Full Size Bag Swap Help Please

[ljasonb]

I've swapped to the full left bag and have some fitment questions. Here's what's happening: When I "drop" it onto the rails it's a tight fit. The front side of the case is jammed right up against the rubber stopper on the foot peg and the "rail grabbers" won't go all the way down onto the rails. They are only up by a fraction of an inch but they are up. The right side and old left in contrast drop right in and sit right down flush to the rails. Then when I lock down both handles they are much harder to push down than before. Any of this sound usual? I have not made a bracket for the front yet b/c I wanted to get your input first. After reading threads about loosing bags at speed I want to make sure all's well. Thanks in advance!

[R4R&R]

I noticed my full size left case seems 'tighter' to close too. The right side was a lot easier, until the catch broke yesterday and fell off.

I bought a used left side case and attributed it to that - I think my left case is not as broken in as the right, and it feels 'tighter' to close.

[daslimpet]

There was a good thread on this a couple of month's ago:

http://r1150r.org/board/viewtopic.php?t ... ze+bracket

The problem you may be having is that the front bracket position differs for the left full-sized case and you may have to fashion a substitute. The thread link above illustrates.

Good luck!

[DJ Downunder]

I think the new full size left is harder to push down because it's newer..that's all.

They seem to get looser and easier in time...mine was the same when new but now they go on and off easy and go all the way down.

DJ

[MIXR]

Ditto what DJ said - mine was so tight I thought I'd bust the latch if I forced the handle any harder. Just had to make sure the hooks were fully down. It has also worn in a bit with time and vibration, and is now much easier. Whatever you do, don't force it. Just make sure the top hooks are seated with a bit of gentle pressure. I used some saddle brackets to make a new foot locating bracket for mine.

[ljasonb]

Thanks for the helpful advice gang. What would I do without ya?

MIXR: You had a thread a while back where I originally spotted your "saddle brackets" and they're what I'm planning to use also. You had any long term problems? If I remember correctly, you don't have anything backing them like a metal plate, right? Just the bolts through the brackets then the plastic of the case?

[MIXR]

Wrong - I have used large stainless steel 'penny' washers (you call them mudguard washers) that are about an inch diameter. The fittings carry very little load, but I wanted to lighten the distributed load on the case shell anyway. The pillion bracket just stops the case from swinging in and out, so the brackets are not actually loaded at any time unless the bike falls over and rests on the case! I meant to coat mine in black heatshrink, but just haven't got around to it.

[Airman1]

I think you'll have to remove the plastic "foot" on the bag locator arm on the rear footpeg. I found the new bag fit too close to leave it on. The locator on the BMW lowering kit brackets lined up fine.

[Guest]

Thanks again guys. I got it and didn't remove the rubber foot.