Can I make these bags fit on an R65LS???

[invincibleone]

Please see the pics. I am looking for some touring bags on a budget for a trip to Toronto in early September. These bags will only be on the bike when I am doing serious miles, the bags, frame et al will be removed and sitting in the garage rafters the rest of the time, so I am not inclined to spend big bucks. THINK I CAN MAKE THEM WORK? I AM NOT ABOVE SOME FABRICATION, BUT I DON'T WANT TO HAVE TO GO APE-SHIT & I WANT THEM TO BE VERY SOLID.
Thanks-
Fissel

[montmil]

Do you know what bike/s the frame fits? As far as R65 differences in mounting bags, IIRC the R65LS seat and tail piece are the points of concern.

A little work with a torch may be required along with perhaps crafting some new mounting straps/bars. The bags and rack look good. Krauser does have a solid reputation for their product quality.

Suggest keeping any required changes as simple as possible. A local machine & welding shop could knock out mount mods for you.

Don't forget your toothbrush     Monte

[nhmaf]

I've seen some LS bikes with Krauser bags, so I'm sure that the bags can work.   You will have to do some sort or surgery to the rear platform rack and the arms which support it - not sure about the lower connecting piece - it might work without modification, but I cannot tell for certain.
There is a "loop" welded onto the lower, back end of the bikes subframe, just ahead of the tail light, where the cross connecting parts normally bolt through.   Usually, the lower "arms" on the front of the parallelograms have to have the bolt holes oriented vertically, rather than horizontally, to matchup with the bolt holes down near the pillion footpegs on the R65.   If those don't have the proper oritentation, it is possible to fabricate some sort of adapter L bracket, I think.

If they can tell you what bike this was used on before, that might help a bit more with understanding the possible fitment issues.

[Bengt_Phorqs]

The critical issue is frame mounting and you really won't know until you try to fit it up.  For example, I have a Denfield rack and Krauser bags that I removed from my R90/6.  At first blush it looked like a fit but when I tried to install the rear subframe on the R65 just wouldn't accept it.

If you are only going to tour occasionally try a set of soft bags from someplace like JC Whitney, Cycle Gear or Dennis Kirk.  Very affordable and they can hold all that you need and most of what you want.

And listen to Monte about the toothbrush.  He wouldn't say this but he's actually a good looking guy when he remembers to wear his teeth.   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

[invincibleone]

Do you know what bike/s the frame fits? As far as R65 differences in mounting bags, IIRC the R65LS seat and tail piece are the points of concern.

A little work with a torch may be required along with perhaps crafting some new mounting straps/bars. The bags and rack look good. Krauser does have a solid reputation for their product quality.

Suggest keeping any required changes as simple as possible. A local machine & welding shop could knock out mount mods for you.

Don't forget your toothbrush     Monte

They are off an R75/5, though the picture shows Kawasaki KZ1100 mounts which are also included.

[invincibleone]

The critical issue is frame mounting and you really won't know until you try to fit it up.  For example, I have a Denfield rack and Krauser bags that I removed from my R90/6.  At first blush it looked like a fit but when I tried to install the rear subframe on the R65 just wouldn't accept it.

If you are only going to tour occasionally try a set of soft bags from someplace like JC Whitney, Cycle Gear or Dennis Kirk.  Very affordable and they can hold all that you need and most of what you want.

And listen to Monte about the toothbrush.  He wouldn't say this but he's actually a good looking guy when he remembers to wear his teeth.   [smiley=2vrolijk_08.gif]

Soft bags huh? What do you think of these???
http://www.wolfmanluggage.com/Saddle/summit_saddle_bags.html

[Justin B.]

If the price is right I'd grab 'em even if the mounts won't work...