Can You Tell Me More About This Tank Bag?

[Kymaera]

Hi all,

New owner of an '88 R65 here. Pleasure to meet you all.

I was given this tank bag and I'd love to have it restored, but I'd like to know more about it.  

What is it supposed to look like?
Am I missing a piece?
Does it have a name or model #?
Do you know how/where I can get it restored?

What do you guys think?

Thanks for your help!

-Jeff

[darrylri]

I believe that's a BMW Multivario tankbag.  The base piece clips to the seam under the gas tank with the hole aligned to the gas cap.  The bottom of the bag part zips to the base; the top zips to the bottom; and the blue middle piece can zip between them for more storage.  There's a zipper at the back of the top piece that allows putting a map inside the top map pockect.  It looks like you're missing the separate rain cover.

[Kymaera]

That's awesome, thank you! Am I missing a piece that zips to the blue inside piece? It seems like that blue piece should have a piece that zips on to it as a lid.

Now I need to find a luggage restoration place.

[darrylri]

I can't remember exactly, but I think the blue middle piece should zip in between the top and bottom bag pieces.  You get two or maybe three different volumes by adjusting the zippers.  

They are handy bags, but I also recall that the map pocket is sized for European maps, not the AAA maps most people here (used to) use.  And not the slightest bit waterproof without the cover.  

[Kymaera]

I can't remember exactly, but I think the blue middle piece should zip in between the top and bottom bag pieces.  You get two or maybe three different volumes by adjusting the zippers.  

They are handy bags, but I also recall that the map pocket is sized for European maps, not the AAA maps most people here (used to) use.  And not the slightest bit waterproof without the cover.  

It doesn't seem that the zippers match-up.  The main external zippers have much larger teeth than the inside piece.

I guess its also possible the inside piece I have doesn't match the rest of the bag...but the fabric matches.

[darrylri]

BMW made these in different forms for different models, over many years.  You may not have matching pieces.  Here's a drawing that matches my memory of these tankbags:

[Kymaera]

That's great, thank you!

Anyone know of a way to identify when mine is from?

[steve hawkins]

It will be original fitment from the 1980's.  I had one for a K100RS that I had, one of the very earliest - About 1984, I think.  Never seen one since.