K11 Owners Group

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 2:04 pm Post subject: Cheap-n-easy system case upgrades

I've done these to all of my system cases.

1) ELASTIC REPLACEMENT: Replace the cheap flimsy BMW elastic with 1/4" bungee cord. In hindsight, 3/16" would probably have been easier to install and adequately strong but 1/4" is what I had around. It takes about 10 feet of bungee cord to do a pair of system cases. Cheaply bought on eBay and will outlast the BMW stuff by a country mile. Run the cord through the attachment points and then tie a figure 8 knot in the end so it can't pull through. Figure 8 knot: http://www.animatedknots.com/fig8boating/index.php

2) RETAINER PANELS: When I started real touring on my K75RT, I got sick of crap falling out when opening the system cases on the road with the cases on the bike. One day an inspiration hit me and I made some retainer panels. I used white board that I had left over from a home message board project. Someday I'll go by Tap Plastics and make some out of ABS but these have been working fine for me for years. You really only need a pair of them - one for each inner half.

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93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

joeangi · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 6:28 pm Post subject:

Great idea with the white board...I actually like my city cases better, as nothing falls out...but, I am getting used to the larger bags. I'll try some of the board.

Thanks for the tip.

Joe

Tim (Midland Section) · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:08 pm Post subject:

I have a sheet of 3/16" aluminium (aluminum). When parking bike on soft ground, it goes under the centre (center) stand or for a wind break when camping. In order not to waste space, the "retainer" in the other pannier is a large sealable plastic bag which holds literature ( bike mags, etc).
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Regards Tim,

Grey haired riders don't get that way by pure luck
1996 Guzzi Cali3 LAPD
1972 750 Commando
G6HRN
#485

Flying Duck · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:45 pm Post subject:

That's a good idea. I think I have some aluminum sheeting in my basement so I may give that a shot.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE

Off the grid · Posted: Sun Feb 22, 2009 8:50 pm Post subject:

Not that it needs to be said, but be extra careful with the edges of aluminum, that shit will slice right through you.
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Bane of your existence since July 2006
2007 Triumph Tiger ABS. "Sabertooth"
2009 Husqvarna TE610. "The dirty Italian mistress"

Flying Duck · Posted: Sat Apr 25, 2009 11:27 am Post subject:

I changed my mind on the bungee cord. 1/4" is too strong. I'm now using 3/16" bungee cord which works better.
_________________
93 LT (x2)
94 RS
86-97 K75F(K75/100/1100 Frankenbrick)
86 K75C w/paralever, hi perf cams,TURBO!
91 & 92 K75Ss
91 K1
86 custom K100
14 WR250R
IBA #17739 (SS1K, BBG, 50CC)
Buy parts HERE