Vario cases or Aluminum cases: which one to choose for your BMW R1250GS?

Choosing the right luggage for your BMW R1250GS is an important decision that can significantly impact your riding experience, motorcycle adventures, and overall comfort. While the BMW R1250GS is a flagship model of BMW with a wide range of luggage options available, two collections stand out.

The Vario cases and the Aluminum cases are two popular choices offered by BMW Motorrad, each with its own features and advantages. In this article, we take a close look at these two types of cases to help you determine which ones are best suited to your needs. By analyzing the different aspects of each option, you will be able to make an informed decision and finally answer the question: Vario cases or Aluminum cases, which ones to choose for your BMW R 1250 GS?

BMW R1250GS: a wide range of luggage

The BMW R1250GS is a highly versatile model found on urban roads, long road trips, and off-road outings, which is why it was necessary for BMW Motorrad to provide it with luggage options suitable for the needs of every type of rider.

The BMW R 1250 GS luggage can be classified into two types: soft luggage and hard luggage.

BMW R 1250 GS soft luggage

This type of luggage for R1250GS is ideal for urban outings and short excursions. These storage options offer remarkable versatility and provide additional quick-access storage options. Lighter, practical, and portable, these soft options can accompany you throughout your day without any hassle.

Among the soft options for the R1205GS, there are rear bags in various sizes, tank bags also in various sizes, and smaller bags like frame bags, deflector bags, or bags that fit under the luggage rack.

Hard Luggage for BMW R1250GS

The options for hard luggage for the R1250GS are more traditional and are indeed the ones most often seen on the roads. These are more fixed, sturdy, and secure storage solutions. Additionally, hard luggage often provides a larger storage space.

Among the options for hard luggage for the R1250GS, there is the top case, a generous storage space intended for larger items such as a helmet and ideal for longer outings. There are also side cases, offering a balanced storage space allowing for good weight distribution.

It is precisely these BMW R 1250 GS side cases that interest us. Available in Vario version and Alu version, discover their features, advantages, and disadvantages now.

Vario Cases for BMW R1250GS: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Vario cases are part of a flagship collection by BMW, developed specifically for GS and for riders seeking versatility. The main advantage of these cases lies in their ability to adapt to all situations thanks to variable volume and capacity that can be expanded or compacted according to the travel needs.

In total, when expanded, the Vario cases offer a capacity of 68 liters.

With their aesthetic design, the BMW R 1250 GS Vario cases perfectly fit your bike and complement its versatile look. Moreover, to best suit your tastes, the Vario cases lids can be exchanged from black to gray or from gray to black. It is therefore possible to have black Vario cases for BMW R 1250 GS.

Mainly composed of reinforced plastic, these R1250GS Vario cases are quite lightweight and durable, and above all: they come at a lower price than the Alu cases, which can influence the final decision. On our website, you will also find the BMW R 1250 GS Vario cases on sale.

If we were to attribute any drawbacks to these cases, it would be the resistance of their front face, which quickly shows marks after an impact.

Finally, the Vario cases for R1250GS have few additional accessories available, only the inner bags, which can, however, be a sign of a complete basic product.

Alu Cases for BMW R1250GS: Advantages and Disadvantages

The Alu cases for R1250GS are a particularly popular option among riders who prefer an enduro look, great durability, and high security. Thanks to a robust aluminum composition, these cases offer superior protection for your belongings in the event of a fall or even just in bad weather conditions. They are also ideal for enduro rides due to their smooth surface that can be easily cleaned.

In total, the Alu cases for R1250GS without extension offer a capacity of 80 liters.

While the BMW R1250GS Alu cases offer generous storage space as standard, it is possible to expand them with optional extensions. Moreover, there are more accessories available for these cases than for the Vario cases, including an interior storage net, carrying handles, and of course the inner bags.

Practical, these cases open from the top rather than from the side, either left or right, according to your needs.

The downside of these cases could be their initially fixed volume, or their higher cost compared to the Vario cases. However, they offer a more resistant composition in a sturdier look as well as a greater number of options.

To best match your bike's style, these BMW 1250 GS and GS Adventure Alu cases are available in black and gray.

Which cases to choose for your R1250GS?

Now that we have highlighted all the advantages and disadvantages of each type of side cases for R1250GS, it's time to make a choice.

On one hand, with the BMW R1250GS Vario cases, we have highly versatile cases, perfectly suited for lane splitting as well as medium to long trips, with variable volume.

On the other hand, the Alu cases for the same bike offer a larger base capacity that can be expanded optionally and a sturdier look, all in a weather-resistant and dirt-friendly housing.

So, you need to consider your needs: if you ride more often in urban areas, in traffic jams, and mainly take short to medium trips, Vario cases may be more suitable for your needs.

If you go on more road trips, enduro outings, or simply need more space and durability, the aluminum cases are your solution.

Our advice: make sure to check that your supports are properly suited for the cases you choose! For example, the R1250GS Adventure comes with supports for aluminum luggage while the R1250GS can be equipped with supports for Vario luggage.

Ultimately, the choice between Alu cases or Vario cases for your GS 1250 will depend on your personal preferences, your needs, and also your riding style. Whether you prefer great flexibility or elegant design or unmatched robustness, you are sure to make the right choice. Enjoy every motorcycle ride with confidence and safety thanks to the accessories and original luggage available on our website.