Topcase rack 2004 R1150R

[peter1951]

Bit of info for those of you looking to fit a topcase. I originally fitted a givi case to the OE BMW rack which is attached to the pannier rails, it was ok but flexed a great deal and was not really suitable as a backrest
I then purchased a Givi SR 689 rack which has better support but it left no room for a pillion as thetopbox encroached over the rear seat. However Ive changed the top plate which came with the rack to a Givi universal plate, it has multi fitting options and Ive been able to mount the topbox 3 inches further back, giving my pillion much more room. It also looks good.Hope the info is of use.
On another subject Ive just received a stick plug puller I recently ordered from my local BM dealer, Its a genuine BM part but its too small! My 2004 model is twin spark, does this need a wider puller?

Had the bike 3 weeks now, apart from being vibey its a great machine. Im told that with 16k on the clock its not regarded as fully run in and gets smoother with mileage.


Cheers

Pete

[Xdot]

Anybody have any experience with the Hepco Becker racks and cases? They look expensive but also quite nice.

[bikermeow]

Feedback from my mates says the H&B locks not as robust as the BMW's.

Cheers

[Dr. Strangelove]

Anybody have any experience with the Hepco Becker racks and cases? They look expensive but also quite nice.

Yep. Got one and have used it for about 50k miles on lots of touring and some gravel and mud and a few 0mph tipovers--enough to get it scratched at Glen Canyon. I have it modified now with a Pelican case insert to hold camera equipment for an upcoming ride. The rack is VERY sturdy. I have put a bit of a shim in the "hooks" to make for a tighter fit over the miles, but it has always been secure. I have read that the locking mechanism is prone to getting loose or breaking, but that has not been my experience at all. If you look at any of my ride reports that is the case on my bike.

Hope this helps

John

[Xdot]

Yep. Got one and have used it...
... If you look at any of my ride reports that is the case on my bike.

Impressive trip reports. Enjoyed reading them and looking at the pics. Does that HB case come with the BMW roundel on the back or did you put that on?

I thought the HB mount wouldn't work with the stock mount for the side cases. Is that mount still available? I have the system cases but would much prefer a top case for tooling around town and travel. Not just thrilled with the GIVI offerings.

John

[Dr. Strangelove]

The roundel is the one from the side cases, bought it from A&S I think. and just stuck it on. Not expensive and it does make it look a little like OEM, I think.

The rack for the HB attaches to the standard BMW rails, without any mod, and you can see how the naked rack looks here



My rack has performed very well and if I had to criticize it for something it would be that getting the stubby key into the lock is a (very) little tempermental, but has been a non issue for me.

John

[Xdot]

John,

Rack looks better than the stock tail rack. Did a little searching and now see that there are two top case racks sold by HB. One compatible with their side cases, and one compatible with the BMW side case mounts. Now I have a decision to make. Do I go with the HB rack for my (older and worn) BMW system cases, or get the HB top case rack compatible with the HB side cases, lose my BMW side cases, and mortgage the house for the HB side rack and cases. Decisions, decisions...

Oh, and meant to ask, what top case are you running, John and are you happy with the performance? Just gathering data...

John

[Dr. Strangelove]

I am using my stock system cases, well worn also, so I am using the BMW rails.
I think my case is the 41?? liter: it is about 20 x <14 inches on the bottom half if that helps.

I modified the top half of the clamshell design to hold more, securely.
I cut a piece of hard plastic the size of the top clamshell and I rest it on the retaining elastic cross straps to hold stuff up there, like a shelf, in the top of the clamshell. That thereby gives me two compartments for things. I can carry my laptop and a small first aid kit up there w/o diff.

If you get the cases I will send pix. The picture above is one of the few times I have the case off. I usually have it on for my sometimes commuting.