Top-Loading tragkorbs on a K75?

[TimTyler]

I've seen just two photos online of K-bikes with top-loading side bags. One was a K75 at a rally in the UK and the other is this

There's no doubt that the OEM tragkorbs for the K75/K100 were designed by Germans with good intentions, however the BMW cases are less than ideal.

I've unsuccessfully kept an eye out for a ready-made solution that might offer more storage space and top access.

Anyone else been down this road? Is it worth the hassle?

I wonder if makes more sense to adapt a new case to the existing Z-bar mounts, or to remove the Z-bars and have a custom case mount frame constructed.

[frankenduck]

I don't think the Z racks would be up to the task.  I think K bike racks for Hepco Becker luggage would be better as they're metal and wouldn't "wag" like the plastic Z racks do.

For smaller loads the BMW City Cases are top-loading.

[TimTyler]

Thanks!

Those H+B's aren't yours, are they?

[wmax351]

Those look like the Z racks on the K bike. I am going to try to mount some GIVI E36 tragkorbs on my K75. I will likely make them semi-permanent, and will base the mount off of the Z rack, with added stabilization going between the two sides.

I will need to relocate the turn signals, but they should work well.

For toploaders, you could try some Pelican (or similar) cases.

[fotto]

I've seen just two photos online of K-bikes with top-loading side bags. One was a K75 at a rally in the UK and the other is this

There's no doubt that the OEM tragkorbs for the K75/K100 were designed by Germans with good intentions, however the BMW cases are less than ideal.

I've unsuccessfully kept an eye out for a ready-made solution that might offer more storage space and top access.

Anyone else been down this road? Is it worth the hassle?

I wonder if makes more sense to adapt a new case to the existing Z-bar mounts, or to remove the Z-bars and have a custom case mount frame constructed.

Actually I'm also in the research for new tragkorbs. The standard top box is a little bit too small to me and I'd like have a top box I can roll away as a trolley for all my expensive camera gear. Only problem is that there doesn't exist such thing yet.

I'm now looking to modify this product with a quick release plate: http://www.plaber.com/2730w.htm
To me it seems to have the perfect sizes. It fits right between the mirrors so it wont obstruct the view and it will be big enough to accommodate my tripods, cameras, lenses and laptop

I have a friend with a factory specialised in lazer cutting, CNCing, playing metal etc... Anyways... The whole lot of processes to end such a project in a professional way. I will let him fabricate it. He told me he can make me anything I deliver in a simple sketchup project.

Only problem for the design is I'm not out of is the following:

- Or I design a Quick release plate for the standard plastic rack of my K bike. (But than I will be afraid it is not strong enough for the aprox 20kg.

-Or I design my own plate and quick release that will be much stronger and I fit on a givi rack: http://www.twistedthrottle.com/givi-topcase-rack-bmw-k75-k100-k100lt-k100rs-k100rt-k1100lt-k1100rs-90-97

-Or I design my own plate and quick release that will be much stronger and also design me the rack it will hold. In the last case I still ask myself if I would use the givi approach of drilling through the tail or if I should be using the mounting points of the standard rack. Also I plan to make in this case the mount and rack in two parts so it will be easily interchangeable to different bikes.

If anybody is interested to go together for this project I can always let them manufacture in multiple copies at manufacturing costs. Actually this could also bring my costs down...

When it comes to style I'm not to keen to alu cans as side luggage. I'd more look to the H&B junior line as it fits more the k75 and apparently polycarbonate doesn't attract dirt that easy. http://neu.hepco-becker.de/Web/Produkte/01_Gepaeck/01_Seitenkoffer/Junior_auswahl.php?language=2

For now I will stay with the standard side cases. I feel that I can improve more with the top case project...

[pdg]

For smaller loads the BMW City Cases are top-loading.

