Tips please for using soft luggage in R1150R

[jrvip1]

I'm considering using the R1150R for a trip in two weeks time to France. I have a fully loaded '57 Goldwing but I think the BMW will be more fun although I'm not so sure for the 350 mile trip to the destination.

I have twin hard panniers and the BMW luggage bracket but no top box as BMW do not produce one. I don't want to invest in a GIVI bracket and box so my option is to bungy jump a soft bag to the bracket. Do you think this will be sufficient?

I do get numb bum after about 50 miles but I reckon I can manage that and I think the beemer will be a lot cooler as it's getting really hot now.

Thanks for any replies

Jeremy

[towerworker]

I have an inexpensive back-pack that I have used many times over the years as a soft bag on the back of my R. I used it on many 500+ mile trips when I had my 03. I would remove the pillion seat and was able to actually criss-cross the shoulder straps over the seat and then re-install the seat and click it into place. The back-pack also tended to give me something to lean my back against and the little bit of back support seemed to make for a more comfortable ride. I currently have an 04 with a Givi top box and so haven't used the back pack in a while.

I have also bungied a soft duffle bag with no problems either. I would reccomend something water-proof though.

Wayne

[OU812]

Try this for the numb bum:
http://www.alaskaleather.com/
This for a cheap box:(don't know if they ship to UK)
http://www.jcwhitney.com/Motorcycle-Tru ... 014603.jcw
Good luck and ride safe!

[mcollect]

I use the Seattle Sport kayaking dry bags, same ones I use for paddling. They make one that opens along the long axis. I have two and tie them through the hardbag mounts with nylon straps, from NRS.

[challey]

option is to bungy jump a soft bag to the bracket. Do you think this will be sufficient?

I would use the flat nylon straps like those available from Helen 2 Wheels rather than bungees. These are far more secure than bungees, no more costly and with the system case mounts on the R, you have a variety of alternatives to tie things down to.

I'm curious about something else. You mention that

I have a fully loaded '57 Goldwing

Is this a concept bike for the model they eventually introduced in 1975?

Charlie

[jrvip1]

Charlie

Sorry no - when I stated '57 - that's the registration for 2007 in the -UK - please don't ask the logic of her majesty's government!!!!

I should have stated 2007 model in my post

Jeremy

[challey]

Jeremy --

I actually lived - and drove - in England for nearly 3 years. I'm familiar with the MOT, as well as many of other pleasures available from HM Government!

Charlie

[Croc]

I use a tank bag and a rucksak which I just lay over the pillion and the top-box rack - bungied down with a bungie net that has six fixings. Solid as a rock!

Croc