For anyone aware of my level of technical expertise, you'll be pleased to know that I'm attempting a high difficulty level project, moving on from such triumphs as putting a speedo bulb in and removing and replacing a front wheel.
This time, I am attempting to change some pannier rails and rack on my R80g/s. I realise that some of you may be thinking, 'has he gone too far?' You could be right.
I bought some Hepco and Becker panniers from Motobins during their open day last year along with the necessary pannier rails. I have now summoned up the courage to remove the old (original) rails and rack and replace them with the new ones.
Three Issues
Firstly, there are no instructions with the new pannier rails. Secondly, there seem to be around 700 more bits to the new rails when compared to the originals. Thirdly, I'm an enthusiastic idiot.
This afternoon, I made a cup of tea and ventured into the garage.
Tools used. Spanners (some, of differing sizes), an allen key (which also had a size) a penknife (for a legitimate use and not taken outside my property, blade length less than 3.5 inches).
My usual level of technicalness is removing the saddle. I flew past this stage like a pro. I then located some bolts that went through the pannier rails and undid them until the nuts came off. This was repeated for each nut and bolt. During the entire process, I only dropped one washer, which was quickly retrieved. (This is usually a problem for me, I find that around 10% of nuts fall to the floor and disappear under something immovable within 2 hours.) This was a moment of joy.
The penknife was used to cut through the cable ties which hold the indicator cables to the rack.
I am now at the stage where I have removed the original completely. 3 bits and a few bolts.
I have offered the new rack and rails up to the bike and have absolutely no idea how I'm supposed to attach them to the bike. I'm guessing by using some or all of the 700 bits that came in the bags.
I have asked Motobins for a set of instructions and hope that these come soon, otherwise I fear I will have to return to this post and ask you more experienced spanner wielders for some help.
Watch this space!
This time, I am attempting to change some pannier rails and rack on my R80g/s. I realise that some of you may be thinking, 'has he gone too far?' You could be right.
I bought some Hepco and Becker panniers from Motobins during their open day last year along with the necessary pannier rails. I have now summoned up the courage to remove the old (original) rails and rack and replace them with the new ones.
Three Issues
Firstly, there are no instructions with the new pannier rails. Secondly, there seem to be around 700 more bits to the new rails when compared to the originals. Thirdly, I'm an enthusiastic idiot.
This afternoon, I made a cup of tea and ventured into the garage.
Tools used. Spanners (some, of differing sizes), an allen key (which also had a size) a penknife (for a legitimate use and not taken outside my property, blade length less than 3.5 inches).
My usual level of technicalness is removing the saddle. I flew past this stage like a pro. I then located some bolts that went through the pannier rails and undid them until the nuts came off. This was repeated for each nut and bolt. During the entire process, I only dropped one washer, which was quickly retrieved. (This is usually a problem for me, I find that around 10% of nuts fall to the floor and disappear under something immovable within 2 hours.) This was a moment of joy.
The penknife was used to cut through the cable ties which hold the indicator cables to the rack.
I am now at the stage where I have removed the original completely. 3 bits and a few bolts.
I have offered the new rack and rails up to the bike and have absolutely no idea how I'm supposed to attach them to the bike. I'm guessing by using some or all of the 700 bits that came in the bags.
I have asked Motobins for a set of instructions and hope that these come soon, otherwise I fear I will have to return to this post and ask you more experienced spanner wielders for some help.
Watch this space!
hope you have a hanky too 
Rob's the man 
