Can't expand one of my system cases

[bunty1948@gmail.com]

I have an F650 GS (2004) with BMW cases that expand by about 3 inches. One of the cases has expanded but the other is stuck. The locks are unlocked, we've tried Silicon lubricant, but the two halves won't budge. Any suggestions?

[henzilla]

Hi Bunty,
moving this to the F 650 sub forum for better exposure and more suggestions. It is under The Garage/ Thumpers F& G Bikes

Have had that issue as well,but, cannot recall the remedy. Vaguely remember one of the locking tabs inside the case was still catching and the sliding section was crooked.

[Omega Man]

I have an F650 GS (2004) with BMW cases that expand by about 3 inches. One of the cases has expanded but the other is stuck. The locks are unlocked, we've tried Silicon lubricant, but the two halves won't budge. Any suggestions?
Welcome to the forum Bunty, it sounds like you have a Vario case on the bike. The first thing I would check for is something small that might have gotten into the mechanism. With it open you can shake it upside down and listen for a rattle. If they haven't been expanded for some time they will be harder to open and your on the right track with the silicone spray. If the bike has been over there is a chance that the bag got "tweaked". You can find the exploded view here http://www.maxbmwmotorcycles.com/fiche/DiagramsMain.aspx?vid=51602&rnd=03252011 from Max BMW's site-I think I got the right pic for you-just go to 77 (accessories) sometimes seeing the inside helps to figure out the outside. HTH, Gary

[bunty1948@gmail.com]

Thanks for the link to the parts illustrations. I guess that is my case, but something doesn't look quite the same...

We finally got the case expanded by removing 6 screws at the back holding the locking mechanism and associated parts, snapping the locking mechanisms off the posts, and then pulling the two parts of the case apart. Problem then was that we had to fit the two halves back together which was greatly aided by use of an old fashioned spatula (long thin blade about 1 1/2 inches wide).

I suspect some of the gasket that keeps water out had gotten a little out of shape and was stopping the case from expanding; the fact that it was out of line also made it difficult to fit the halves back together. Once it was together it was a cinch to snap the locks back in and screw them tight.

I don't think I'll ever bother compressing them again!

[kpinvt]

Try expanding the case while it is still mounted on the bike. I had alot of trouble with one of the cases when I first got my bike. I first got the case to expand by sitting in a chair and grabbing the sides and pushing the case open with my foot. DO NOT pull on the lid. A second set of hands can be very helpful. Once you get it open expand and contract it a bunch of times to loosen it up.