I'm prepared to be wrong, but those cases don't look top loading to me... It looks like it has the clasp at the top, and the side of the case 'clamshells' out in the same fashion as my BMW touring cases... I would class a toploading case as a box with a lid on top.

I'm thinking of some 'better' tragkorbs too, but top box is first.

[frankenduck]

They have a "half box" in the bottom of them so you load and unload contents from the top. They're very convenient for running errands.  Good for lane-splitting too.

I guess we could distinguish the difference between those and typical aluminum cases as top loading vs. top lidded.

[pdg]

I get you now.

Although the pedant in me (approx. 93%) would be calling those 'combination' or 'baffled clamshell' or some such other similar nonsense - they surely can't be top loading as you are able to load them from half way up. :tongue

I'm looking into top loaders because of things like parking in bike bays - the clamshell design means you have to take the bike out of the space so you have room to open it without hitting the bike next to you (either with the 'lid' or with your backside trying to get something to balance while you close the case).

[frankenduck]

I think you could bolt these to the Z racks:

https://www.google.com/search?q=site:advrider.com+pelican+1430&hl=en&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=KdYsUaa9GoXUiwKtxIHgDA&ved=0CAcQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=671

[TimTyler]

I've thought about the Pelican's but I think they hold even less than the OEM cases. I'm not really looking for a bunch more space, but I don't want less. They are certainly the least expensive solution though.

The Hepco+Becker system solves the problem and is guaranteed to fit, so I guess I just need to decide if the switch is worth $1100 to me. The mediocre condition of my BMW cases would probably limit the resale offset.

[Freelancer]

Surprised that you are not looking at a set of Krauser K2's. True that they are not top loading bags and they are old but you can still get replacement parts for them and there are some good deals on eBay occasionally. I have the K2's on my bike and really like them.

The K2's look similar to the factory bags and z-bars because Krauser made the oem ones originally. The difference is that the K2's have more room, are better quality, have better access(hinged side opening doors) and are more secure because of how they load & lock onto the rails. I'll include some pics so you can see how they secure to the bike.

Oh yeah, additional info,
K2 side cases(tragkorbs) normally come in 30 liter and 42 liter sizes
The top cases can be up to 46 liter



Here are some photos, I've put 2 stock internet pictures first and the last 2 are of my bike with the K2 tragkorbs. (At some point I'll get around to taking pics with the top case on)

If you have questions feel free to ask.

Later,
Freelancer

[argent brick]

The Hepco+Becker system solves the problem and is guaranteed to fit, so I guess I just need to decide if the switch is worth $1100 to me. The mediocre condition of my BMW cases would probably limit the resale offset.

Keep in mind that you can also use the OEM cases for a boxer with the HB mounts. I know that the OEM cases are not top loading, just letting you know about the options.

I love the Krausers that Freelancer has. Those things are sweet! Looks like they mount on to the turn signals. A picture of the signals without the bags would be nice. Hint. Hint.

[argent brick]

I've seen just two photos online of K-bikes with top-loading side bags. One was a K75 at a rally in the UK and the other is this

There's no doubt that the OEM tragkorbs for the K75/K100 were designed by Germans with good intentions, however the BMW cases are less than ideal.

I've unsuccessfully kept an eye out for a ready-made solution that might offer more storage space and top access.

Anyone else been down this road? Is it worth the hassle?

I wonder if makes more sense to adapt a new case to the existing Z-bar mounts, or to remove the Z-bars and have a custom case mount frame constructed.

Tim, Check out the Alubox Basic system from Krauser.  Top loading metal cases.

[Freelancer]

Tim, Check out the Alubox Basic system from Krauser.  Top loading metal cases.

Good call, :2thumbup: I'm so happy with my K2's that I forget they have newer systems.

I love the Krausers that Freelancer has. Those things are sweet! Looks like they mount on to the turn signals. A picture of the signals without the bags would be nice. Hint. Hint.

Hint noted. Will try to get some other pictures up soon.

As to the mounting system....

