Top case flew away - luggage recommendations?

[ca1ic0cat]

I was struck by the flying top case demon today. Had to go to the centerline to avoid a bicycleist and hit some pot holes. I guess that is when the top case came off. Couldn't find it anywhere. What really tics me off is that the GPS was in it, along with the owners manual, oil fill wrench, etc.

Called the dealer and a new Vario top case would be $637 all up and would have to have a different key than the side cases. Their recommendation was that the Vario is "good for commuting" but "not tough enough for touring loads."

So I'm thinking of buying a whole new set of luggage. I need rather large stuff and I would rather it stayed attached to the bike. The dealer is stocking Touratech and saying that this is the GSA BMW stuff w/o the BMW logo and $500 cheaper.

Any other suggestions?

Anybody want to buy a pair of Vario side bags and mounting hardware?

Eric

[ksut]

Geez too bad my freind...Problem is that most aftermarket (non BMW) cases are not able to take the mashing the mount systems can handle...weakest link I suppose...I went with factory GSA mounts and panniers/top case....Never had any issues...Touch wood!

[Quanto12]

I also have the BMW adventure cases and don't have any complaint at all! Just came back from a big trip and they have served me well!
You buddy at the store is right, Touratech do make the BMW case! There's a little sticker in the boxes to prove it! I like the mounting system on the BMW cases,the cases are easy to mount and dismount! I bought a used side case in excellent condition on ebay for half the price, so that I can make myself a bigger top case!
Good luck with your choices!!!

[ca1ic0cat]

I measured the plate that the BMW Vario top case mounts to and, rather than being flat, it is bowed about 1/4" in 12" of run. That means that the latching tab was compromised. I don't know if the bow crept in as the plastic aged or if the thing had a dimensional tolerace stack up but there you are. One way or the other it's a design flaw.

My recommendation at this point is to avoid the Vario bags. Go for the heavy duty stuff from the get go.

[Fudmucker]

If you still intend to retain your Vario panniers, then I suggest that you look at:
The Touratech Zega Pro top box and bracket.
The SW Motech Trax top box.
My Vario top box has also now started cracking around the locking well.
I'm doing far more off-road now than before so I'm going with the
SW Motech Trax setup...

[SpEd]

Hey Fud,

Will he need a new mount for this topbox, or will it utilize the factory mounts? I'm not overly impressed with the Varios on my GS.

[Fudmucker]

The Trax has a mounting plate that attaches to the BMW rack.

The Touratech Zega Pro has a sturdy S/S rack that replaces the BMW one.

[GS1200Man]

I read about the problems with top cases coming off. Before I rode to Alaska a few years ago, I just drilled a couple of holes through the top case and ran a couple of screws through to the rack below. Problem solved. Screws are in the bottom and no problem with leakage.

[t6pilot]

Same concerns here, so I bought the endure kit from BMW about $30 ouch
Consisted of two screws, two nuts, four washers and two spacers. Remove the two rubber plugs in bottom of vario case, these line up with metal on mounting bracket support arms, remove rubber spacers between mounting plate and bracket arms, mount case and drill through plastic mounting plate so as to align with steel brackets.
$2dollars at marine supply would buy you the required bolts nuts and washers in stainless steel
BMW kinda pricey
Does secure the case though
Still pricey

[diethornig]

It's all the bicyclist's fault... too bad for you... they should learn to run in moderation...