The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: steve_wicks on March 04, 2009, 02:07:35 PM

Title: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: steve_wicks on March 04, 2009, 02:07:35 PM

Do seats on other 'R' models (R80, R100 etc) fit the 1981 R65/45 frames?

I'm about to make a rack for a top box as my panniers are really beyond help - 1 is cracked and neither lock and both have badly rusted hinges.

My ain is to keep the pannier frames and make a rack that will still allow the seat to open but the simple way puts the top box too far back so I want to modify a seat.

Anyone made a rack, got pics of racks etc?

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: Justin B. on March 04, 2009, 02:14:37 PM

As far as I know, none of the seats are a "plug-and-play" swap.  I have often wondered about putting on a LWB rear subframe and trying an R100 seat but never got around to it.  It would probably look a bit strange...

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: drewboid on March 05, 2009, 08:04:49 AM

If you can find one the old aftermarket racks could be moved into two posistions - one over the seat trunk for good looks, the second moved back so the seat could still lift. Mounting a top box on one of those would solve the problem. They do show up occassionally on ebay or try the IBMWR marketplace.

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: msbuck on March 05, 2009, 10:23:01 AM

I'm awaiting Rob's reply...you know it's coming...  ;)
with pictures!

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: Rob Valdez 79 R65 on March 06, 2009, 04:12:59 AM

My public awaits... (I've been in bed with the flu all week...)

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F102573776%2Fmedium.jpg&hash=d048450295a3019372bfeb702474361a00525d77) (http://www.pbase.com/tomfarr/solo_seat)
click for more


I have a Reynolds luggage rack that is for sale.  I think that is what drewboid was speaking of.  But it is for the '78-'80 models.  There was a different model for the '81-'84 bikes, due to the different tail section on the seats.  Also, you cannot really fit standard saddlebag loops on with it, although I did - only because I didn't know any better.
Here's a picture of it in the bike.  It would cost some serious money to ship to S.A., as well.  (it is heavy)

(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pbase.com%2Ftomfarr%2Fimage%2F70882422.jpg&hash=952b2522e289fbddec446ae89ae53bffe651611d)

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: drewboid on March 06, 2009, 07:36:14 AM

I was also surprised when the Reynolds rack would not work with hte saddlebags. I finally did fit the Reynolds rack with the loop type saddlebag carriers but it requires some work with a file or motortool and a little bending to clear the interferences. I was not aware that the 79-80 models were different.

Title: Re: Seats inter-changeable
Post by: steve_wicks on March 06, 2009, 09:37:46 AM

Thanks Rob

My idea is for something similar to the Reynolds item - maybe even mounting it using the pannier frames.

I do think the freight to South Africa would be horrendous and then there's the chance it vanishes.