Motorcycle Luggage Bags Additional Bags for BMW GS 1200 LC Adventure 2013-2017 R1250GS R1200GS Adventure Top Pack Review
You’re halfway through a three-day ride. You’ve got your hard panniers packed, your top box is full, and you’re feeling pretty good. Then, you realize you need your rain gear, your spare gloves, or a bottle of water, and it’s buried at the very bottom of your main luggage. You have to unpack everything on the side of a dusty road just to find one small item.
We’ve all been there. The BMW GS is the king of adventure touring, but even with the massive aluminum boxes, storage management can be a headache. That’s where these aftermarket top packs come in. I’ve been testing these Motorcycle Luggage Bags Additional Bags for BMW GS 1200 LC Adventure 2013-2017 R1250GS R1200GS Adventure Top Pack for a few months now, and I’m ready to share my thoughts.
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly way to add extra storage without buying expensive branded gear, this might be the solution you need.
What are these BMW GS Additional Luggage Bags?
These bags are designed to sit right on top of your existing BMW aluminum side panniers or your top case. They aren’t meant to replace your hard luggage; they are designed to give you that "extra 10%" of space for the stuff you need to reach quickly.
The main appeal here is simple: they are significantly cheaper than the official BMW-branded accessory bags, but they are built to handle the rough nature of adventure riding. Plus, many sellers offer free shipping, which makes the price point even more attractive for riders who have already spent a fortune on bike mods.
Real-World Features & Benefits: Why Add More Storage?
When you’re out on a long trip, organization is safety. If you aren’t stressed about where your gear is, you’re a more focused rider. Here is how these bags actually help on the road:
1. Easy Access to Essentials The biggest benefit is the exterior storage. Because these attach to the top of your existing boxes, you can put your toll passes, snacks, or mid-layer jacket inside. You’ll never have to dig through your main bags at a gas station again.
2. Expandable Design Most of these top packs feature an expandable zipper. If you’re just doing a day trip, keep them zipped down and low profile. If you’re going cross-country, unzip them to gain an extra few inches of vertical storage. It’s a simple feature, but it’s incredibly useful.
3. Weather Resistance The material is a heavy-duty, water-resistant fabric. While it’s not a "submersible" dry bag, it handles light rain and road spray perfectly fine. For heavy downpours, most of these kits come with a simple rain cover that pulls over the top.
4. Custom Fit for BMW GS Models Because these are specifically shaped for the BMW GS 1200 LC, R1250GS, and Adventure models, they use the existing tie-down points on the lid of your aluminum boxes. You don’t need to drill holes or add permanent hardware to your bike.
Pros and Cons: The Honest Truth
No product is perfect, and it’s important to know what you’re getting into before you click "buy."
The Pros: Price: They are a fraction of the cost of premium European brands. Fitment: They are contoured specifically for the BMW GS aluminum lids, so they don’t look like an afterthought. Weight: They are lightweight compared to adding another hard box, which helps keep your center of gravity manageable. Accessibility: You can grab your gear in seconds without opening your main locks.
The Cons: Security: Unlike your hard aluminum boxes, these bags are soft. You can’t lock them. If you’re parking in a city for a long time, you’ll need to take your valuables out. Fading: After a season in the direct sun, the black fabric can start to show a little bit of color fading. Straps: The attachment straps can be a bit fiddly to install the first time. Take your time to get them tight so they don’t flap in the wind.
Who is this for (and who should skip it)?
This is for you if: You are a long-distance tourer who needs more space for "quick-access" items. You are on a budget and don’t want to pay the "BMW Tax" for official accessories. You prefer soft luggage that can be compressed when not in use.
Skip this if: You leave your bike unattended in high-theft areas often (remember, these are not lockable). You are a "minimalist" who hates having extra gear strapped to the bike. You are expecting high-end, waterproof luggage that can survive a river crossing.
What Real Riders are Saying
I reached out to a couple of fellow GS riders to see if their experience matched mine with these Motorcycle Luggage Bags Additional Bags for BMW GS 1200 LC Adventure 2013-2017 R1250GS R1200GS Adventure Top Pack.
“I bought these because I was tired of unpacking my sleeping bag just to find my tire pressure gauge. For the price, they’re great. They’ve survived about 3,000 miles of highway and fire roads. The zipper is a little stiff, but it’s holding up well. Definitely worth it for the money.” — Mark D., Colorado
“I was skeptical about the quality because they were so cheap, but they fit the top case of my 2018 R1250GS perfectly. I wouldn’t put a laptop in there, but for a rain jacket and a spare pair of gloves, they are perfect. Pro tip: use some extra bungee cords if you’re doing high-speed highway riding for long stretches.” — Sarah L., Vermont
Final Verdict: Is it Worth Your Money?
If you’re looking for a Motorcycle Luggage Bags Additional Bags for BMW GS 1200 LC Adventure 2013-2017 R1250GS R1200GS Adventure Top Pack review to help you decide on an upgrade, here is my takeaway: Yes, they are worth it.
They aren't "buy it for life" gear, but they aren't priced that way either. They fill a specific gap in the storage market for the BMW GS platform. They make your life easier on the road, they look good on the bike, and you can find them with free shipping on most major marketplaces.
Just keep in mind that these are "convenience" bags. They aren't meant to be your primary secure storage. If you understand that, you’ll be very happy with the extra organization they bring to your next adventure. If you want to keep your main boxes clean and organized, these are a solid, no-nonsense purchase.
