Hepco Becker "Krauser" cases and old Krauser Rack?

[gossamerjohn]

Hi all.


I'm considering buying a set of the the "Krauser replica" saddlebags made by Hepco Becker (classic line) for my R60/6

They are like these

http://store.bobsbmw.com/v/vspfiles/photos/46549016152R-LUG-2T.jpg


My question (of course) is will they fit my rack (doesn't everyone ask that question?)

I have an old 70s era Krauser T-set style rack like the RACK (this is NOT my bike) pictured here:

http://w6rec.com/duane/bmw/bags/krauser/T_set.jpg

I do have the rack latch that looks like a chrome seat belt buckle, like this one:

http://www.flugelnus.com/krauser-bag-clip.html


http://us.st12.yimg.com/us.st.yimg.com/I/yhst-92531645852337_2030_7813954

So my question is, has anyone had any luck making these bags fit this style of Krauser rack with this latch?

Will it work at all? Do I need to do modification? Or, is there a way I can retrofit my existing Krauser rack to fit these newer H&B cases?

Or do I need to buy a new H&B chrome rack too? (which I'd rather not do b/c the rack I have is in great shape)

Thanks a lot for your help. I appreciate it.
__________________
1976 R60/6 Monza Blue

[Yarddog]

Maybe if you contacted Hepco Becker with this questions?

[shire2000]

2 minutes research found this:

CLASSIC PANNIERS 33 LTRS. OUR MOST POPULAR PANNIERS. BASED ON THE STYLE AND DIMENSIONS OF THE ORIGINAL KRAUSER PANNIERS BUT WITH SUPERIOR FITTINGS AND LOCKS.LWH 50 X 22 X 33cms (BLACK) (PER PAIR) THESE PANNIERS HAVE CUT OUT LIDS TO ACCOMODATE THE ORIGINAL GRAB RAILS. 69830B PANNIERS WILL ONLY FIT TO 1973-84 OEM BMW 2v TWINS PANNIER FRAMES OR FROM OUR HEPCO & BECKER LIST 69712 OR 69699C

ADDITIONAL PANNIER LOCK MOUNT FOR HEPCO PANNIERS TO FIT SOME OEM BMW FRAMES THAT DO NOT HAVE THE ATTACHMENT FOR THE HEPCO PANNIER FRAME LOCK.

So with that, I would say that the new bags will fit the frame you have. From looking at the mounting system you may need to purchase the locking attachment which is a whole lot cheaper than the whole frame.

[razz2234]

I have the same Hepco Becker cases (hate the top latches though) and the same Krauser Rack...it fits in tightly but fits.

[gossamerjohn]

Dave

thanks for doing an Internet search. Unfortunately when one actually takes more than two minutes to research and dig a little deeper you get mixed answers; some say they fit, other sites say they will only fit the BMW racks.

This is why I specifically asked for feedback from people who might have first hand experience with a similar combo rather than continuing to read about it on the Internet.

[shire2000]

Hey, no problem. The reason I made the little comment "2 minutes research" was that I did not see in your post that you had researched the internet. Sorry about that.

Oh, and if you were to instead go for the BMW bags that came on the 1981 to 1985 bikes, they do fit as well. Just remove thee seat belt latch so that the clamp on latch can go around the bar. That I do have direct experience with.

[Rapid_Roy]

I have those bags but I dont' know which racks I have. I had old Krausers on my /7 and I ordered the new bags. They came with new latch brackets, because the latch works differently than the old Krausers. I had to remove the 2 bolts and take off the old one (kinda looks like a seat belt latch) I put the new one on on both sides and the bags snapped right on.

[gossamerjohn]

Thanks Dave and Roy. This is a big help. It appears I have options after all. I love the ortleib dry saddle bags. But they don't have the capacity of either the HB or BMW cases. And they are already tearing up.

[Rapid_Roy]

You actually asked a question about the first expensive new thing I have bought for my bikes in years! :ha
Glad I could help.

[gossamerjohn]

Dave and Roy, on last question.

What do you think of the quality of your respective cases?

Dave: BMWs?
Roy: HBs?

Thanks again, I've been getting very mixed reviews - it's like I asked about motor oil here! :)

[shire2000]

I like both types of bags. I think the H-B bags look a little more retro and seem to have the right look for the era. But, the BMW bags are also great and I can get my X-Large helmet in one just fine. Both appear to be well built and the new H-B bags now have a much better clasp to hold them onto the bike. The only thing I don't like about the BMW bags are the locks. They work well, but have such a tiny little slot to insert the key, it can be a pain on a dark night after a long day of riding. I use my bags like suitcases, so prefer to take them into the hotel at night.

For me, if I was looking to buy new, I would look more at the H-B because they are probably a whole lot less expensive than the BMW bags. If I was looking for a good used set, then I would be looking at which ever one I could get at the right price and condition. There are lots of the BMW bags out there, just have to find someone that is willing to sell them.

[gossamerjohn]

Thanks for the Feedback Dave. Not having seen any of these in person I'm having a hard time taking the plunge with $500ish dollars.

The H&B's I'm seeing new are AROUND the same money as the BMWs, about $70 US less. They look to be about the same capacity too. The H&Bs look to be about 35 liter and the BMW about 33 liter.

One response I got from the Airheads group is that the H&B are "cheap" or lesser quality than they BMW touring cases. Which prompted my concern.

I mostly camp when I travel, so being able to take them off the bike is a plus but not a huge concern. Capacity and durability are my main concerns. And having them look cool too :thumb

[Rapid_Roy]

I haven't really used mine yet, but I bought them for the retro look, and the plastic was in much better shape than my ancient Krausers. The locks and latches are also very nice , IMO. I have BMW bags on my RT and they do seem smaller.

[62373]

I have the exact same setup on my /6, and the bags WILL fit. It was mentioned that they are a bit tight. When everything is new that is true. Because the bags are plastic and the mounts are metal, they plastic will wear over years of use. Therefore, they SHOULD be tight, as they will become loose in later years.

Hope this helps.

[jad01]

I bought a set of HB bags from Bob's two years back to replace my old Krausers that came with my bike. I like them as well as the originals in terms of function, and they look like the originals. I've packed them full on several occasions, and they have so far held up fine. The latch connecting the bags to the rack is very secure- much better than the old style. The lid latches (suitcase style latches) are about the same, but the locks seem a little more sturdy that the old ones. I can get a full-face helmet in the bags easily. I can't say how they compare to the later style BMW system cases in terms of function, but I'd buy them again given my experience so far.