accessories » Tips for ordering panniers and topbox for the 1250RS

I've checked out some of the other threads and am a bit lost on the final decision here, please if some could share your real-world experiences to help out pick the best choice when it comes to topbox and panniers.

So I am somewhere mid-field on the usual aesthetics/function compromises so please bear with me;

I'm considering the BMW original topbox due to aesthetics and that 30L should be plenty (alongside panniers) for ~ week trips 2up since we know how to travel/pack light. I am aware it otherwise fits only 1 full size helmet which is ok, and I prefer the smaller size to the SHAD 47(?) or Givi counterparts due to both aesthetics and wind/speed stability. I won't be doing 200kph 2up with the cases on but if I'm on the highway (a must to get to interesting bits from my location) and conditions are good I am not dipping under 150kph / 90mph.

Have you been happy with the OEM topbox solution, impact to handling, crosswind performance? I noticed it's listed as 'not waterproof'.. I assume that means wrapping with a plastic cover if I get caught up in any serious rain or using waterproof internal bags?

As for the panniers SHAD S36 seem to fare better review-wise over the BMW ones, again not waterproof but decent capacity and both fit a helmet, but BMW seem more painting-friendly as one other user posted racing-red colored ones that perfectly match the white/red 2022 combo as they did the previous 1200. SHAD also seems to have a 'pretty-er' mounting solution with less protruding 3P system than the BMW's when panniers are not used. What are your experiences with either? Any serious reasons to go one way or the other?

Of course if you have some EU-friendly to source alternatives (i.e. Givi) to recommend - please :)

I went with the Shad setup all around and have been quite happy with it. I find the silver panels of the 36x’s go with the bike pretty well and I’ve come to REALLY like the expandable top case. For day trips it’s small at 42L, for long trips I try and start medium at 49L and then I have room to buy stuff if I need the full 58L.

Imo, with all 3 bags and the largest/expanded size, It’s a tad big but not terrible looking. Without side bags, small and medium look ok. But full size looks a little too jumbo. I also agree the mount profile is way better than bmw for side cases.

As for riding with them. I can’t say I’ve had them all on there and hit top speed, but can say I’ve had them all on for spirited riding and barely notice them… if at all. And They haven’t fallen off into the triple digits.

I’ve not had any issues with leaks on any of the bags including in a day long ride in the wet.

I was also able to get the trio and mounts, with a single key on sale for around $1k usd which was a motivating point for me vs bmw bags, despite having OEM side rails.

Overall, exceptionally pleased with them. Only complain was exhaust side mount gave me some trouble, but just took some fiddling and patience to align it all right.

PS, if I recall someone here vinyl wrapped or painted the silver parts of these bags to match bike and it looked very sharp.

Thank you for the pictures, the panniers fit well and the mount honestly seems far superior to OEM.

As for the top it seems rather large/too large in the pics.. I'll see if any local dealer has it in stock to get an IRL estimate of the sizes.
I follow the 'pack-light' thing in a way not to give myself the opportunity for extra and get tempted with stuff. Givi 901 is also pretty neat in that regard...

+1 on the Givi.. when I sold my Yamaha I kept my Givi V46 top case and purchased a new rear rack to mount it on. The hundred US dollars was worth it rather than buying a whole new set up. personally I think top cases are pretty ugly but for me it’s about necessity and having adequate space for everything I commute with. I entertained the idea of a OEM top case but the BMW is way too small for my needs and was around 1100 USD, that was a dealbreaker.

Another +1 on Givi. I have a v47 givi top box that I used on my previous bike, and now just got an RS and all I needed was to fit the plate for the RS.

thank you all for the feedback, seems I've got some more research to do

Locally the dealer quote for the topbox was around $600 which is 'ok' compared to what they told @70garyb but still well aware all the BMW stuff carries that 'bring your wallet' premium and unfortunately not much offered locally on the second-hand market. Generally speaking the size is good, looks ok (match white + points for some people driving on their phones will jump thinking I'm the police). I've checked out one of the Givi's in person and they seem too-big but if it turns out I need more space I'll eat the loss at a later date and go up in size and capacity.

