Installing BMW Vario top case & rack support mod

The optional Ducati top case has a zipper opening just like the side cases which I don't like. So, I ordered the BMW Vario top case which is adjustable for volume from 30-35 liters which I like. The Vario Top Case set for BMW R1200GS comes complete with case, rack, lockset & support arm.



The support arm does not fit on the Strada so I had to fabricate one.



I had to remove the rack carrier from the Strada to fabricate the new support arm. Bought 1 meter of 16mm aluminum pipe tubing. Using a portable pipe bender, I bend the tubing into the shape I want. Use 12mm aluminum tubing as spacers and longer M8 bolts, I clamped the tubing onto the spacers. I think a photo here will explain better what I did.



With clamps in place, I brought it to a welding shop to have it welded. Times like this, I wish I have the skill to do it myself.


Again, photos explain better what I did. The following photos show how the arm fits on the Strada rack carrier.





Cut a piece of 4mm thick aluminum plate to secure the rack in place.






Will post more pictures when I have the rack installed on the bike...

OK, got the case, rack & support arm installed on the bike. See photos.

I saw a photo, posted by fellow forumer, where his top case broke the left handle of the carrier. That got me worried. Now, I can rest easy knowing that the carrier will support the weight of the top case.

R6chase said:

I'd take two steps back and crouch down a bit to the perspective of a guy driving a car, I think that bracket will be completely covering you're break light. Aside from that concern you did a fantastic fab job! That's by far the most compact, and cleanest looking rack I've seen yet!!

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As suggested, I took two steps back and crouched down. Surprisingly, the tubing does not obstruct the brake light (maybe just a tiny bit) but it's still clearly in my line of sight. Thanks for the feedback and complements.

gatdammit said:

Very nice. It does crowd the brake light a bit but you cut a bigger chunk of space out of someones scan anyway.

I don't know. I think side bags look better than giant top case. I can see practicality in it, though. It seems like top cases are just more common equipment in Europe/Asia.

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Top cases are very common here in Asia. We are allowed to lane split legally and the side cases just gets in the way. Unless I am going touring up north or if I need to carry something, the side cases stay at home. Yes, I do think the side cases look better but they are not very practical in our congested city traffic, hence the top case is the preferred choice.

jerdog53 said:

Nice!

I like your mentality, we don't have ready made parts so we'll make parts!!

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Thanks. Around here, they called me 'MacGyver'.

Bruder said:

@motocafe

did you take the BMW sticker off

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Haha, funny you should say that. I just replace that with a Ducati logo.


I also covered up the BMW logo on the top case with a sticker of my own.

Monstard said:

have you tried riding 2-up with the top box? with the relatively steep mount angle, doesn't the forward top corner of the box hit the pillion rider's back?

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Don't know if that would be a problem as I only ride solo.