Panniers?

[Boxerkuh]

My current ride is an 86 R80S. I have the stock BMW cases on them with the latches not the keys. I really like the different panniers from Jesse, Touratech, Happy Trails and Motoport (except the price :cry ). However, none of them offer a kit to mount them to my bike. They usually offer them for the GS anyway, occassionally a later model R100R. None of them offer one for my bike :dunno , unless I buy a universal kit and mount it myself.

So here is the question:
1. Does anybody have any experience with the universal mount kits?
2.Which case do you prefer and why?
3.Should I just buy the case of my choice and then have them mounted myself locally?
4. Will the stock rack hold the new cases? Are the chrome bars solid or hollow?

I really appreciate your feedback. I know that I am not the first person to come up and want to do this. What is the wisdom out there? Thanks for your help... :wave

[riderR1150GSAdv]

You will get dozens of different answers from everyone as no two riders are alike. I understand your delemma as to what to choose in panniers as I went through weeks of research myself :lurk . I only have experience with the Touratech panniers. I chose those because of the 4 point mounting system of the bags onto the frame, the superior frames on the bike and ease of installation on my GS, and also the fact that they are mounted high enough as not to scrape while leaning over in curves. All frames are made of hollow tubing as far as I know.
Go to www.advrider.com for far more info than you wanted... :D Just my 0.02 cts ,YMMV.

[pmdave]

If you want to keep things simple, use the old style tubular racks that accept either the "Krauser" or "BMW" bags. The plastic bags with external latches are reasonably strong, more or less water-resistant, and quick detach. The plastic bags also fall off occasionally, break their mounting tabs, etc. The BMW bag I prefer over all others is the roundish one with lid that opens outward, and grooves molded along the lower sides of the lids. You may still be able to find a used set somewhere.

GIVI typically has "universal" mounting kits, but the GIVI bags are similar to the BMW bags in terms of durability, flex, etc.

Or, if you want something more durable and less likely to fall off (or apart) then any of the aluminum "panniers" you mention are an improvement over any of the plastic bags. If any of them have kits for an R100GS, that would be a good place to start. It might be that a GS kit would bolt right up to an R, RT, T, etc. if the same year.

I've installed a set of Happy Trails on my 1150 GS, and I don't think it would be much of an issue to install them on an R100. The bags attach to massive aluminum (solid) bars that are kept from sagging at the rear by two vertical tubes (hollow) and a cross brace. All you would have to do to install on an R100 is construct some adapters to connect the mounting bars to the R100 seat frame. But if you're not the least mechanically-inclined, I'd suggest you find a local welding shop to fabricate the needed brackets.

pmdave

[Boxerkuh]

Thanks for all your good feedback. I have called Happy Trails and although they have not ever build a bracket for a R80 R/RT/S they are willing to give it a shoot. I will begin by sending a few pictures of the stock step-up with some measurements... They said if I ship them my stock set up they will be able to modify it, or build me a new one with the stock mounting places. I will see how it turns out. I am glad that they are willing to work with me. When I called the Jesse people they said they would not shut down their production line for the 1150 or the 1200 BMW's, which is their "bread and butter". That is understandable, but does not help me....

[pmdave]

I think you'll find that Tim Bernard of Happy Trails is an enthusiastic rider who is willing to go the extra mile to get your machine outfitted the way you want it.

I once tried to convince Tim to change the name "Happy Trails" because it always seems to generate humor and wisecracks. I wish he would call them "bulletproofs" or "tough bags" or "Boise bags" or some other name that hints at their true nature. Tim sticks to the "Happy Trails" name, so get used to the smartass comments.

HT bags are definitely not stylish. Rather they are tough boxes with square corners and a top design that resists damage and really seals. The cam latches are "industrial", but don't let the lids fly open (or off) like some other bags we could mention.

Suggestions when ordering HT bags: Get the bags powdercoated on the inside so your gear doesn't turn black from rubbing off the oxide. Bare aluminum is OK on the outside, and you can polish it occasionally to remove oxidation. Try for a coating other than black for the outside, especially the lids. Black absorbs heat from the sun. Clear or gray powdercoat would be better.

Do order the "canyon cut" (angled lower outside edges) to soften the corners (where you can easily bang a shin) Order the lids hinged (your choice of which side depending on how you intend to use them. I've decided on the linds hinged at the outside, so the lids tilt outward and serve as useful "shelves".

Have the lids made plain without loops or racks, so you can decide where to put your own tiedowns.

Add some marine stainless steel footmans loops or eye straps to the lids where they will be most useful for your gear.

If you want to color match the bags more to your bike, you can paint over the powdercoat on the lids.

pmdave

[Boxerkuh]

pm dave: Thank you very much for all your great advise. I have emailed all the pictures to Tim this afternoon. After my Daytona trip next weekend, if need be I will take the stock brackets off and ship them to him if he needs them. Excellent information about the color, hinges, rack, and style of bags... You see I thought of black bags and not the canyon cut, and wanting the racks on the top, but what you said about it makes perfect sense. I am hoping that I am onto something here. And if this set up works (which I am sure it will) this may also be another option for other airhead riders that don't have a GS. It may even create a little more business for him. All the better. Thanks again!