Removing / adding pannier and topbox racks

[cbutler]

I hardly ever use the top box, even less so the side panniers. The bike came with them, wondering if anyone knows how much time is required (and tools) to remove the racks as I simply do not need them at the moment and makes commuting a tad more difficult with fear of scratching a car.

 

[Ford_Stuntman]

It should be fairly easy to remove, depending on the system you have. I reckon I could remove my pannier rails in less than 10 minutes.

Assuming it uses Torx bolts just get yourself a set of Torx sockets and ratchet. Doesn't have to be an expensive set.

 

[cbutler]

Would you happen to know which sizes? I can't really buy a whole set since I am moving out and won't have much space at all.

 

[v8legend]

You really need to give us a clue if you want a specific response. I can assume that you do not have BMW vario top box and panniers as they are qd.

If you want to know torx or spanner sizes, then maybe you could tell us what manufacturer luggage you have. I'm sure someone here has them and can help you.

 

[Ford_Stuntman]

Honestly just invest in something like this

http://www.amazon.co.uk/Bahco-SL25-...id=1382543945&sr=8-8&keywords=torx+socket+set

If you change other components later in life you'll almost certainly need 3 or 4 sizes of Torx and regular sockets. These are cheap and compact - perfect for occasional home use.

 

[Dean]

I hardly ever use the top box, even less so the side panniers. The bike came with them, wondering if anyone knows how much time is required (and tools) to remove the racks as I simply do not need them at the moment and makes commuting a tad more difficult with fear of scratching a car.

If its a big deal to do your self why not ask the person that fitted them to remove them

Removing your pannier mounting racks...............................

Think of them as crash protection bars, protecting you little leggies and yr bike how close are you thinking of getting to them there cars, they look better with there wing mirrors on you know

 

[cbutler]

If its a big deal to do your self why not ask the person that fitted them to remove them

Removing your pannier mounting racks...............................

Think of them as crash protection bars, protecting you little leggies and yr bike how close are you thinking of getting to them there cars, they look better with there wing mirrors on you know

Indeed my little leggies (calling them that from now on ) do require protection were I to drop the bike - however, riding around London having the bars on the bike really makes me cringe any time I pass a vehicle. And yes I do get that close in stationary or slow moving traffic - close enough I can see the quantity of fuel left in their tanks. Thankfully the mirrors and handle bar are so tall that they pass over nearly every car and below every truck (vans are the pita in traffic) but the bars just sort of stick out

 

[cbutler]

For anyone interested:

I started to remove the side panniers racks but stumbled across a seriously tight screw that looks like it had already been tampered with before trying to get it off. So its a bit worn down - nevertheless I tried to undo it to no avail.

BMW Vines guildford have very nicely offered to try and take it off if I pop in for a couple of minutes, hopefully they will be able to.

However, I've only just realised that taking the side racks off I won't have anything to hold on to since I bought the bike second hand from the dealer and I wasn't give the handles for the bike. I'm hoping the dealer has some spare as I'm pretty pissed off I never got them (it never occurred to me when I bought the bike and being my first ever bike I just never even realised such a thing )

 

[cbutler]

So they managed to undo it so I'm sorted now.

Dave explained why they don't keep the parts and makes sense - they simply don't have enough space. Ah well.

 

[SERVDAVE]

For anyone interested:

I started to remove the side panniers racks but stumbled across a seriously tight screw that looks like it had already been tampered with before trying to get it off. So its a bit worn down - nevertheless I tried to undo it to no avail.

BMW Vines guildford have very nicely offered to try and take it off if I pop in for a couple of minutes, hopefully they will be able to.

However, I've only just realised that taking the side racks off I won't have anything to hold on to since I bought the bike second hand from the dealer and I wasn't give the handles for the bike. I'm hoping the dealer has some spare as I'm pretty pissed off I never got them (it never occurred to me when I bought the bike and being my first ever bike I just never even realised such a thing )

I think that if you brought panniers with the bike new that you only got the one grab rail, so chances are the owner didn't have them.

Makes sure you put some pics up of your new bike!

 

[Dean]

However, I've only just realised that taking the side racks off I won't have anything to hold on to since I bought the bike second hand from the dealer and I wasn't give the handles for the bike. I'm hoping the dealer has some spare as I'm pretty pissed off I never got them (it never occurred to me when I bought the bike and being my first ever bike I just never even realised such a thing )

I think that if you brought panniers with the bike new that you only got the one grab rail, so chances are the owner didn't have them.

Makes sure you put some pics up of your new bike!

sounds like you have got the BMW ali pannier system yes they stick out like my FA cup ears

They have built in grab rails so they take off your originals when fitted, as BMW have been running a free luggage thingy for , well yonks with the new bikes they must have a pile of original grab rails, (unless they have been down the scrappy for some biccy money) I'm sure if asked nicely they would remove your luggage rails and put on some originals for you. (or phone other dealerships)

(I still say they make great rear crash bar - protectors) but if you insist on seeing what fuel is in vehicles