe it’s not quite as intimidating to other road users. Dunno about serious off road, but reckon anyone that takes a £20k bike off road is either a much better rider than me, or has more money than sense.
Yes agreed (all round!) - and since I made this video I have gone off the vario panniers a little. They are quite heavy, prone to scratching and I don’t think look as good as ally boxes….
£674 for the top box and plate!!!! Givi Trekker Outback 42L is £250, a plastic Givi V40 which is still bigger is £99. Plate probably about £50. I can live without a light and central locking!
Great review Andy. Just another reason for me to wait for the new GSA version. Hopefully they keep to the Aluminium boxes which are so much lighter and functional. 🤞🤞.
Hi Andy, all the plus and negatives you mentioned are valid, loads of bells and whistles, but you don't always need that, plus they are very expensive. If I swap my 1250 GSA for the new one it will be because I can carry over my BMW aluminium cases and top box, in fact my cases I brought BMW extenders which give an additional 5 inch in height to the side cases, they can be removed in seconds also. On tour I never book anywhere and carry camping equipment just in case, and it all fits in easily. Thank you for a very good review.
To me, the sidecases and their drop down doors just make the vario cases (all generations) unusable. I have the full set of Vario cases for my F 750 GS and I never use the side panniers, the form and the way they open makes the space inside unusable for me. The Aluminum cases with top opening are way more usable and at this point I'm just switching to soft lugagge.
Great review seems its not just BMW who want to pull your pants down on OEM luggage . I was quoted £1700 for full set on my Tiger . Ended up getting Shad for £600
Reminds me of the old adage "Just because you can doesn't mean you should" Ridiculously over complicated, over designed, over complicated, over weight, over priced, side loading not ideal, apart from that they're great
I watched this review with great interest, not least the part about costs, so thank you Andy. My new 1300 is pretty loaded with most factory fitted extras (touring pack etc) which include central locking and fully wired up carriers for side panniers, yet unfortunately for hitherto unexplained reasons the factory fitted rear rack is not suitable to mount a top box. To rectify this I have been quoted (by the local dealer where I bought the bike) £635 for the correct rack to be fitted. I am guessing it is £514 for the proper rack and £121 for the adaptor plate mentioned in the review.
Good reveiw Andy. All a bit ponsey really LOL pays your money...makes your choice. Ref helmet fit in top box....im intered to know if helmet fits not for when touring when obviously its already full....its just handy for those midweek rides to local cafe or pub or bike meets so you dont have to carry your lid around :-).
Hi Andy, I want to ask, if you stop the 1300gs, turn off the ignition and the luggage centrally locks, then take any of the luggage off the bike using the mechanical key, do the luggage boxes remain locked? How do you get in the luggage boxes when they are no longer connected to the bike power ? Thanks,Glyn
Not sure about the shape either compared to the old Varios....they generally use things like polystyrene balls to assess volume and that means that irregular shaped containers can sometimes score a higher volume figure than a regular shaped one and that's great if your buying them to carry around polystyrene balls....doesn't really work if your laptop isn't made of polystyrene balls though.....jus sayin....🤘🏍🏁 great review A...
In my opinion they are totally wrong, I have GIVI the boxy aluminium top loading type. When you get the campsite (not hotel) they are your seat, or table, nothing falls out when you open them. These plastic spaceship shaped waste of time items are for posers.
I haven't read all the comments so this may already have been mentioned. When you ride without the boxes, does the electric connectors on the bike stay live? if so, that will cause problems with weather affecting the connector I would think. I may way off here but seems possible.
Yes but the annoying thing is that on the 600mile service they guys said it was fine.. Still awaiting BMW engine bars and some people starter relays. All a bit of a nightmare considering the bike is so great @@TheMissendenFlyer
