How much can I fit in BMW R1200GS panniers?

[B15TT0]

Well, I've found a place to rent bikes in Rome and rented myself a BMW R1200GS for the week in July. Very much looking forward to a) having a bike to ride round Tuscany on and b) trying out a BMW twin for the first time.

I've never properly toured on a bike before (apart from 3000 miles round France, Italy and Switzerland on a GSXR600 SRAD a few years ago - but that doesn't count as a mate in a TVR had my luggage in with him) so am hoping to get some tips on how much luggage to take from the collective here.

The GS has got a 52 litre top case, side cases and a tank bag. Any idea how much will we be able to fit in / how we can work out what to pack? (Girlfriend and I)

Also, any tips on riding the GS would be appreciated!

[fergus]

Hi. Who did you hire the GS from? thks

[Davel]

The GS panniers are expandable and so you can fit quite a lot of stuff in them, especially if you have the option of a top box too.

When I used mine, I use to pack disposable 'old' stuff in so that, after wearing gear for riding each day, it could simply be binned to free-up more space for stuff bought whilst touring.

[B15TT0]

Davel said:

The GS panniers are expandable and so you can fit quite a lot of stuff in them, especially if you have the option of a top box too.

When I used mine, I use to pack disposable 'old' stuff in so that, after wearing gear for riding each day, it could simply be binned to free-up more space for stuff bought whilst touring.

Expandable eh? Even better! Good idea throwing stuff away but to be honest we'll be unloading from suitcase to bike, riding to the villa the G/F's parents have hired, leaving most of the stuff there and doing day trips out and about.

I'm trying to get an idea in terms of how much clothing you can get in one side case for example. In the process of convincing the girlfriend how fun it will all be but question number 1 is how much holiday clobber can she take. Would I be able to get all the basic stuff i'd need for a week in the sun in one pannier (shorts, flip flops, pair of trousers, few shirts, pair of shoes + washbag and undies), leaving the rest for her?

[B15TT0]

fergus said:

Hi. Who did you hire the GS from? thks

CIMT (Central Italy Motorcycle Tours).

They do organised tours but also rent out bikes too.