GS Side and Top Case Options

[Route66]

We sold our LT and are now eagerly searching for a 2006-2007 GS here in the Pacific Northwest. The bikes I have considered so far have either the BMW GS or GSA side and top cases on them. Since they are a major expense, I need some imput about the quality of construction, the ability to add tie downs to the sides and tops, and opinions on advantages of side- versus top-opening cases. It has been 40 years since I rode dirt bikes so I took Puget Sound Safety's first Adventure Riding Class. Great class, take it if you can, it really whetted my appetite for riding dirt roads. I'm looking forward to attending a Pacific Northwest GS Rally. I have seen the thread on Adventure Riders about cases, but it really didn't give much info to make a comparison between the BMW GS and GSA cases. Maybe I'd be better to buy a bike without the cases and add Happy Trails or other after market bags? Thanks for your assistance. And, if you know of any late model GS's for sale, let us know.
Terry and Char
Bikeless in Bellingham :>(

[kk610lt]

Congrats on your new adventure.
I own a 2004 R 1150 GS Adventure. It has the BMW aluminum panniers which have hinged tops. I really like them and they hold lots of stuff. I just installed the rear top case bracket and now I can just have one case for commuting without the width of two cases for daily use. The official top case is almost identical to the side cases but a couple of inches lower. My dealer recommends to just get a second right case for the top...it is even cheaper than the smaller top case.

The lids have 4 loops for tying stuff down if you have a tent etc. Be sure to get the extra hardware that allows for secure mounting on the mounting rail besides the latch that comes with the boxes. They also make a wire that will keep the lids from getting blown too far open..probably a good idea as well.

The regular GS cases are the plastic type that hinge open at the bottom or you can use the expandable kind also. Adventure bags can be installed on a regular GS too. My friend did just that on his bike. I have Bestem bag liners and like them a lot.

Then there is always the aftermarket..Tourtech, Jesse etc. Have fun.
Keith

[Yiet]

I am a new GS Adventure owner who bought a used bike that came with the BMW bags. I've done a few trips now with them and for the most part I like them. It's also very handy to be able to quickly remove them or add them. My wife won't ride without the topcase on which has a nice little support pad attached as an option. However, these bags are not as easily repairable as some of the after market ones and cost more than many of the other options. If you're going to be on adventure roads you will inevitably fall and the side cases will pay the price so repairability is an important consideration. It's great to have them keyed the same as your ignition key however which you can easily do if you go OEM. Since we camp the tie downs are essential. On the last trip I even had some TKCs tied down over the top case.....it turns your bike into a little truck! Also the OEM capacity is smaller than many of the after markets.

Before deciding though you should also read the lengthy threads on the ADV Rider site and the Horizons Unlimited site on the merits of soft vs hard luggage for true adventure trails travel. Many stories out there of the hard cases falling on and breaking ankles, etc. and then there are the other stories of holding the bike up and preventing a leg crush so at least worth considering these matters before deciding.

Hope this helps you get started on your decision making. The GS will open up a whole new world of motorcycle travel.... good luck with it.

[Route66]

Thanks for the info and ideas Yiet and Keith. The search is half the fun!
Terry

[ranks]

My GS had Touratech Paniers and I highly recommend them. Large, Watertight. They even held up to a lowside on asphalt.



We sold our LT and are now eagerly searching for a 2006-2007 GS here in the Pacific Northwest. The bikes I have considered so far have either the BMW GS or GSA side and top cases on them. Since they are a major expense, I need some imput about the quality of construction, the ability to add tie downs to the sides and tops, and opinions on advantages of side- versus top-opening cases. It has been 40 years since I rode dirt bikes so I took Puget Sound Safety's first Adventure Riding Class. Great class, take it if you can, it really whetted my appetite for riding dirt roads. I'm looking forward to attending a Pacific Northwest GS Rally. I have seen the thread on Adventure Riders about cases, but it really didn't give much info to make a comparison between the BMW GS and GSA cases. Maybe I'd be better to buy a bike without the cases and add Happy Trails or other after market bags? Thanks for your assistance. And, if you know of any late model GS's for sale, let us know.
Terry and Char
Bikeless in Bellingham :>(

[4bob]

I had TouraTech 41L bags on my 1150GS. On my 07 GSA, I have Jesse Safari bags.

Liked the Touratech, but lost lids a few times. Kept forgeting to tether them. (like your mirrors on the LT). Also, you need to coat the interior of the bags to prevent the alum. rub off onto the contents.

The Safari bags are great. Only problem is, they are too easy to overpack.

While I noticed a fuel economy differance with the Touratech bags, I have not noticed any with the Safari bags.

bob

[drmajor]

In bought my 2007 GSA w/o bags.

BMW Vario bags are about 85 liters for the two. This was almost not enough for wife & I on trip in Italy. We had Givi 52 top box and that helped.

I got the Jesse Safari bags and love them. 115 liters, fit close to bike, come with muffler lowering kit, and look good.

At this time, I don't use top box. I like being able to strap on what I want. I use a Cabelas waterproof compression bag for sleeping bag and etc. Or if for day trips [loaded] I put an ice chest back there.

[DaveDragon]

2006 R1200GS Adventure, Micatech Pilot Cases (http://www.micatech.net/) and a Pelican 1550 (http://www.pelican.com/cases_detail.php?Case=1550) Top Case.

[MValspeed]

You may want to check out the Caribou Cases (Pelican cases). The set up is strong, the cases are exceptional. Had an off'ing of one of my cases at 35mph, which resulted in no dents, a small "scar", which only gave my F650GS character. Good luck.