which luggage plate rack?

[RichieS]

Currently have a Giving plate and top box but for this years summer jaunt, me and her are going to substitute that for a couple of soft bags, hence the need for a larger rack/base plate.
From what I can see, on the market, there is Cymark,Rugged Roads, Altrider, Touratech and the simple and straightforward Metal Mule.
Opinions on ease of use, strap locations, build quality, etc would be appriated.
Ta
Richie

 

[robchis]

From what I've seen, the Cymark option would be my personal choice

 

[WindyChuffer]

You dont need to make it any wider. Just use straps to secure luggage.

If you really do want it bigger, you could throw on a small piece of ply held on with zip ties / pipe clips etc for next to fek all £££.

 

[Toddmeister]

I've got a Cymarc on my LC and had all sorts strapped onto it for various trips, see below. Replaces the pillion seat, works a treat, easy to strap stuff onto and still looks like new.

 

[Fluffy]

AltRider

Their luggage rack system is, in short, the nuts.

Design is fantastic, quality unmatched.

I'll post some pics here from Spain when I have sufficient bandwidth but in short it is rock solid and used daily for heavy hauls without any form of incident.

Look great, still looks like new and wouldn't change it for any other system.

 

[Toddmeister]

Sorry fella, just re-read your post properly and noticed you're taking the Mrs on the back so my picture is of no use to you at all . Unless of course you change plans and make her ride her own bike

 

[Sooty09]

Seems strange to me BMW developed a rear luggage rack which is almost no use at all, so you have to buy something extra to strap a bag on. Just done a three day tour in Scotland, I fixed a soft bag on the rear with elastic bungees but it moved about because the carrier is too narrow. I also noticed there is no place to hook the bungee hooks, I originally hooked them into the pannier brackets but they are only plastic and taper to a sharp edge at the bottom, place much load on these and they will deform. I ended up with straps on the grab handles but take care, they are only painted plastic and will mark very easily.
The whole rear end is a mess of design, unsuitable for large amounts of soft luggage, no hooking points, not even ready to take a BMW top box. The rear grab handles also get a massive thumbs down from my Mrs.
Such poor design is either due to an idiot designer who ignored the years of touring experience by BMW, or a deliberate policy at BMW to make you buy extra bits.
It can be done right, our BMW 650 Funduro had a large flat aluminium carrier with incorporated grab handles and hook points.
The BMW top box to suit slid into place with no extra fitting kit.

 

[wreck diver]

You are right Sooty about the rear of the WC GS compared to earlier 1150,s and 1200,s. A bit more thought would have made a good bike great with out added cost.
I have added the Altrider luggage plate and have been very pleased with the quality and fit.Givi 48 box sits well on it.
If you want a pic Richie pm me your emali addy.

 

[RichieS]

Thanks guys. TBH it was always going to be between Cymarc and Altrider.....decisions decisions!!

 

[Sooty09]

This picture shows the rather poor standard carrier. Not much use for anything.

This picture shows the standard plate on the right and a new top box adapter plate on the left.

This final picture shows the rear carrier ready for mounting the top box.

Notice any major differences? The Top box plate could be fitted as standard, its no better or worse as a general carrier, the only difference is the standard plate has two poorly located luggage strap slots and will not mount a top box.
The only way to fit a BMW top box is to buy the £50.00+ plate and throw the old one away.
Can anybody think of an excuse for this? we are really stupid letting BMW get away treating its customers like this.

Once fitted the luggage kit is very well designed and fits well. Much better than the old GS stuff .
I just feel I have been ripped off buying the adapter.

 

[Emoto]

Here's my review of the AltRider racks. I like them a lot. http://home.comcast.net/~emoto1/AltRiderRacks.htm

 

[Fluffy]

^^^ I'm with Emoto, the AltRider kit is top drawer ^^^

Now, if only I could get enough bandwidth to post pictures of my set-up...

 

[Fluffy]

Does this work?

http://fluffy99.smugmug.com/BMW-R1200GSW/n-CmSv4/i-kjZTW3t/A

 

[PaulW]

nope