Saddlebag questions (no key, wrong mounts?)

[DavidPorter]

Any clues how to get into locked bags?  I'm going to a locksmith tomorrow.  Dealer wasn't much help but did say there might be a code visible when the locks are open.  The latch on the side isn't locked, but I can't see any numbers in there.  Bought new in 1982.

We bought the bags in Maryland and the bike in England, got the bag mounts used over there.  They aren't right for the LS.  We had to take off the grab handles to get the bags latched on, and even then there was some chafing on the seat pan.  Is there a special rack for the LS, or different bags?

[nhmaf]

The only mounts that I am aware of that will go on the LS are the standard BMW R65 mounts, but the SEPARATE left/right mount set, not the
more common ones which have the left and right side connected together with a small luggage rack in the back - that one piece rack WILL interfere
with the handles and the tail end of the seat cowling.  I have one of these - haven't decided what to do with it yet - though I think that it could be made to fit
if I took a hacksaw to several of the tubes on that rear rack..   I have only seen the 80's style BMW standard panniers on the LS models as well - it may be
that Krausers that can fit the standard BMW mounts will also work, but I have no experience to say.

Presently, when I need bags on my R65 I sling on some "soft" bags that I bought from Nelson-Rigg.

[DavidPorter]

What I have is the two separate pieces that join with a long 6mm bolt at the back, no rack.  They're chrome (could be painted black).

[drewboid]

Not sure which ones you heve. These saddle bags (I tried to attach a photo) do have a number visible when the latch is open - they have the wrap-around type latch to the mounting frame rather than the seat belt type. Your locksmith should be able to open them easily - you could probably do it with a paperclip.
The right side bag will interfere with opening the seat.  
The bag mounts are in two pieces - the bolt at the back goes through the tube on the rear fender.

[DavidPorter]

From your photo and description I have the same bags and mounts, but the LS seat surround is a different shape and has those grab-handles sticking out the side.  I guess I'm not sure if the LS was meant to have bags mounted, at least not without taking the handles off the seat.  Anyone?

Is the key code visible on all locks or only the bag-closing locks?  I looked all around the other lock and didn't see any numbers or letters.

Thanks.

[MrRiden]

The proper mounts will fit the LS as well as the standard R65. They should attach at the inside of the shock mount, rear of the frame loop below the seat [little tab loop thingie, and at the passenger foot peg bracket [little hole in sheet metal] I can shoot some photos if ya need them. The bags shown in a post above are the BMW Touring bags. Some of these I understand were made by Krauser. Only the R65 specific bags fit, others rub the shock / frame. the optional luggage rack will not fit the LS model. Here is where the lock code is hidden

Duane has a good website with clear and consice info
http://www.w6rec.com/duane/bmw/bags/BMW/index.htm  That should be of use. Let me know how you make out with the locksmith / keys / mount
rich

[DavidPorter]

Fantastic!  That's what I needed.  I found the code so I can get a key at least, but if they are the wrong bags I need to get the right ones.  So the R65 bags are specific to this bike?

[MrRiden]

Yes, as far as I have been able to scrape together off the internets the R65 bags / racks are specific to that model with LS / standard R65 being the only interchangeability. The reason the optional parcel rack does not fit the LS is due to it's extended seat tail piece [with the sexy handles]. Its length interferes with the rack and visa versa. There are bagged LS models out there, mine is now one.  
 If I'm in error I'm sure someone will put the hammer to this post  [smiley=smash.gif] and just to be clear I'm only referring to the dual shocked models. Monoshock R65s are completely another animal.  [smiley=cowsleep.gif]
rich

[Justin B.]

Rich, I was not aware that the bags were different.  I have swapped the Krauser bags from my R100 over to the wife's R65 with no problems whatsoever.  I have also picked up a set of the smaller generic Krauser "Starlet" (?) bags and they also snapped right on.  The mount is, however, R65 specific as you note.

[nhmaf]

I also think that the bags/panniers are the same (though I don't have any at present to determine this for certain) - the mounts, as already discussed are indeed different -
the factory shock length on the R65 is approximately 1/2" shorter than the R100, and the end where it mounts at the lower front corner (near passenger footpeg) is
also different (rotated/twisted 90 degrees).   Perhaps the shorter shock length tends to exacerbate the close fit of the bags to the rear cowling/handles on the LS.
I think that those pastic handles look cool on the LS, but I can't imagine a passenger actually using them for any security or support - they certainly don't inspire me with any confidence when I grab onto them, and I've never dared to use them even for strapping a sleeping bag on...  I guess they are a "look, but don't touch" kind of item..
where have I heard that before.   ;-)

[not-so-fast-ed]

My Mono bags look the same.  The locks are "051" & "052".  Can additional keys be ordered?  I'm always worrying about only having one key to a lock...    :-/

[Justin B.]

My monoshock bags (1995 System Cases) use the same key blank as the rest of the bike...

On bag differences, I was trying to recall that somewhere I remember somebody noting that the "generic" Krauser bag was straight across the top inside and the ones meant for Beemers (and sold by BMW dealers) had a "scallop" cut out of the top inside edge.  I know the Starlet were straight but I have never had any "generic" Krausers to compare.  Any thoughts on this?

[DavidPorter]

OK, I went to Bob's and got a key no problem (1 in stock #050).  No buried treasure inside unfortunately.  The parts guru said the R65 doesn't have unique bags but does have different mounts (as described above).  He also said he'd never seen an LS with bags, but what does he know?

[MrRiden]

Ok the combined wisdom says special rack, bags interchangeable. I've only ever had the BMW factory bags so now we have direct experience from all ya all. I do have the factory touring bags on my LS and will post a pic after I'm done with state emissions testing tomorrows. Thanks for setting this straight!!
rich