Panniers and Rear Rack

[PhillyScott]

I always take the rear rack off my Rockster when riding without panniers, but was wondering if anyone here has mounted their panniers on an R1150R/Rockster with the rack off? Does the rack help support the bag mounts in any way?

When touring solo with panniers, I would prefer having my duffel bag bungied to the seat, so no reason to put the rack back on, unless it's absolutely necessary.

Thanks!

[boxermania]

Each pannier mount is held down by two bolts, on each side, the rack ties both sides together and adds to the system integrity. I would not use the panniers without the rack......

[FloridaBeakster]

Is the Rockster mount different from the one on the Roadster (the one with the chicken rails that rise up in the back)?

My Roadster has never had a rear rack in its life (just the pannier mounts) and there are no problems with the pannier mounts being secure and stable without the rack. It is held on with 3 bolts on each side, two at the rear and one in the front.

So, I'd say there would be no issues with removing the rear luggage rack if you desire. In fact, you can get plastic plugs to cover the bolt holes for the rack.

[ruddy]

Look at the GS bag mounts. They have no "grab handle" portion for attaching the rack. Since they work so well, I'd guess that the ones you have would as well. The rack is optional, so I'm sure it will work fine.

[MikeCam]

Is the Rockster mount different from the one on the Roadster (the one with the chicken rails that rise up in the back)?

My Roadster has never had a rear rack in its life (just the pannier mounts) and there are no problems with the pannier mounts being secure and stable without the rack. It is held on with 3 bolts on each side, two at the rear and one in the front.

So, I'd say there would be no issues with removing the rear luggage rack if you desire. In fact, you can get plastic plugs to cover the bolt holes for the rack.

You don't need the rack, just the rails are enough.

[mcollect]

I swapped the pannier mounts with the rack for the GS mounts. They are cleaner in my opion and just as secure.

[riceburner]

Each pannier mount is held down by two bolts, on each side, the rack ties both sides together and adds to the system integrity. I would not use the panniers without the rack......

eh?? what?? no it doesn't!! (well, it might a bit, but it's not designed to)

Each pannier rail is held by 3 large bolts (1 at the front, 2 at the rear) and the rack that goes between them behind the pillion seat is an optional extra - the pannier rails are designed to act alone.

[towerworker]

I vote with Boxermania. I think the rack adds some strength and rigidity to the entire system.

"optional extra "

Hell---everything on a BMW is an "optional extra". Every kit of anything at all has an itemized price list of every nut, bolt and washer!

[wncbmw]

Sorry but the two of you that said the rear rack added stability to the bag mounts are wrong. They do nothing except hold up the light weight and worthless plastic rear rack.

I swapped my stock ones for a set of GS mounts years ago and before that, took the rack and the two pieces that hold the rack off the stocker. The bags go nowhere, don't wiggle, don't budge. Including in a fall over! (Don't ask how I know! )

I might put stock ones back on but only to replace the plastic rack with a sturdier plate so I can mount a Pelican box rear box!

[Biff's R]

GS rails here too. I have always thought they looked better. Plenty rigid.

[riceburner]

Sorry but the two of you that said the rear rack added stability to the bag mounts are wrong. They do nothing except hold up the light weight and worthless plastic rear rack.

I wouldn't say it's "worthless" - I used the "Softbag" with it's mount quite a lot, and the silver rack is perfectly sized to take the newer grey coloured tailbags (again - I've used one of these on a regular basis), so if you're not into hard top-boxes (I don't like em much) then it's really rather handy.

[stilldking]

I vote with Boxermania. I think the rack adds some strength and rigidity to the entire system.

+1 It also seems to help if you have a rigid frame mounted. When I got my bike it had a Pirates Lair back rest mounted (I didn't know this wasn't standard at the time) and It seemed to add a lot to the structural integrity (IMHO). It also made a great backer to the recently mounted tail-bag.


JC

[PhillyScott]

Thanks to everyone for responding to my question!