Backrest for pillion on 1100

[(RIP) spike418]

Basically we are looking to do more camping with the bike.
I currently have a 48l top box with a backrest attached. The backrest is essential given the other half's disc issues!

I'd like to replace the top box and just have a backrest as a move to more "soft" luggage travel. Don't really feel like spending £200+ on the backrests available so am looking for a cheaper option.

Part of the problem being that in order to camp the other half needs to have the super duper all singing and dancing Thermarest which doesn't pack down very well. Any suggestions?

Example of bike loaded up with Thermarests strapped onto panniers, losing the top box should enable me to pack them on the luggage rack.

 

[oblertone]

I wasn't aware that a bespoke backrest had ever been produced for the 1100; nevertheless, try putting all your soft gear in a large ortlieb (other brands are available) and strapping that to the rack. I could get two thermarests, two sleeping bags and pillows into a 60L hinde-gerkhin roll top bag which made a nice pliant backrest.

Top tip: Loosely roll the Thermarest and put it in the bag, then let it unwind before stuffing everything else down the middle.

Top tip No2: Get some top loading panniers, much more room for stuff !

 

[uncle dick]

I wasn't aware that a bespoke backrest had ever been produced for the 1100; nevertheless, try putting all your soft gear in a large ortlieb (other brands are available) and strapping that to the rack. I could get two thermarests, two sleeping bags and pillows into a 60L hinde-gerkhin roll top bag which made a nice pliant backrest.

Top tip: Loosely roll the Thermarest and put it in the bag, then let it unwind before stuffing everything else down the middle.

Top tip No2: Get some top loading panniers, much more room for stuff !

He beat me to it.

 

[Pat J]

Could you not get a rack for the top box or fix some luggage loops on the lid and strap it on that way. Then you keep the security of the top box for your other stuff.
I did something similar with my vario top box on my 1200 when I had it, but can't find any pics.
I am currently looking at similar options for my 1150gs which I have a Givi V46 fitted.

 

[(RIP) spike418]

Thanks for the helpful replies chaps

Could you not get a rack for the top box or fix some luggage loops on the lid and strap it on that way. Then you keep the security of the top box for your other stuff.
I did something similar with my vario top box on my 1200 when I had it, but can't find any pics.
I am currently looking at similar options for my 1150gs which I have a Givi V46 fitted.

I honestly didn't know that racks for the top box existed, this is probably my favourite option. I see I can get a Givi one that should "adapt" to be used on my Kappa box

I wasn't aware that a bespoke backrest had ever been produced for the 1100; nevertheless, try putting all your soft gear in a large ortlieb (other brands are available) and strapping that to the rack. I could get two thermarests, two sleeping bags and pillows into a 60L hinde-gerkhin roll top bag which made a nice pliant backrest.

Top tip: Loosely roll the Thermarest and put it in the bag, then let it unwind before stuffing everything else down the middle.

Top tip No2: Get some top loading panniers, much more room for stuff !

Interesting tip on the Thermarest rolling will give that a try in my larger drybag
But I like the BMW system panniers and don't really want to move to the square box things

This is the backrest I was on about, but at damn near £300 it's a no

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/BMW-R1100GS-1150GS-Bakup-Passenger-Backrest-System-/310186341306

 

[oblertone]

That is indeed a shitload of money for not very much

 

[(RIP) spike418]

A month later and a few hours on tinterweb after being introduced to the luggage rack option I found that sportsbikeshop had one left at £53.36 delivered. This was actually made to fit the curve of my particular top box so no "customising" of the frame was required!

It even had a paper template to show where the holes should be drilled in the lid. Unfortunately, said template does not take account of the curved lid

Luckily I discovered that before drilling commenced

So pic below of fitted rack and looking to get at least one more camping trip in before it becomes too cold.

 

[TomFarming]

also on the camping mats, we've gone for these: http://www.decathlon.co.uk/forclaz-air-inflatable-camping-sleeping-mat-red-50cm-id_8298497.html

Pack down to the size of a silk liner and thicker than my old Thermarest