I agree - BMW luggage is cr@p

[JayGee]

I've just checked mine and it has only three rivets!!!!

Same here, only three rivets in both left and right panniers. But I have no detectable movement in the locks or the panniers when fitted.
IMHO the side lock doesn't take any weight when on the bike, it is there to stop the case moving away from the side but the main attachment is at the top.
However the cases were obviously designed to have four rivets fastening the side lock to the case. Is there anybody out there whose panniers have got all four rivets?
Cheers JG
PS I actually quite like the panniers and have used them fully laden and had no problems so far.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

One stuffed top box. This is the kind of gravel road that it came off. Last week.

 

[JayGee]

One stuffed top box. This is the kind of gravel road that it came off. Last week.

Kiwi, I don't get it, what's that blue stuf at the top of the picture, are you on something special?

 

[TheJoker]

Kiwi, I don't get it, what's that blue stuf at the top of the picture, are you on something special?

Agree... what is it, and where can you get it in UK..?

 

[CandyMan_ZA]

I want to add to this thread since I started it some time ago, the service I have received from my dealer, Trefco, has been superb. My original topbox was replaced but I have a problem with the replacement box as well. I modified the box by adding two stainless steel bolts through the box and into the bracket. It is secure, if the box come off again the entire rear end will come with it (having said this I have seen this happen as well). The replacement box is broken, it does not close properly and sticks terribly when opening. The rubber seal between the two expanding pieces has pulled out and and jammed, it can no longer expand. My dealer say it's not fixable, they will put in a second claim for a replacement. However, BMW South Africa have put a freeze on further distribution of topboxes as BMW Germany will not admit there is a problem, hopefully this will get them to admit there is a problem and come up with a solution.

 

[TerryM]

Same here, only three rivets in both left and right panniers. But I have no detectable movement in the locks or the panniers when fitted.
IMHO the side lock doesn't take any weight when on the bike, it is there to stop the case moving away from the side but the main attachment is at the top.
However the cases were obviously designed to have four rivets fastening the side lock to the case. Is there anybody out there whose panniers have got all four rivets?
Cheers JG
PS I actually quite like the panniers and have used them fully laden and had no problems so far.

Yes, please READ my previous post. Exhaust side has only three rivets, other side four on my bike.

You are correct that the side lock takes little stress at a standstill, but the dynamic situation is totally different when perhaps a couple of g's acceleration hits it landing off a good bump at 70mph. Then 10kg load(BM suggested limit) becomes 30kg in microseconds.Slack fixings then become a major problem and the top clamp to the mushroom bolt could become marginal. Some staff writer on Bike had one take to the hills I seem to recall.

Presently I am in discussion with BMW UK who have a strange take on engineering, saying that the fourth rivet on the EX side cannot be installed due to fouling of the access. Suppose they should have some idea as BM designed it!!!!!!! Though to be certain I took it apart and they are clearly wrong as I can get my pop rivet puller into that space.

But as it is their failure they should ensure that their engineering design and construction improves. And I know that in this instance they are wrong as, everything else being equal, the four rivet case is fine and the other loose.

The top box seal joint location seems to be the problem, on the panniers it in in the corner, and on the box on the straight portion. The corner seal joint has much more clearance and helps a lot, but some silicone lubrication also assists. The joints on the straight have much less space and get caught as the lid is closed, slowly becoming an obstruction.

Sadly BM has poor design supervision(in house) and negligible quality control on what I suppose are subcontracted accessories.

They will only improve if we complain loudly. Send your email to [email protected]

It does get their attention.

 

[Arthurwg]

I'm hoping that the 1200 ADV luggage will be better, and that I can retrofit it to my bike.

 

[JayGee]

Yes, please READ my previous post. Exhaust side has only three rivets, other side four on my bike.

Presently I am in discussion with BMW UK who have a strange take on engineering, saying that the fourth rivet on the EX side cannot be installed due to fouling of the access. Suppose they should have some idea as BM designed it!!!!!!! Though to be certain I took it apart and they are clearly wrong as I can get my pop rivet puller into that space.

...

To see the rivets on the inside it looks like you have to remove the sliding/expander mechanism (at least partially) I haven't done this but it looks to me like BMW are giving you a load of flannel. I have no movement in either case but I shall be raising it with my dealer next time I'm over that way. I'm sure I've only got three rivets in both sides and they are clearly intended (designed) to have 4 in each. If Givi frames didn't look so ugly I'd have them as the Givi boxes are far superior to the BMW ones and they hold more. Many other manufacturers (e.g Honda get people like Givi to make their bags- well the Varedero ones look like Givi) pity BMW didn't do the same.

 

[bgregor]

Many other manufacturers (e.g Honda get people like Givi to make their bags- well the Varedero ones look like Givi) pity BMW didn't do the same.

Honda actually use Givi on the Pan. They are Excellent boxes.

I agree with the look of the Givi side rails, but this didn't stop me from buying them. I will only fit them when I need to use the boxes. Hopefully Givi will come out with a fix to use the original mounting points.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

However, BMW South Africa have put a freeze on further distribution of topboxes as BMW Germany will not admit there is a problem, hopefully this will get them to admit there is a problem and come up with a solution.

Would you be able to email me proof that South Africa has put a freeze on the topbox. I am putting a case togeather to get a recall on the topbox's in New Zealand.

To those that have lost there topbox could you guys also email me what happened and a photo.

Email. [email protected]

Thanks
Dean

 

[CandyMan_ZA]

Hi Dean, I can't give you proof as I have been told this by word of mouth only. This was told to me by my dealer in Cape Town, Trefco as well as the BMW Head Office in Johannesburg. Below are contact details, you can contact any of these dealers directly if you like ?

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/vcenter/dealers/main.asp

The more dealers worldwide that inform BMW Germany that there is a problem the better chance there will be of a solution.

ps. My friend also with a R12GS has taken his luggage back and demanded a full refund until BMW can come up with a better set of luggage. He got a full cash refund. I am thinking of doing the same.

Kevin
R1200GS

 

[kiwiAdventure]

Hi Dean, I can't give you proof as I have been told this by word of mouth only. This was told to me by my dealer in Cape Town, Trefco as well as the BMW Head Office in Johannesburg. Below are contact details, you can contact any of these dealers directly if you like ?

http://www.bmw-motorrad.co.za/vcenter/dealers/main.asp

The more dealers worldwide that inform BMW Germany that there is a problem the better chance there will be of a solution.

ps. My friend also with a R12GS has taken his luggage back and demanded a full refund until BMW can come up with a better set of luggage. He got a full cash refund. I am thinking of doing the same.

Kevin
R1200GS

Thanks Kevin

This will be really helpfull.

 

[kiwiAdventure]

Kiwi, I don't get it, what's that blue stuf at the top of the picture, are you on something special?

How is winter up there. Summer down here is great. This photo was taken two weeks ago. Behind is Mount Cook NZ highest @12,000 feet. Photo's were taken on a 4 day BMW adventure ride.

 

[JayGee]

How is winter up there. Summer down here is great. This photo was taken two weeks ago. Behind is Mount Cook NZ highest @12,000 feet. Photo's were taken on a 4 day BMW adventure ride.

Wet, damp and grey up here at the moment, the only thing green is our jealousy at your great pics!