BMW Vario top case
BMW Vario top case.
The BMW Vario top case is an inexpensive (considering the competitors) and stylish option if you need a top case. This black plastic top case fits the BMW F800GS/F700GS/F650 and can be accessorized with backrest pads, inside nets and liner bags.
When it comes to functionality, the Vario series fares pretty good. The case is a breeze to take on and off in a matter of seconds and with a clever mechanism it can be expanded as well. When retracted, the box volume is about 25 liters, but when extended by rotating the U shaped handle inside, reaches 35 liters and it is capable of holding a total of 11lbs.
In the real world where you run around town or commute to work this bag can be a quite useful option, it looks sleek and can be locked by the same key used for the bike ignition. Being positioned on top of the luggage rack, does not impede the ability of the driver to split lanes or zip thru traffic (in one of the states that allows it) and can be used by the passenger as a backrest.
The BMW Vario top case, although a great product, has its faults. The first is the inability to store a full size helmet, especially a dual sports one. Depending upon the helmet brand and size it is possible to make it fit, but in my experience anything bigger that an M sized Street helmet will simply not have enough room and even then would be a snug fit. Second, if you elect to go off-roading with it and bang it around, it can not be banged back into shape like an aluminum case, if dir
t and mud end up in the extending mechanism there could be some problems with it.
All and all this case isn’t by any stretch of the imagination flimsy, it is still built with the legendary BMW quality, comes with a BMW Motorrad 12 months/12000 miles warranty and can be paired up with the Vario side cases for a complete set and load of carrying capacity.
