Krauser bags

[steven m]

I recently picked up a set of factory rack mounts for my trusty 83 r65.  What appeared to be a lot of rust was mostly a crummy attempt to paint them.  A little work with a wire brush and they look great.  Bolted them on, mounted the racks inboard of the shocks.  When I put on Krauser bags, the turn signal hits the bag on the right side and I cannot get the latch to engage.  These are the classic airhead Krausers, not the more modern shorter and squarer BMW bags.  Have I mounted the racks incorrectly?  Hmmm...
Steve  

[Lucky_Lou]

I recently picked up a set of factory rack mounts for my trusty 83 r65.  What appeared to be a lot of rust was mostly a crummy attempt to paint them.  A little work with a wire brush and they look great.  Bolted them on, mounted the racks inboard of the shocks.  When I put on Krauser bags, the turn signal hits the bag on the right side and I cannot get the latch to engage.  These are the classic airhead Krausers, not the more modern shorter and squarer BMW bags.  Have I mounted the racks incorrectly?  Hmmm...
Steve  

The mounts may be for r80 or r100 which have a longer wheelbase...hacksaw may be required...
Lou

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Some people shorten their turn signal stalks out of vanity.  I would say this is one situation where it might be necessary.

If the mounts went on without any real drama, they are probably O.K.  If they were made for a large-frame airhead, you would have had to modify them to get them to work.  It doesn't sound like that is the case, here.

Get yourself a dremel-type rotary tool to cut the slots after you shorten the stalks.  Watch where you make the slots so the turn signals are level with the pavement.

[steven m]

Thanks for the input.  The racks are for an R65.  I believe older airhead racks have a vertical forward mounting tab and mounting hole.  The R65 racks have a horizontal tab and mounting hole.  The racks for the later single shock R65 and R100 are different.

Maybe a couple of thick washers on the rear mount, the center loop on the rear subframe, would move them out about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.  That is all that is needed.

I'll keep you posted.

Steve

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Maybe a couple of thick washers on the rear mount, the center loop on the rear subframe, would move them out about 1/4 to 1/2 inch.That is all that is needed.

That is what I did on my original mounts.  A long time ago, I already had a Reynolds rack on my bike when I bought a set of BMW Krauser bags with mounts.  I didn't know I needed the Reynolds loops to work properly.  So I got out the grinder and made them fit.  (not recommended)

This is what my rear mount looked like.  The saddlebag mounts are on the outer edges of the spacers:


_{click on pic for more}