What are you using on your K12RS for rear luggage? I am not looking for a top box, somthing a little smaller. I'm looking for something that can be removed easily and carried into the office. Perhaps it can hold a laptop. Any ideas? I would consider soft or hard luggage. Thanks.
Have a look at the Givi top boxes. The boxes can be purchased in various sizes to suit most reqirements and they make a specific mounting kit for the K1200RS which allows the box to firmly lock onto the supplied rack yet easily removed with a key.
I use a 46litre one when touring around Europe along with the side cases and on its own when commuting to the office to hold my work "stuff".
I use a soft bag by Chase-Harper. Great for short rides where you might need a place to stuff some layered clothes or purchases. It mounts on the pillion seat and is held in place by bungee cords to the rear rack and passenger peg mounts. Fast on,fast off.Works for me. It's in the $75.00 range.
Bruce C
I also have a Joe Rocket tail bag that I have been using with my other bikes (oilheads). I'm looking for something that mounts to the rack. I've looked at the Givi topcase and I'm not sure I want to go with something too big. Although the brake light feature on some is worth considering.
I bought the RT rack for my GT and an RT box. I like the way it looks on the bike. I i had the money, I would paint it to match the side cases.
It is an expensive way to go whoever. The rack is not cheap. The box can be bought used ie. 100.00
I've got the Chicane Mesa tail bag and really enjoy it. It does require some additional funds for the BMW luggage adapter and key cylinder, but well worth it. There are universal mount straps that might allow it to be secured to the luggage rack, but the adapter affords easy on/off for taking the bag inside.
Build quality is excellent and it will house a laptop with no effort. It was designed for the K1200RS/GT.
I've got the standard BMW topbox that clicks and locks on the stock luggage rack. It's waterproof and is easy on/off. It is the size of the F650 box and holds one helmet. Since I totaled my GT (box was not on the bike at the time) I've no more use for it (replaced it with a new RT). Cost was about $330 from Chicago BMW with their 20% discount. I'd be glad to sell it to you if you are interested. How about $220 plus $20 for shipping.
I have the Marsee 22 liter Rack/Seat Bag. I am not crazy about it but it's ok.
Advantages: it ties down with straps so I know it's secure and it won't fall off. Cant say the same for BMW rack mounted RS boxes. This was my main reason for the purchase.
Disadvantages: It takes a minute to unstrap it and a couple of minutes to strap it on. It fits/looks better on the rear seat, I prefer rack installation for easier mount/dismounts.
I'm using the BMW soft bag and OEM rack for the GT.
Love it, but 2 MAJOR faults:
1. It isn't water proof. It does come with a plastic rain cover which is a stupid idea. You have to stop the bike to fit it. Nuisance +++..
2. It has a pathetic base material, which will have it sagging in a month or two, which hides the tail light / brake light even more. Once again, poor QC for such an expensive bag.
Still, looks good, and suits my needs.
No contest the Chicane is the way to go. Its a little larger, better made, Great raincover and like Lee said, it holds it shape. I forgot its cheaper and looks alot better.
No contest the Chicane is the way to go. Its a little larger, better made, Great raincover and like Lee said, it holds it shape. I forgot its cheaper and looks alot better.
What are you using on your K12RS for rear luggage? I am not looking for a top box, somthing a little smaller. I'm looking for something that can be removed easily and carried into the office. Perhaps it can hold a laptop. Any ideas? I would consider soft or hard luggage. Thanks.
Moto Fizz camping bag from Aerostitch. Comes in three sizes. Open and expands on both sides, also opens on the top. Cinch straps to tighten down. Attaches with straps, not bungees, so you can cinch it down and it stays put. Plastic snap attachment on four corners to the straps. Short X-strap provided to keep straps from flailing around when the bag is taken off. Very versitle bag and very nice construction.
Few more thoughts....
The bag will hold a 12 pack. The three side pockets are good for small items. Easy on and off if you use the factory rack plate. Soft sides allows it to flex and hold more stuff than you think it would. In my experience, not big enough for a lap top. I cut the shoulder strap off because it flopped around and I never used it.
No contest the Chicane is the way to go. Its a little larger, better made, Great raincover and like Lee said, it holds it shape. I forgot its cheaper and looks alot better.
I modified the mount on a F650 top box and have used it extensively with no problems. It doesn't have the "claw" mount that other conversions have. That mount is subject to failure.
I have the TBag, I believe I got it from the Pirate. I've had it a few years and think for the short money, it's a good deal. it's off and in your hand in 2 minutes. The only draw back is that you need the stealth seat support and the tail rack.
Look in the gallery under Just Bikes and find Winter in Texas.
Thats the smaller one. Lee had pics of both bags on the bike together. Maybe he can post them. You will enjoy the bags.
I went to Bob's BMW today and looked at the BMW topbox, the overpriced BMW rack mounted softbag and the Chicane Mesa soft tail bag which uses the BMW mount. I was able to look at all three mounted on a K12RS. The BMW topbox won't do it for me. Its a nice box but I don't like the look on the K12RS, and it is too narrow. The BMW soft tail bag is nice but it has a bad reputation for not holding up. It looks good though. I like the look of the Chicane Mesa bag, and it is big enough to hold my laptop. It also has a good reputation for quality. And its the cheapest of the three options. So I'm leaning toward the Chicane with the BMW mount. Should I look at a Givi topbox?
I don't know that the Chicane is actually the cheapest, considering the purchase of the luggage rack adapter plate. It was the best option for me and I'm glad I did it.
Here's a pic of the Chicane itching to go out:
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