No hinges on my luggage...

[SCJJR65]

Has anyone tried to replace the hinges on the BMW hard luggage with something like a cable or a similar cord?  Neither of my cases have the hinges anymore, and I'd like to put something on them so they don't just flop open and almost hit the pavement!  it's a real mess!  

[Bob_Roller]

What kind of hinge was on the bags originally ? If you can find some 'piano hinge' you might be able to use pop rivets or small bolts and nuts to secure the hinge to the luggage case. Might want to try a home improvement store in the hardware section.

[suecanada]

This sounds like a case for our Canadian store   "Lee Valley Tools". My inner bag hinges are not mounted either but I have a set from the previous owner and I keep meaning to try to put them in the bags because like you John I have a devil of a time opening the bags only to either have them free fall and spill out all the contents or just make me angry that someday I will overstress the real hinges on the lids!!
So they are called lid stays as far as i can see.  But why wouldn't just sturdy cable wire or nylon rope webbing not work just as well? My F650GS's lids have a thin rope for a "stay"

I can't find the original BMW bag stays that I know I have...they are here somewhere...hmmm. I think they may snap in place but not sure.  I give them some thought.

[SCJJR65]

Yeah, I think I may try some short length of cord or cable, one on each side of each case.  Probably the simplest fix, I would think.  It probably won't look that good, but if it will keep the case from falling wide open and dumping everything inside the case on the pavement, then I guess it will be "mission accomplished"!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[Chris_in_BC]

One simple way to fasten the cord would be to drill a 3/16 hole at the point where you want to connect the lid support. Then just put in a black electrical zip-tie. Feed it through from the outside to inside and then back through the same hole and though its fastener. Tighten until you have just a small loop to tie off your string or wire etc. Cut it off cleanly on the outside and put a dab of silicone around it. The fastener end is big enough that it won't pull through the hole. Nothing to rust and it is only one hole.
I used this method on a top-box to fasten a cargo net snuggly on top on three sides. (open to front)  Means I always have a quick place to throw gloves or food or clothing. Zip-ties have around a 40lb load rating, so never it never reaches that.

Chris

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Thank you, Chris.  I will employ that.

Thank you, John, for bringing it up.  

I bought my BMW Touring Bags used, from this guy, Flash, who used them for many miles of international travel, as documented in his book.  
Needless to say, my bags are not pristine (they match the rest of the bike!).  The left one did not have a stay when I got it.  Flash said this made it easier to pack laying flat on the ground/motel bed...

I just ripped the right-side bag stay out the other day, when it buggered up on me.

You are right, Sue, they use snaps from the factory.  But they are industrial-strength snaps.

Does anyone else have to align their bag halves every time they close them?  On the left side, I always have to reach down and lift with my right hand, the rear of the lid...

For $120 (with keys) I still like them better than the Krausers they replaced.