You actually remove the oem turn signals because the mounting rails have signals built into the back of them.

other info-
)The mounting rails are plastic but considerably thicker than the oem ones
)3 mounting points on rails that can connect to 4 mounting points on bike
)Mounting kits that are pretty much straight bolt on. Think you have to drill two holes in the tail cowl for the rear mounting bracket.
)Power to turn signals can run through holes for old turn signals
)Bag will bounce a little if you use both of the factory footplate mounting holes (Flex in the foot plate) to support the bottom of the rail. Buying longer metal bar and triangulating the mounting points fixes the bounce. 
)Bags never bounce if the two bottom brace bars are spread(triangulated) with one bar being sandwhiched between footplate and trans case.

Again, will post photos of how they attach soon.

[billday]

This guy made his own top-loading alu boxes, and mountings, and posted a super-detailed how-to:

https://sites.google.com/site/rtwxtz660/alluboxes

[TimTyler]

FYI: Hepco-Becker K75 rack.

I found and bought a Hepco-Becker rack for the K75 listed on ebay from an east coast dealer. It's missing the rear support bar that connects the left and right sides of the frame, but I should be able to fabricate that. $250. That includes a top-rear rack as well.

Also ordered some Touratech mounting brackets that should fit H-B rack. $140  I could have done DIY mounts here, but these mounts will last and should be reusable too.

I spent some time this week researching aluminum tragkorbs. Even visited the Seattle Touratech store although not on the bike. I like their most basic Zega tragkorbs but at $1000/pair I'm going to wait on that. I tried the Zega Pros but couldn't stand the overly complicated latch mechanism.

I've got a couple of older Pelican 1600 cases that I don't use. The plan is to mount those using the new hardware. I can always swap out the Pelicans for real tragkorbs in the future using the same hardware.

This solution obviously does not solve the side-loading problem. It does increase capacity and durability though. The BMW tragkorbs are approximately 24 liters and the Pelican 1600's are about 43 liters.

I am concerned that the new configuration might make rear wheel removal complicated.

I'll follow up with some photos when I get to work on this.

[argent brick]

This guy made his own top-loading alu boxes, and mountings, and posted a super-detailed how-to:

https://sites.google.com/site/rtwxtz660/alluboxes

Well worth reading. Thanx for posting.

[wmax351]

This guy made his own top-loading alu boxes, and mountings, and posted a super-detailed how-to:

https://sites.google.com/site/rtwxtz660/alluboxes

Good to read. A friend invited me up to Chico to use his TIG welder at some point. I'll make some racks to put the GIVI E36's on. They are sideloaders, but much bigger and more solid than the stock ones. I may attach some cloth on the sides, so things can't fall out from there.

[TimTyler]

The Krauser Alubox Basic boxes look great and they're priced about the same at the Touratechs.

I might take a ride to Boise and have a look at the Happy Trails tragkorbs. At $235 each they're considerably less expensive than most alternatives.

The Hepco-Becker rack arrives tomorrow (and a Progressive 465 I got a great deal on) so fitting those is my Friday project.

[TimTyler]

Maybe bad news?

Looks like the Hepco-Becker rack I ordered is Part Number: 650.610 which according to http://secure.capitalcycle.com/Hepco-Becker-Bag-Mounts-Black/productinfo/650.610+00+01/ will not fit a K75RT even though the ad I followed to order it said it would.  :hmm:

Anyone know how the K100 and k75RT frames are different in the back end of the bike?  Are they different?

[frankenduck]

The only difference in the frames is that the front of the K75 frame is angled back farther to account for the "missing" front cylinder,

[TimTyler]

Thanks, but I can't get the H-B rack to fit.

Biggest fit issue seems to be where it attaches to the foot-peg plate.

Oh well. Return to default cases for now.

