Side bags

[lucagoa]

Hello,

for the R12R is there more than one type of side bags?
Thanks
Luca

[OlyVR]

Not from BMW, but there is the possibility of attaching Givi's.

[RonR]

I will be the first to heap praise on BMW's panniers for all the reasons that those who frequent this forum are well aware. However, I have taken a different path that might be of interest to some. I sold my 2005 RT because I wanted less weight, less plastic and a more sporting riding experience. A demo 12R at the dealer had the hard bag mounts and bags installed and, to me, they just looked wrong on the bike. Since I already had the Cortech tail pack I decided to make the relatively small investment in companion bags and tank bag. The capacity is somewhat smaller, but so is the width, and that is no small thing here in lane-splitting Southern California. And since in never rains here , the superior weather-proofing of the BMW bags isn't as much of an issue as it is elsewhere. So, this is my idea of a touring rig.

[RideandDrive]

Nice Cortech bags!

[tobes]

What mirrors are you using Ron? That's a clean look. I've taken a similar path with the bags - using soft instead of the BMW cases.

[RonR]

What mirrors are you using Ron? That's a clean look. I've taken a similar path with the bags - using soft instead of the BMW cases.

These are Wunderlich items, as is the throttle lock. For a full write-up with pics, follow the link "K12 mirrors on my R1200R" (or something like that) on this forum. My contributions are on the second page. I wish I knew how to provide a link to another thread from here. Anyone know how?

[NCGS]

There's a recent (within the last 30-45 days) discussion on R12R bags. Seach for "bags" or "saddlebags" or just scan back through the posts until you find it. Lots of photos of optional bag set-ups there.

[celticus]

Ron do you have a photo of the strapping for those side bags?
Mark

[RonR]

Ron do you have a photo of the strapping for those side bags?
Mark

This is the front of the left bag, showing the bungee from the tail pack and the buckle/strap from the bag connected to the frame tube where the passenger foot peg/exhaust can mount normally is; since I lost my exhaust can and I never ride two-up, I removed the peg/mount.

This is the rear of the left bag, showing the bungee from the tail pack hooked to the rear indicator (I know, I know, but it doesn't really bear any weight and there was nowhere else to hook it) and the buckle from the tail pack connected to the bag. Also, you can see the buckle/strap from the left bag to the right bag passing under the tail of the bike.

Here are the main weight-bearing bag straps without the tail pack in place. Mucho velcro. Also visible are the female buckles that the tail pack hooks into and the foam rubber pads that protect the bike's side panels.

This is the rear of the tail pack, showing the bungees, buckles and foam rubber pad.


I decided to use the Cortech Sport tail pack (since I already owned one) together with their "touring" side bags. The sport side bags are considerably smaller and designed for use on sport bikes. Even though they weren't necessarily designed to work together, they do mate up well.
One nice feature is that the entire tail pack/side bag assembly can be unhooked and removed together, if desired. Here they are in their storage cabinet.

[vielzebub]

I really like your bike Ron.
Clean, simple, elegant.

The lack of muffler really exposes that wheel and I love the idea of soft saddlebags.
I've got the full BMW bag system and though I love it for longer trips, they're overkill for daily rides into the city.

I went soft (so to speak) as well. I've got the kriega commuter bag on order and when it arrives I'll post pictures.

One side note, I've got an old Honda CB700SC. It was owned by a collector before me and I worked hard to keep that bike clean. Needing some storage space I bought some vintage hondaline bags. Loved them, but they rubbed through the paint on my mint bike.
Hopefully the modern bags don't do the same.

[celticus]

Very helpfull, Thankk you.
Mark