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That's what happens when you change up your routine.

I recently began a new job that entails a 3:30 AM commute of 30 miles(each way), hence using the Rockster. I've gotten my routine down to the basics.

Unfortunately, coming home in a thunderstorm from dinner last night sidelined my intent to get gas before garaging. As a result, I had to get up a bit EARLIER this morning to take care of that.

Long story short: I somehow managed to NOT latch down my right sidecase. I also took the highway, not my usual mix of two lane and secondary roads... Darkness and speed meant that I did not notice the dissappearance until I dismounted at work and walked around to the helmet lock. YIKES!!!!

A return ride, and car trip TWICE (once in the predawn darkness, and once in daylight) did not turn up the case.

I figure that the case was probably either picked up on the road by someone, OR (more likely) destroyed by an 18 wheeler or maybe simply punted off into the thick brush on the side of the highway. At least nothing of note was inside. Just a soft cooler and my stainless steel travel mug.

So I'm now surfing the web for a right side case (at least it is the 'universal fit' side ).

P

30 miles is a long search pattern. Don't give up just yet, as they are quite costly.

I feel your pain.I did the same thing a couple of years ago.Lucky for me some nice,honest person found it,broke the lock open,and found my wallet inside.He called me and told me that he found my case in the middle of the highway.Thank God for honest people!
Good luck! Maybe now is a good time to upgrade to a fullsize bag.

"(at least it is the 'universal fit' side "That is the one needed. I think they are more readily available.

Right/left? I can't tell the difference! Jeeze I hate getting old! Sorry

OU812 wrote:30 miles is a long search pattern. Don't give up just yet, as they are quite costly.

Actually, someone on IBMWR has a set that will work (the GS/RT cases with bump pads), and someone locally has a set that is in BRAND NEW condition for a reasonable price...

In our search on Monday, I did spot what appeared to be the top banding portion of the case, including the latching mechanism. Unfortunately it was against the fast lane jersey barrier where the 'shoulder' was about 2 feet wide.

Just prior to that point, there is a section of the Beltway with some horrid, hammering bumps at (now asphalted over) cement joints. Those are what I'm pretty sure bounced the case off the rack.

<sigh>

P

What is it about the right side case that tend to go missing? I lost mine last November 06 too.

With mine it was my fault.I had just washed my bike and was in a hurry to go somewhere.With visions of the open road on my mind I didn't latch the bag properly.(operator error)
There are some good ideas posted somewhere about safety pinning the cases.

RRANDY wrote: There are some good ideas posted somewhere about safety pinning the cases.

The safety pinning is only worthwhile if your cases will rotate an inch or more WHILE LATCHED DOWN. It seems that the latch mechanism isn't stressed for a sharp blow, and if there is any play in the way the case latches that is all it takes for them to be knocked off.

P

I have at times, not got the lower pad into the recess. Still did not loose a bag, but I got lucky and caught it within a few miles.

Even correctly mounted cases can fly of given the right set of circumstances. I hook a strap from the handle of one case, route it under the rear seat, and then hook it to the handle of the other case.

For a more permanent fix, check out the following posted by CycleRob:

http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12180864-O.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12180867-O.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12180866-O.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12180861-O.jpg
http://r1150r.smugmug.com/photos/12180869-O.jpg