► Hard luggage--panniers and topboxes

[freeloader]

There is a relatively easy way to convert your lock cylinders to the ignition key. It is less secure, but allows the user to use the keys that came with the locks, or the ignition key.

With the lock cylinder removed, remove the lock key (careful not to lose any of the wafers), and insert the ignition key. You will see that the wafers do not all line up flush. Simply take the cylinder to a grinder or file away the protruding wafers (carefully!) until they are flush with the cylinder barrel. File or trim away any swarf so that everything operates smoothly, and install the cylinders. The bags can now be opened with the original lock keys or the ignition key.

It should be apparent that this is not the elegant or factory recommended option, but has served me well with many BMW cases. YMMV

You could certainly go down that route, but since the wafers only come in 3 different versions, and they're numbered, it's not a big job to swap the ones you have around until most of them sit flush. After changing the locks twice to match two different bikes on one topcase, I've still got a barrel with only one wafer missing. And I've stayed away from the grinder.

 

[sexybeast]

check out my new boxes

Ardcase boxes and self made frames. just might help anybody considering which way to go

 

[barrygs]

a new idea

maybe somebody has mentioned this before, but here goes. i don't like panniers of unequal size and shape. out of all the boxes i seem to like the zega cases best. it would be great if tt did a rack like metel mules balanced system a narrow can and slim profile rack with equal volume boxes. enter holan who have 2 racks one for bmw boxes and another for tt special. whats tha chance that someone will produce a balanced rack for tt cases like the one holan do for the hp2? this would mean when i change my bike i could hopefully take the boxes with me. also a twin exhaust can ( narrow ones ) could be a future option?

 

[freeloader]

Yes - the brackets are available now from Holan.pl, and the panniers are available from your local BMW dealer. You'll need locks and cylinders too... (snip)

Well, until the brackets appear as a BMW part, I'm not biting. I'm still hoping that BMW will eventually have F800GS-specific Adventure-style ally panniers available, with the LH pannier's cutaway matching the profile of the 800's exhaust, rather than the 1200's - and (if they do appear) that their overall width will be less than the Holan setup.


But I'm not holding my breath.

 

[stevia13]

Well, until the brackets appear as a BMW part, I'm not biting. I'm still hoping that BMW will eventually have F800GS-specific Adventure-style ally panniers available, with the LH pannier's cutaway matching the profile of the 800's exhaust, rather than the 1200's - and (if they do appear) that their overall width will be less than the Holan setup.


But I'm not holding my breath.

Hi Freeloader - this is what I am talking about; genuine BMW kit - but nobody seems to know if this stuff is ever going to materialise. Anyone out there ---?

 

[F800 Rob]

I've owned six BMW's now (with the 7th - an F650GS Twin on order) and worked for a BMW dealer for the better part of a decade. I'd say an 'official' mount for the Adventure cases on the F800GS is highly unlikely.

If memory serves me correctly, they didn't even want to admit for quite a while that it worked on the regular R1200GS and made it way expensive (on purpose I believe) to even do it.

 

[freeloader]

Well, I'm still hoping that the setup pictured on posts 2 and 3 of this thread isn't just a shelved prototype. The picture on post 3 definitely shows panniers whose exhaust cutaway is different to the 1200GSA's, plus I think the overall width looks narrower than with the Holan setup - which is a big plus, AFAIC.

 

[snowlife_9999]

Why are topboxes so expensive?

Why are aluminium topboxes so expensive? I know that the TT, Trax etc are top of the line, look great, BUT they are super expensive. The BMW vario's are the same ($1000AUD just for the top, mounted).

I was thinking that I would get an aluminium toolbox that is the right size and use that. Cheaper, bit heavier, same result. (maybe even more secure)

All i got to do is find one the right size.

EG here
http://www.utesafe.com.au/standard/al75.html

note that you can also get them custome made/altered

 

[fishburger]

Hi
Why not make one from wall boards(wood 12mm thick)and get two sheets of carbon rowing mats and epoxy,to cover it.
Cheap,durable,light and strong.
Get the TT aluminum loading plate,easy to secure the box with screws and washers.
Thats what I would do if I ever wanted a top box
Fishburger

 

[Loiq]

build your own it's the way to go

 

[martin c s]

anyone can tell me if the cases are weather sealed please?

thanks
Rui from Portugal

While riding in Ireland last month we had a day of constant rain, and all three cases stayed bone dry (which is more than can be said for the rider!) although they are said not to be waterproof, you are supposed to buy the liners. Whether they will stay waterproof as they get more used is probably unlikely.

 

[rucaalmeida]

The cases have a seal around the closing edges and their design is such that water can't easily get through.

I've ridden in torrential rain for 3 constant days, 8 hours riding per day and no water in the boxes.

