Vario vs alloy topbox?

[kennif]

I would appreciate some feedback from anyone on the forum regarding topbox choices. I have just replaced my 2010 R1200GS which had Vario panniers and topbox with a new R1200GS with alloy panniers. I had thought to keep the Vario topbox on the new bike but when the alloy panniers arrived the brackets and fittings for the alloy topbox were included. The dealer says he can supply and fit a new alloy topbox and brackets for $NZ1,250 ($USD973) giving me $NZ300 ($USD234) credit for the Vario topbox and brackets.

I am planning a reasonably challenging trip this year which will include some quite gnarly roads.

Do you think the alloy topbox is sufficiently better than the Vario one to justify the additional cost?

Any thoughts appreciated.
Kennif

[t6pilot]

I have the vario on my 2011GS if the alloy boxes mount different than the vario I would go with them. Seems their are some instances where the vario boxes can depart the bike at speed or rough roads. I have installed the BMW enduro kit to prevent this from occurring $30 US from dealer, ouch, 2 screws 2 nuts 2spacers and a couple of washers and a nice 60 page installion manual in six languages.
Look up the installion guide on line you can duplicate the parts for a couple dollars at your local hardware store
You will still want to key your case to your new bike will your dealer do it for free?

[Quanto12]

I'd go with the alluminium top box, much stronger set up all together! I had the vario top box fall off after hitting a pot hole on the highway!
I did like the expandable system on the vario giving it an extra capacity, about 13 litre more than the alluminium top box! That's why I modified a right (side) alluminium side box into a top box for when I plan a long ride with the girlfriend!

[orsolomeo]

Originally Posted by t6pilot

I have the vario on my 2011GS if the alloy boxes mount different than the vario I would go with them. Seems their are some instances where the vario boxes can depart the bike at speed or rough roads. I have installed the BMW enduro kit to prevent this from occurring $30 US from dealer, ouch, 2 screws 2 nuts 2spacers and a couple of washers and a nice 60 page installion manual in six languages.
Look up the installion guide on line you can duplicate the parts for a couple dollars at your local hardware store
You will still want to key your case to your new bike will your dealer do it for free?

Do you have more details on this 'enduro kit'? I did quick google search but I havent found much... it sounds like it is something worthwhile looking into!
Thanks a lot!

[kennif]

Originally Posted by orsolomeo

Do you have more details on this 'enduro kit'? I did quick google search but I havent found much... it sounds like it is something worthwhile looking into!
Thanks a lot!

+1 thanks very much
Kennif

[t6pilot]

I found out about the enduro kit from a blog, went to long beach BMW and asked for the top case enduro kit, Called Topcase enduro lock for R1200GS,
Kinda over priced
Open your top box you will see two rubber grommets towards the back of the box, if you will remove these the holes line up with with the holes in the black steel support bracket under the attaching plate, remove the rubber grommets from steel support, now drill through support plate, silver plastic part. Case holes will line up with support bracket holes I used a 7mm drill.
Parts needed
2 M6 screws 1-1/4
2 m6 self locking nuts
18 m6 washers or 6 washers and 2 3/8 spacers
Screw goes though case with 1 washer inside of case 3washers between case and adpator plate, between adapter plate and black steel support bracket,you removed this grommet also goes the 2/8 spacer, bottom of steel support another washer and self locking nut.
Once you remove the grommets in case install case on bike you will see how it works
At most $2 dollars in parts

[orsolomeo]

Originally Posted by t6pilot

I found out about the enduro kit from a blog, went to long beach BMW and asked for the top case enduro kit, Called Topcase enduro lock for R1200GS,
Kinda over priced
Open your top box you will see two rubber grommets towards the back of the box, if you will remove these the holes line up with with the holes in the black steel support bracket under the attaching plate, remove the rubber grommets from steel support, now drill through support plate, silver plastic part. Case holes will line up with support bracket holes I used a 7mm drill.
Parts needed
2 M6 screws 1-1/4
2 m6 self locking nuts
18 m6 washers or 6 washers and 2 3/8 spacers
Screw goes though case with 1 washer inside of case 3washers between case and adpator plate, between adapter plate and black steel support bracket,you removed this grommet also goes the 2/8 spacer, bottom of steel support another washer and self locking nut.
Once you remove the grommets in case install case on bike you will see how it works
At most $2 dollars in parts

Great tip! Thank you!

[Fudmucker]

I did something similar, but I used rubber faucet washers between top box and base.

Eventually, the Vario vibrated itself into failure,
with a split in the ABS all around the lock recess.

I replaced it with a SW Motec Trax aluminium top box at 2/3 of the OEM top box price.