Anyone use the 51ltr Sportbag?

[Black12s]

I was wondering if anyone on this forum has tried using the BMW 51 Liter sportbag on a R1200S? Looks like a nice bag for trips? They say it is designed for use on K1200R.

http://www.bmw-riders-gear.com/BMWRA_products.asp?page=9&mm=Gear&c=Pack&sc=Top+Cases&m=Motorcycle&r1=&md=&a1=ON&d1=ON&i1=ON&p1=1&p2=12&s1=&bplo=&bphi=#

[muzza]

Yes bought one thinking it would be good however seems that its not really a good fit on its own ,doubtful about the straps that attach it and the likely hood of the bag moving and rubbing on the paint work
Still like the bag so ive opted to run with it along with a Hattech rack that replaces the rear seat when your heading off on a trip It alows the bag to sit away from the paint and has slots for attaching the bag.Very nice people to deal with contact

www.hattech.de

[AZ-Twin]

+1 on the Hattech rack!

[Black12s]

Originally Posted by muzza

Yes bought one thinking it would be good however seems that its not really a good fit on its own ,doubtful about the straps that attach it and the likely hood of the bag moving and rubbing on the paint work
Still like the bag so ive opted to run with it along with a Hattech rack that replaces the rear seat when your heading off on a trip It alows the bag to sit away from the paint and has slots for attaching the bag.Very nice people to deal with contact

www.hattech.de

Cool thanks for the info, will have to check out the rack.

[AndrewA]

Having that bag on a Hattech rack reminds me of a serious wedgie or a string bikini.
Its a big bag. The rack though, ummm...not so much.

[Droptarotter]

Hey Robert;
Are you starting to regret selling me the saddlebags?
Thanks again, BTW.
Cheers

[Black12s]

Originally Posted by Droptarotter

Hey Robert;
Are you starting to regret selling me the saddlebags?
Thanks again, BTW.
Cheers

I do miss them a bit but think I can make due with a tail bag of some sort. I have the itch to get back on the road after my 3 month abstinence.

[Yellow12]

Originally Posted by Black12s

Cool thanks for the info, will have to check out the rack.

+1 for the rack also.
The small tail bag from BMW fits on there PERFECTLY!

HOWEVER,
I was also considering the 51 litre bag from BMW and with the rack, it's not a nice fit.
My local dealer had a bag on display so I grabbed it and tried to place it on the back.
It's slightly too skinny for the rack (or the rack is just a wee bit too wide)

Muzza, how'd you overcome this?
Or do you just pull hard on the straps and the bag does what it's told and conforms to the right shape?

So, +1 for the rack, but see if you can try whatever bag you want to use on it first.

[Black12s]

I haven't actually seen this bag in person and was worried it might be quite large. My fears are confirmed with the feedback from you guys. I think there might be some other decent waterproof bag options out there that I will look into.
Thanks!

[AZ-Twin]

I like this one. I bet it will keep stuff dry enough, The North Face makes good stuff.

http://www.rei.com/product/764202

[muzza]

Yes the bags not perfect however it does fit I am in the process of having a mate remake and powdercoat a new top plate that will fit the bag perfectly
So I plan on removing the one that came with it and replacing it with a new one
All going well should work a treat

[Yellow12]

Ah yes, the top plate comes off.
Good call Muz, that'll work a treat then!

Ant

[AZ-Twin]

Originally Posted by muzza

Yes the bags not perfect however it does fit I am in the process of having a mate remake and powdercoat a new top plate that will fit the bag perfectly
So I plan on removing the one that came with it and replacing it with a new one
All going well should work a treat

New top plate is a great idea! Are you going to mount the new plate with the same hardware as the old one? I think the hardware used to secure the top plate to the bottom could be a little beefier. I did not have any problems, but those little bolts don't seem too sturdy to me.

Just a thought.

[muzza]

Yes Rob Im going to use slightly bigger bolts and Ive designed the slots to suit the bag mounting points
With slotted tube on the sharp edges to avoid any premature wear of the mounting straps it should be better all round.
Can I say that there is nothing essentially wrong with the design from Hattech its great- just fine tuning (sorta like Shreddr,well not really)

[AZ-Twin]

Muzza,

I look forward to seeing pics of the new top plate.

I agree, the initial design is good, I just did not get a good feeling about some of the hardware when I initially installed it; but I rode to CO and back last summer with the Hattech Rack loaded, and it performed superbly.

[AZ-J]

Originally Posted by AZ-Twin

I like this one. I bet it will keep stuff dry enough, The North Face makes good stuff.

http://www.rei.com/product/764202

Pretty, too bad no red or silver. That black one is ugly, too.

[AZ-Twin]

Lookie here.

http://www.backcountry.com/store/TNF3006/The-North-Face-Base-Camp-Duffel-Bag-2560-9070cu-in.html

[AZ-J]

Nice, but that silver is white. Guess I'll stick with a red one.

[OwenM]

The Ventura rack system seems a better solution, the bag is 44 litres expandable to 56 litres and the rack is very sturdy and inexpensive.

Ventura Bike Pack for R1200S