Plus, the boxes are superbly designed with the vario expanding feature. They feel like they'll last for years to come.

My doubt was that in every article that I read, everyone was saying that the vario cases for the F 650 e 800 GS weren´t weather sealed… even the sales man at the shop!
I´ll guess they were all wrong… is better to believe in those o really “ride” them

Thank you all
Ruca from Portugal

 

[Bob Baker]

I have the TRAX from SW Motech on my 800GS and it worked out just cheaper than BMW system top box inc locks, plates ect. sorry not a close-up photo.

Bob

 

[freeloader]

here a link I got from another forum
http://www.pbase.com/rodneff/keying_bmw_locks

Useful, but that isn't for the Vario cases, so might be a bit misleading. Removing the barrels from the Vario case is actually easier than this! (IMHO, YMMV)

Just had a look at BM Donator's reply at #4 and that's the same (non-Vario) article. I'm sure I've seen one which specifically covers Vario cases, on this forum I think, but can't remember where.

 

[jessehere]

can somebody give me the width of the Sw motech rack without the boxes attached?
thanks

 

[F800 Rob]

Ok, i am not rich. I have noticed that some of you have mutiple bikes and then a car (you, from my perspective, are in the money).

Have found a 'Coocase' of 'twistedthrotle' for USD$200. This is their smaller size but luxuary model, inc a liner. Offers upgrades of tail lights and diff colours. I like the idea of aditional tail lights.

Is this good value??? (It is according to what i can get for similar price)

That's what I'm currently running with on my F800S. Love it!

Full face helmet fits plus gloves and whatnot. Locks automatically, brake lights are neat. It's quite nice overall.

 

[F650Dakar_Norway]

I've owned six BMW's now (with the 7th - an F650GS Twin on order) and worked for a BMW dealer for the better part of a decade. I'd say an 'official' mount for the Adventure cases on the F800GS is highly unlikely.

If memory serves me correctly, they didn't even want to admit for quite a while that it worked on the regular R1200GS and made it way expensive (on purpose I believe) to even do it.

Nice surprise:
I've already seen firsthand that my ordered BMW metal panniers and BMW luggage F800GS racks are available. I've waited more than three weeks for the rear under-the-number-plate support bracket, but I've seen the pannier racks, panniers and mounting kit + F800GS mounting instruction leaflet and look forward to mounting it when the rear support arrives. If necessary I'll have a rear support welded to speed up the availability so I can take pictures.

BMW Parts numbers in my contract:

- Pannier A: 7160 7680 849
- Pannier B: 7160 7680 850
- Rack A: 7160 7696 292
- Rack B: 7160 7706 427

..plus mounting kit etc. that I already got.

 

[jessehere]

Ok, i am not rich. I have noticed that some of you have mutiple bikes and then a car (you, from my perspective, are in the money).

Have found a 'Coocase' of 'twistedthrotle' for USD$200. This is their smaller size but luxuary model, inc a liner. Offers upgrades of tail lights and diff colours. I like the idea of aditional tail lights.

Is this good value??? (It is according to what i can get for similar price)

I just recieved the luxury coocase larger 36liter top case from Twisted T. $249 US + $100 for the sw motech adapter plate.
In the package for the wiring it says do not connect the wire for the tail lights to the bmw canbus or damage will result (something like that)
I am thinking of sending it back. Also the keyless entry system takes up a bunch of room up inside the case. My arai xd barely fits inside. (only possible laying down) The alarm is barely audible with the case closed and the LED lights are not great. was looking for more with this one. Looks nice but does not fit the gs's adventuresome style IMHO YMMV

 

[jessehere]

That's what I'm currently running with on my F800S. Love it!

Full face helmet fits plus gloves and whatnot. Locks automatically, brake lights are neat. It's quite nice overall.

Rob so do the brake lights work with the canbus?

 

[F650Dakar_Norway]

Please disregard the two latest part numbers in my previous parts list. They are not the correct rack numbers.
The first two numbers are correct and are the standard 1200GSA metal panniers.

I hogged this from a German forum ( http://www.gs-forum.eu/showthread.php?t=23119 )

The BMW dealers shall have access to the dedicated WebETK, page BT_46_1188 "Satz Kofferhalter Alu":
http://vision1001.de/R1200GS/F800GS_Alu.jpg

Due to heavy demand and ditto delivery issues the BMW dealerships appear not to go public yet with this F800GS dedicated rack system. I'm still missing part no. 7160 7706 427 (rear bracket), but have received the rest - including the bags.

TNr:

links: 71 60 7 706 425
rechts: 71 60 7 706 426
Querrohr: 71 60 7 706 427
Satz Anbauteile: 71 60 7 706 860

Add to this the two standard GSA panniers and 6 BMW pannier locks with cylinder kits. Enjoy ;-)