Newbie ? R 65 luggage racks & bags

[1972R60]

Hello All! I am new to the forum, and the new owner of a 1979 R65. I have no luggage rack or bag rack on my 65. At the least I need a place to tie down my back pack. I would like some recomendations or advice on what to look for and where to find it. A luggage rack and / or panniers  is what I am thinking about, but I look forwardto your advice.
Thanks

[montmil]

Welcome to the R65 forum, 1972R60... which sounds like you're an Airhead already!

The R65 is a short wheel base (SWB) Airhead so the choices of a rack, bags or combo is limited. The vintage of these classic bikes will also tend to possibly make your search lengthy.

Keep an eye on the forum's Trading Post. Post up a "wanted" ad.

Check out the marketplace on the Internet BMW Riders. Post up a wanted ad there, too.http://marketplace.ibmwr.org/

I've had good luck sourcing used bits from Re-Cycled BMW http://www.re-psycle.com/

And there's eBay. Be cautious of ads stating "racks fit all Airheads" since you already know that ain't true.

If you're a member of the Airheads Beemer Club, there's that resource, too. One source advertiser is Larry "Stoner" Stonestreet who has a huge stash of Airhead parts. Honest guy and good friend of the marque. <CA.STONER@YAHOO.COM>

Good luck with your search.

[davidpdx]

You have come to the right place to get your R65 questions answered. I have found this to be the friendliest forum on the net. One thing to keep in mind as you shop for saddle bags is that there are old and new style latches and locks on BMW bags. The old style are like suitcase locks and the newer style are locks that your ignition key can be keyed to. I bought my cases from two different people and got one of each. The newer style are much nicer to use. Good luck in your search.

[fbenach]

As all the guys said above, this is the right place to be regarding Q/A on R65!! Welcome!!

I started with a regular nylon pair of saddle bags, you can get a bunch at amazon or ebay.

Now, regarding solid racks and hard cases, I went with the Krausers, which you can get at eBay. I personally couldn´t find a pair that had a working lock, but well, that´s no biggie.
What you need to be careful is to find a rack that actually fits the cases you will buy... sometimes they are sold as a whole pack, but most of the time, some people have the cases and some have the racks... Before you purchase, I advise to ask gurus in this forum, to make sure you have everything correct.

Good luck, nice bike!!

[NC Steve]

And like Monte said, be sure to try IMBWR, and keep a regular eye on their site as well, you never know what might pop up!  http://marketplace.ibmwr.org/ .

You will  often find great deals on Beemer "stuff" there, and they have a "parts wanted" section as well. I peruse their site at least once a week, sometimes you'll even find things you never knew you needed! 

[jusgus]

I was lucky, when I bought my 1980 R65, It came with hard cases and a Reynolds rack on the back. I don't know where you can find a Reynolds rack but I wouldn't trade mine for any other.

[PowerCat]

PM sent to 1972R60.