The more I look at alternatives the less inclined I am towards to OEM panniers but those were still not quoted to me locally to check the price - waiting on the chassis number/production to finally have ~ date of delivery.
I do hope this RS will serve me for years to come so I'm not that worried about the bespoke luggage solutions.

Shad from the second post fit very well, I'm looking into what Givi is offering in that regard as well - but would prefer a direct solution not to faff with Motech/Givi/etc. combos and I don't intend to strap them to my CBR that stays a purely 'fun' bike from now on.

Since I have you all gathered here - could you chime in on the tankbag? Currently I'm operating a 5L magnetic one, I'd go up to about... ~10L to comfortably fit 2up small necessities (wallets, papers, phones, sunglasses etc.)
and do the tank-ring solution without going to something considered luggage - light enough to carry around town in hand so to speak. I've so far seen and tried the SW-M and Givi rings but they most seem solid and operational. Various tankbag options to fit so if anyone is using something in this size any feedback in appreciated. (big plus if waterproof - that was a fine print lesson in ruined electronics I'll never forget...)

Zitat von Valks im Beitrag #7

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Since I have you all gathered here - could you chime in on the tankbag? Currently I'm operating a 5L magnetic one, I'd go up to about... ~10L to comfortably fit 2up small necessities (wallets, papers, phones, sunglasses etc.)
and do the tank-ring solution without going to something considered luggage - light enough to carry around town in hand so to speak. I've so far seen and tried the SW-M and Givi rings but they most seem solid and operational. Various tankbag options to fit so if anyone is using something in this size any feedback in appreciated. (big plus if waterproof - that was a fine print lesson in ruined electronics I'll never forget...)

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Zitat von wessie im Beitrag #8

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this is the Givi pannier kit for the R1250RS (same as for the R1200). Note the shape of the frames so you are limited to the V37 or V35 panniers.
https://www.givi.co.uk/my-motorcycle/pro...ionals/plxr5117

Cases: https://www.givi.co.uk/givi-products/sid...stic-side-cases

This kit gives you everything you need from one source.

Have a look at https://www.accessorimotostore.com/index...c0mp5dg4j07afp0 which is an excellent Italian retailer. I know a few people in the US and elsewhere have found they can get a better price from this shop. I have used them myself, prior to Brexit. Sadly, now we pay import duty from Italy, their prices are no long so attractive for us.

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Zitat von Valks im Beitrag #1

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Have you been happy with the OEM topbox solution, impact to handling, crosswind performance? I noticed it's listed as 'not waterproof'.. I assume that means wrapping with a plastic cover if I get caught up in any serious rain or using waterproof internal bags?

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I have the SW Motech Entourage Pro tank bag and ring. My first 'ring' system and I was skeptical. it works and is stable, so I'm happy, BUT you need to lubricate the mechanism, I found out... as under heavy rain and subsequent road spray - wet or dry, it binds a bit and gave me some high blood pressure when it took me 10 minutes to get it off at a gas stop.

It'll survive mild rain with no complaints, but left out in a 2"/hr downpour while stopped, without the cover... things got wet. I can't say that's unfair though. Note, I have it expanded in these pictures and tend to run it that way all the time.

thanks for more solid recommendations, I am wary of waterproof in marketing and real-world terms and generally I just want it to hold up if I get caught out in a flash-rainfall ~30mins and don't have a cover or similar to ensure full waterproofness or to get to the nearest caffee/underpass and wait it out if necessary. (I've found myself repeatedly playing chicken with the weather forecast if I'm doing some local errands within 50miles)

What do you use to lubricate the ring? I found for various bits that get 'washed out' but don't require proper grease/oil the various silicone lubricants do wonders and minimize the mess.

Zitat von Lee im Beitrag #11

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Zitat von Valks im Beitrag #1

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Have you been happy with the OEM topbox solution, impact to handling, crosswind performance? I noticed it's listed as 'not waterproof'.. I assume that means wrapping with a plastic cover if I get caught up in any serious rain or using waterproof internal bags?

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The BMW top box and panniers are waterproof.

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