The New And Improved Unofficial R65 Forum V2

Technical Discussion => BMW Technical Q&A, Primarily R65 => Topic started by: raymr on April 07, 2012, 12:44:40 AM

Title: Low cost saddle bags
Post by: raymr on April 07, 2012, 12:44:40 AM

My R65 never had panniers and was lacking storage space. I didn't want to spend a small fortune on official, and rare, OE equipment. That money is being put aside for inevitable mechanical repairs.

Here is what I ended up with. Total cost is about $130.

These are Saddlemen expandable sport bags. I like them because they are semi-rigid and keep their shape. They also follow the upward slant of the exhaust, and allow the seat to open.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi286.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll89%2Foil_boiler%2Fsaddle1.jpg&hash=581fa74e83123fb20b86101b4f05c8d287545e84)

I attached them to saddle bag supports originally made for a Vulcan 800. They had to be bent a 1/4" to match the holes along the frame rail perfectly. Two 1" U-bolts clamp around the supports and then through holes I drilled into the backing. I covered the U-bolts with a 2" piece of fuel line so there's no metal to metal contact. Inside the bags, they bolt through a piece of flat aluminum stock which is also riveted to the backing to hold the bag solid.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi286.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll89%2Foil_boiler%2Fsaddle2.jpg&hash=a8dcc1a203072e3fd0bf2e1b1da585c68a1acce1)

I wouldn't haul bricks, but have no problems carrying 1 gallon jugs of water plus a few other items. This setup will fit my needs pretty well as long as they hold up.
(https://bmwr65.org/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi286.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fll89%2Foil_boiler%2Fsaddle3.jpg&hash=3b775021ef3a65db8b280744f905d284d9a3c228)

Title: Re: Low cost saddle bags
Post by: tvrla on April 07, 2012, 08:34:03 AM

They look nice and tidy and don't stick out a mile. Very nice!

How much trouble to remove them and ride sans luggage?

Title: Re: Low cost saddle bags
Post by: raymr on April 07, 2012, 10:01:44 AM

Thanks. There are 4 nuts on the U-bolts that have to come off and then the bags can be removed. I would use wing nuts but I want the extra torque to make sure that the rubber tubing is really compressed and clamped down.

After riding this way for a while, I'll just keep them on all the time because I don't even notice the bags are there. Empty they weigh something like a pound each. Plus I never know when I'll get a call from honey to pick up something at the store.