1150 Adv pannier security

[Deleted member CB]

Hi All,
Having searched the forum it appears I'm not the only one who is a little disappointed in the plastic catch/lock assemblies on the BMW alloy cases. I've already replaced a couple of hinges & added the check straps to try & avoid that again.
Been riding the bike without the panniers or frames, put them back on yesterday. When I fitted them, I thought the mechanisms that locked the panniers to the frames felt a bit feeble, I could probably break them with my hand alone, after a search it seems that's the case , FFS, what was BMW thinking when they designed a RTW bike with locks that you can break with your hand? Before anyone says,"a determined thief will get past any lock", yes I know, but at least they would have to have a lever or something, a child could probably break these things!
Rant over. Question is, I was thinking of maybe bolting them on, yes I know its a PITA cos then they're not exactly quick release then, I can get round the lid locks by not leaving valuables in them, but what I don't want is some scroat walking away with the complete panniers! So, what has anyone else done to make sure they stay on the bike?

 

[Big Al Litch]

You can fit the security clamp which is available as a genuine part, it is fixed into position using a knurlled nut on the inside of the pannier.
I bought a set a couple of years ago and I have used them only once, not because they are no good (they do exactly what they are meant to do) but I bought them on a whim but have never felt the need for them other than on the initial 'test-run'.
I have had the bike for nearly 4-years now and have never had any problems or concerns with the panniers and never had a problem with the normal fitting (they came with the lid retaining strap from new). I have to fit & remove the panniers every day to get the bike in & out of the garage so I really couldn't be bothered with the clamp and on longer trips I have just not bothered.

 

[GSmonkey]

a determined thief will get past any lock

 

[Deleted member CB]

Thanks Big Al,
Can you give a little more detail, do you have to drill a hole in the box?
Looks like that'll be the way to go then.
Had a thought today regarding the plastic fittings, there is sooo many after market parts, its a wonder nobody has made a metal "fittings kit", hinges would be a bloody good start, lock/catches would be nice too. How many sets of these boxes must there be? How many people would buy the metal parts to make them a truly strong box? I think they are really good looking boxes, strong due to the inherent strength of the shape, ie, all the curves & ridge, then they feck it all up with what can only be described as "brittle" plastic hinges & catches. Need to go lie down now.

 

[Big Al Litch]

You don't have to drill a hole on later panniers (late 2003 onwards) as it is already there but plugged with a rubber grommet, on earlier ones you do have to get the drill out (the grommet comes with the clamp assembly). It seems that if you had the retaining straps fitted as standard (like mine) then the hole is there. Seem to recall each clamp was in the region of £16 but I stand to be corrected there as it was a couple of years ago I bought them.

If you don't fancy the clamp and unlike me, leave the panniers in place for long periods of time, you could just drill through the bottom of the pannier and the carrier and bolt the two together.

 

[zerocool]

Is there a way of replacing broken locks and hinges on these ally panniers???

I have one damaged locking mechanism (key part if fine, just the plastic hinge) and several damaged hinges from overpacking and Mrs ZC jamming in a power cable and slamming the lid shut.

 

[Carl]

Is there a way of replacing broken locks and hinges on these ally panniers???

I have one damaged locking mechanism (key part if fine, just the plastic hinge) and several damaged hinges from overpacking and Mrs ZC jamming in a power cable and slamming the lid shut.

Yeah, hinges are available from BMW for a stupid fee, or you can get the hinges from another source... someone posted about it a while ago.
http://www.ukgser.com/forums/showthread.php?t=79269&highlight=hinge

Have you got the fuse panel wired in yet?

 

[blues n twos]

I have just sold my adventure panniers. The bike fell over once and smashed a lock... £50 thank you very much

The same lock without any trauma has just exploded again

Didn't bother replacing it this time.

Love the look of the OE panniers but they had to go. Too wide as well.

Have now ordered some Caja Sahels... "Civils" panniers to replace them with.

As I say, nice looking but vey fiddly and weak.

Jon