I expect to get a refund, but if anyone with a K100 wants it, $250 gets it. Hepco-Becker 650.610 00 01 (Missing rear cross brace)

[TimTyler]

I decided to take another crack at installing the Hepco & Becker rack again yesterday. I had some success.

The odd thing is that I figured a $400 rack would be designed well enough to fit like a glove. Unfortunately, unless I'm doing something wrong, it does not. The right carrier in particular required some serious prying to fit it to the bike. That makes me uncomfortable since the front-right attachment is to the aluminum foot peg plate, and the rack had to be flexed a whole inch to make those holes line up. I'm scared that a pothole jolt with loaded tragkorbs might apply enough additional force to that now already stressed foot peg plate to snap the aluminum.

Otherwise the rest of the attachment positions lined up fairly well (but not $400 worth) and the result is a mostly symmetrical installation.

There are no spacers mentioned in the H&B K75 Installation Instructions yet the included wide aluminum spacers for the K100 installation were required for me to get the top rack to fit the mounted side carriers.

Most of the attachment points line up so imperfectly that I replaced many of the H&B nuts and bolts with high-strength hardware from my local hardware store for added confidence.

Although there's virtually no online mention of the Hepco & Becker experience on K75's or K100's, I did some web reading last night and it seems I'm not the only one with Hepco & Becker rack fitting problems. Lots of guys are bending and flexing to make these things fit. I couldn't find any web reports of failed or broken racks though so that is comforting.

My kit is missing the stabilizing bar that connects the left and right carriers in the rear, and my plan is to fabricate that. However the odd thing is I did not see a way to properly connect the upper rear of the carriers to the obvious frame nuts  which line-up almost perfectly ~2" away, just in front of the turn signal mounts.  :hmm:  Wish there were some quality close-up photos on the Hepco & Becker site.

FWIW - Translated German instructions:


Item Number: 650 615 00 01 black

The kit includes the following parts:

1 suitcase carrier right
1 suitcase carrier left
1 luggage bridge (rear rack)
1 Stiffening bracket
4 oval head screws M 6 x 20
20 washers diameter 6.4 mm
4 plastic plugs 7 mm
11 Self-locking nuts M 6
1 Screw M 6 x 30
1 Screw M 6 x 50
2 fin plugs diameter 12 mm
2 fin plugs diameter 15 mm
8 hexagonal screws M 8 x 18
4 hexagonal bolts M6 x 20
4 Flasher cables with flat connector


Installation instructions:

Dismantle the two rear turn signals.

Remove rear fender by unscrewing the nuts in the bin above.

The front lower tube stays on the carriers will now be outside to the
rear position of the subframe for the footpegs mount.

For this purpose, use on the right the screw M 6 x 30 and on the left
the hex screw M 6 x 50.

The top rear corner of the trunk carrier are identical to the existing
rear flaps mounted on the outside frame with the hex screws M 6 x 18.

The front upper brackets of carrier on the left and right are
different and are congruent with the existing feet of the frame. Mount
with the hex screws M 6 x 18.

The rack is at the attachment points of the luggage carriers mounted
directly with the hex screws M 6 x 18.

The turn signals are mounted to the existing mount points at the end
of carrier rack. The turn signal cable must be extended.

Reassemble the fender.

The reinforcing / stiffening bar is to the rear (as seen in the
direction of travel - before) of the small side flaps of the box
carrier and attached with the oval head screws M 6 x 20.

The bracket goes on the fender below the license plate bracket. The
bracket is not bolted to the fender,

After assembly, check all fittings are tight!

Please refer to our enclosed service information.

[wmax351]

I found the HB racks don't quite fit easily for the airheads either (At least on my Short Wheel Base R75/5). Something like this should be lightly stressed, as it prevents movement.

[Michael in AZ]

I'm very interested in how this works out for you. I have seen some side-only H-B racks out there, and have toyed with getting those to put some Wolfman soft bags on my K75. Please let us know how the rackjs hold up and what you put on them! :D