saddlebags
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saddlebags
doing a long cross country trip next year for quite a while and need some saddlebags. BMW wants all my organs and left foot to afford their bags new, anyone know of good solid reliable (ie not crappy) lockable bags out there? i would need the mounting brackets too. also, the rear upright bag that sits right behind you? and if i find them on ebay or somewhere i need to know if all the R series bikes bags will fit a rockster or not. i wanna make sure they are lockable too, people hanging out in motel parking lots are kinda sketchy...
Re: saddlebags
You don't have to buy new. Haunting ebay will probably find you the set. And even the mounting brackets (also check out ibmwr.org marketplace). You've got time to have some patience. My personal opinion is that the topcase is added weight with less flexibility in what you can carry behind you. I prefer the luggage shelf to which I can strap a drybag, etc.
The Rockster has a raised muffler so you have to be careful which pair you get (the left case has a cut-out for the muffler - I can never remember which models have the lowered muffler and which don't). You can use the right case from any BMW, but the left has to have the cut-out. Re-keying is also a pretty straightforward task.
On a cosmetic note: It is a fairly simple thing to "buff out" any scuffs/scratches with fine emory paper, followed by Back to Black or Black Magic. No one but you will likely notice any scuffs.
P
The Rockster has a raised muffler so you have to be careful which pair you get (the left case has a cut-out for the muffler - I can never remember which models have the lowered muffler and which don't). You can use the right case from any BMW, but the left has to have the cut-out. Re-keying is also a pretty straightforward task.
On a cosmetic note: It is a fairly simple thing to "buff out" any scuffs/scratches with fine emory paper, followed by Back to Black or Black Magic. No one but you will likely notice any scuffs.
P
ATGATT: Because it's better to walk away in disgust than ride away in an ambulance.
Re: saddlebags
If you have a tail rack for your rock, then I can't say enough about the BMW Sport Bag. Waterproof inner compartment, flexible, plenty of pockets, just a GREAT bag.
Part # 71607694117 - Sport Bag
Chicago BMW had the best prices when I bought mine. I love it so much that I hardly ever use the system cases anymore.
Part # 71607694117 - Sport Bag
Chicago BMW had the best prices when I bought mine. I love it so much that I hardly ever use the system cases anymore.