Saddle Bags and Other Luggage

Conversion Table

New Left System Case Design

The new case has a deep indentation near the end of the muffler to prevent heat damage.

Three Mounting Points for System Cases

There are black plastic bumpers by the pillion pegs. Their thickness may be altered to adjust for sloppiness or inability to mount the cases.

Givi Top Case

There are two ways to mount the Givi top cases. With the Traveler II, 28 liters capacity, there is an adapter plate supplied by Givi. It attaches directly to the standard BMW K1200RS tail rack. It is constructed of heavy metal and very sturdy. A rubber pad protects the BMW tail rack finish. A plastic adapter plate is added to the metal one. The latter has the snap-on structures that allow easy removal and attachment of the top case. It also has numerous attachment points and can be left on without the top case to attach odds-and-ends. A single lock secures the case to the tail rack adapter and unlocks the case. The Traveler II has a tail light option with an automatic electrical connection device that allows the light to work without doing a wiring job each time the case is taken off or put on. This might be used to power a lightweight CD player and changer if you were so inclined. Speakers could also be fitted to the front of the top case or a plug-in jack for ear phones/helmet speakers. The brake light option may also be available with the larger top cases. (To use the case light as a brake light, attach the supplied extension wires to the brown wire and the yellow and gray wire of the taillight. To use the light as a running light, use the brown wire and the gray and black wire.) The Traveler comes in black/graphite and has an "aerodynamic" shape. This makes a good match with the system cases and the black plastic on the bike. To further the integration, I put a BMW emblem over the GIVI emblem on the top of the case. Covering the attachment-side of the GIVI emblem with vinyl tape (for easy removal) and then a blob of Shoo Goo works. The emblem was taped in place while the Shoo Goo dried. I also added a backrest pad, another option, for my wife. This is secured with supplied bolts. The case is large enough to hold an XXL full-face helmet. My wife and I have done overnighters with the top case as our only luggage. The position of the top case is adjustable, fore and aft. This is accomplished by moving the location of the plastic plate on the metal plate. This allows the backrest pad to be adjusted for the pillion and positioning of a heavy load far forward. Luggage weight should be limited to that specified by BMW. Givi also makes several larger cases. These are wide and low as opposed to tall and narrow. My personal opinion is the Traveler II looks better on the bike but cannot carry the volume or weight that the larger cases can. Also, I have not seen the larger cases in the black color that matches the system cases. If you go to one of the large cases, opt for the Givi mounting hardware that does not use the tail rack. Caution: The bolts holding on the BMW tail rack will vibrate loose if nothing is done to secure them. I tried a bolt locking liquid and this failed. The bolts were then secured by coating them with a thin layer of Shoo-Goo prior to insertion and there has been no loosening since.

Fragile BMW Cases?

I've had no problems with the BMW system cases. For commuting, however, I use a Givi Traveler II top case (28 liters) because it doesn't widen the profile of the bike. One owner's bike has been down twice and the right system bag saved the bike from significant damage both times and was still usable. The second time resulted in the pavement grinding through the plastic. Vinyl tape corrected that problem.

So the bags are sturdy enough to protect the side of the bike in low speed crashes.

On the other hand, and thankfully, impact with another vehicle results in the bag coming apart or falling off. This is a good thing. Better to lose the bag than have the entire bike go down.

Non-Slip Pad

K-Mart sells a non-slip pad, 72" X 24" for about $5. Look for it in the automotive section. Cut a piece that fits on the pillion area of the seat and use it to keep your duffel bag or other soft luggage from slipping around when strapped on the saddle.

Rear Soft Bag

BMW has a soft-top case/bag that can be attached to the back luggage rack or the pillion portion of the saddle. It has a twenty-two liter capacity. There are 3 outer pockets and a rain cover to supplement the water-repellent black outer covering. The bag has two attachment systems. With the rack, it locks onto the bike behind the seat leaving room for a passenger. It also has straps, which allow the bag to be mounted on the seat without the bracket. Four elastic bands with clips for under the edge of the seat secure the bag sideways where a passenger would normally sit. $$$

Motorrad Soft Bag

Bicycle Rear Bag

A 650 cu in. rear rack bag is available through Performance Bicycle. You can mail order this with a 1-800 number. It has four Velcro tie down straps that securely fasten it to the tail rack of the K1200RS. Features 3 zippered outer pockets, foam-lined expandable main compartment with removable dividers. Main storage area is pleated for extra room. Holds most U-locks, a six-pack of beer with ice, tinted face shield, camera stuff, maps, a rain suit and rubber boots, or etc., but not all at the same time. It is made of 600D rip-stop nylon with a capacity is 650 cu. in. and a choice of black or blue. Comes with a detachable carrying strap. Cost is about $40.

Rear Rack

A factory black rear rack that attaches to the top of the silver "RS" rack is available. It has good strength and lots of places to hook things. See M Verholen.

Loose Rear End

Shoo Goo your saddle bag and tail rack bolts. These may vibrate loose otherwise. I've used Loctite without success.

Ready to Rumble

Consider the Eclipse Rumble pack for back seat storage.

An Extra Belt for the Road

The bike belt is a nylon belt with 4 rings on it. It has plastic buckles on each end that snap into holders bolted near the rear foot pegs. It goes across the rear portion of the seat. Easy to install and remove. You can then use the rings to tie stuff down (that is, pass your loop from the tail rack through the rings to secure your bag on the rear seat).

Secret Compartment

The compartment on the bottom side of the seat in the pillion area is a great place to store the owner's manual, other papers, and the rubber funnel. Add a zip-lock bag to put the funnel in after use.

RKA

The RKA sport bag and the RKA radio bag have been used on the K12 with great success.

Mod Top Case

One owner has mounted a modified RT top case to the luggage rack.

What's that Smell?

This applies only to the earlier system-cases, as the new cases, coming out in 2000, should not be affected.

Some reported burnt left saddlebags with one actually going into flames. I don't have a good handle on this problem, but the left bag should clear the muffler by about 1 inch. One observer reported that bags with more heat tape seem not to have this problem. I don't know the difference between less and more at this time. There is some concern that putting too much weight in the left bag causes it to bend downward, something I have not observed. Reportedly a homemade support rod extending between both bags can keep the left bag away from the muffler.

DON'T LET THE BIKE IDLE FOR LONG PERIODS WITH THE BAGS ON, ESPECIALLY IN HOT WEATHER.

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