Luggage for F650 CS?

[PAULBACH]

The F650 CS was not really designed for luggage. I have a GIVI top case but would like to add side cases.

Has anyone had any experience with side cases on the CS or know of any vendor that sells cases for the CS? What have you liked? Which cases have some "issues" on the CS? :bikes

[Ridealot]

You need to get over to the Chain Gang site. On the Black Belt forum if you search you will find all the answers you want. I'll give you a head start to just one of the many options.
http://www.happy-trail.com/category.aspx?categoryid=34&openid=34

[Ridealot]

I guess maybe I should have elaborated on what the Chain Gang is. It is a site that is dedicated to just the BMW F650. The Technical FAQ's section covers everything you could possible want to know about the F650.

Just a warning though. After you sign up to get on the site use the search function before asking a question. Your question has probably already been asked dozens of times. There are some "Oscar the Grouch" types that will just tell you to search the FAQ's.

When I typed CS luggage into the search it came back with 272 posts. That should give you something to read for the afternoon. ;)

[PAULBACH]

Thank you. I did a Google search and found a couple of vendor sites with some good information. Krauser makes gear but one has to remove the tail lights and cut into the electrical system to mount the rails.

The cut has nothing to do with the electrical system but additional wire is needed to make room for mounting plates.

Thanks again especially for advice on the care and feeding of the Chain Gang. :thumb

Best,

Paul

[PNWladybug]

[QUOTE=Ridealot]
Just a warning though. After you sign up to get on the site use the search function before asking a question. Your question has probably already been asked dozens of times. There are some "Oscar the Grouch" types that will just tell you to search the FAQ's.
QUOTE]

:laugh Boy do you ever have that right about the "Oscar the Grouch" types at the Chain Gang forum, I almost let them scare me away. The site is a great place to learn about your F650, I've learned a lot. Heck, I even got brave and have asked a few questions :type and got answers without getting flamed. 95% of the folks there are great and extremely helpful.

[PAULBACH]

Found a source of easily installed cases. I called Jesse. They do not make cases for the F650 CS and referred me to a company in Boise, Idaho - Happy Trail (http://www.happy-trail.com/) . :usa

[Ridealot]

Found a source of easily installed cases. I called Jesse. They do not make cases for the F650 CS and referred me to a company in Boise, Idaho - Happy Trail (http://www.happy-trail.com/) . :usa

Gee Paul I guess you didn't like the link in my first answer. :dunno At least my link went to the CS luggage page :nyah Just messing with you.

You'll like Tim at Happy Trails. He and his wife are nice folks. He is also one of the guys thats putting on the RA Rally in Boise this summer.

[PAULBACH]

You are absolutely right, I screwed that one up. I could have saved a lot of time. I went back, read your post and there was the answer. I think I went to the chain gang first and then got into tons of interesting stuff and never tried the link you provided. :doh

Thank you for your good info. Telling me something is like pouring water on cement. It does sink in, it just takes awhile. Just part of becoming an old :fart

Happy-Trail was very friendly (Capltain Ed) and took a LOT of time to explain the features of all their bags that would fit the 650 CS (soon to be a classic)

I ended up getting their panniers and added a silver powder coat to make the bike more visible. Then I can add the reflective cows, but that is another story.

Thanks again for the good information. Please say hello to the Happy-Trail (http://www.happy-trail.com/) folks at the RA rally this summer.

[Glennbailey]

My wife has a 650gs and I just put a givi rack on it. She can use the side luggage from my FJ1200 that I haven't put on the road since I got the 1150gs.

[PAULBACH]

The GS is made for bags and carrying trash and treasure. But the CS (Classic Steed) is a whole different beast. It is very popular in Europe but BMW is no longer sending them to the US. The CS is very popular in Europe.

The belt drive is the best. NO SPLINES to lubricate when the tires are changed. NO CHAIN DRIVE to clean and lube. The belt drive is just awesome. Clean it with compressed air and you are good to go. I think it is the only belt drive that BMW ever made but I wait to be proven wrong.

Glad I own one of these Classic Steeds. :clap

O2HEAD

[Consultant]

I made my own mounts for some Nonfango bags I bought surplus from a used BMW dealer. I was able to make brackets that did not require any drilling nor moving the rear turn signals. Have ridden many miles 2-up with no problems. I used 7/8" steel tubing that I silver brazed together with some simple machined aluminum clamps and some 1/2" SS tubing. Turned out a bit wide but work quite well. If I could figure out how to attach a jpeg, I would show it.