The GS Aftermarket Luggage FAQ
compiled & edited by Kristian #562
Please read the Disclaimer before
attempting any work in this FAQ.
(See the Classic F Aftermarket
Luggage FAQ for lots of Opinions on Luggage/Sidecases/TopBoxes/racks
& TankBags for BOTH Classic and GS/Dakar)
Updated by Scott, ID #12443
GS Gallery:
Racks
BMW System Cases
from HsN
These Expandable Side Cases expand an additional three inches for extra storage space. Water-resistant. One lock kit required per case (part # 51 25 2 313 282, $16.74). Reflector base and red side marker also required (Reflector base part # 71 60 7 661 005, $10.50; Side marker part # 63 14 1 459 995, $8.37). Mounting brackets required (sold separately). Features a side pocket and nylon carrying strap. Part # 71-60-7-661-766 right, 71-60-7-661-765 left.
From
Pablo
The cases on Pablo's Dakar. The contrast between
expanded and unexpanded is shown.
Link to more views of Pablo's luggage.
BMW Tank Bag
from Guz
BMW designed them really easy to install and remove. Excellent quality.
BestRest CargoRest T Model
Wayne #1314
On Wayne's 2003 Dakar
Note from Wayne: Anyone
who uses an aftermarket seat in conjunction with a BestRest rack may have a
problem getting into their rear storage compartment, as the rack completely
covers the top of the compartment... My Corbin seat is very high in the rear and
there is no way to get into the compartment to release the seat.
Follow the link to Wayne's very clever
Seat Release Trick.
BestRest CargoRest plus BackRest
TrayB
I needed a backrest for the wife. I looked in the
FAQ's and online and the only choice you have is to use a top box with a pad,
buy a BestRest product, or fabricate one. The top box didn't work for us because
it was uncomfortable for both of us. There isn't a lot of room on the passenger
seat and adding the top box crowded her forcing her to sit straight up or maybe
tilted little forward. I'm no fabricator so that was ruled out. That left the
BestRest products. I called and talked with the owner who took the time to
explain his products to me. I bought the EZRest backrest $125 and the Model C
CargoRest $65 with mounting kit $110. You have to have a cargo rest to mount the
backrest to. I would suggest one that mounts solidly to the bike such as the
BestRest CargoRest.
The instructions were very precise and easy to understand. I took me maybe 45-60
minutes to install. Mostly because I was taking my time and in no rush. If I did
it again it would take me maybe 30 minutes max. I had to drill 2 holes in the
cargo rest and rear bracket to mount/attach the rear of the backrest. (When I
ordered, I was told that I would have to do this.) I took the wife for a ride.
After stopping a few times to get the backrest adjusted, she was extremely happy
with it. All of the BestRest products I bought have a good powder coating, are
very substantial and are of a high quality. If you are looking for a backrest
for the passenger I would definitely recommend BestRest.
Why didn't I use the Corbin backrest? To do that you have to have a Corbin seat.
I have not had good luck with Corbin seats. I've had 2 and they were not
comfortable at all and the customer service was terrible! And the Corbin has no
adjustment to speak of. TrayB
Caribou Luggage
from Roger
Five Stars Rack
Riderhaus has been bought out by
Twisted Throttle
Here is a pdf of the Installation Instructions (In German), but the pics are Good.
And thanks to Nelson Oliveira (a.k.a. Sojourner) here is the English translation.
Five Stars is a company owned and operated by JF Motorsport, and their racks are GIVI Monokey compatible. ErikS
Gearsack Side Bags
from scx (
http://members.fortunecity.com/scx1 )
GIVI E360 Top-Box
from
Mike in Texas
November '01
from KiwiDakar
A few days back there were a few requests
to see Givi bags installed on a GS. I've got a few pictures up of the racks and
my bags (35 litre sides, 45 litre top).
GIVI Maxia E52 Top-Box
from
Joe Equip F650GS
GIVI Luggage Cases
from
http://www.emphaticelements.org/europe_trip/bike_luggage.html
from Givi website via Busker
Happy Trails Bags
from Bert
Small 7 1/2" Happy Trail bags, Wunderlich Touring shield, Scottoiler with license plate mount and oiler line routing on swing arm. Tankbag is a Wolfman Explorer.
I used a heavy duty industrial moulded plastic tool
box that is weatherproof and lockable. Fitted an LED high level stop light.
Mount is by 3 s/s bolts to a Motorworks (U.K.) carry rack. Stays mounted most of
the time, but is easily removed. The box itself cost A$129
JC Whitney Topbox
from Kevin #1092, Motorworks Tailrack
Jesse Luggage
from Jesse's Website -
Direct F650 Link.
From Necr0
Kayak Deck Bag
from Ted in TO
I didn't want anything bulky, but I still needed a waterproof place to
put the laptop So...
Sea Kayak
deck bag on TT rear rack.
Imported by Twisted Throttle Thanks to ErikS for identifying these pictures. Ed.
Krauser is owned and operated by Hepco & Becker, and has its own proprietary mounting system. ErikS
Marsee Rocket Pocket
from Scott #1244
Motorworks
Tailrack
Trevor #999, Kristian #562
For Tips on Removing the Little Round Plastic Inserts for the Luggage Rack Mounts on the Side Fairing see the GS Fairing FAQ
Moto-Sport Panniers
from
Gerry
November '01
Panniers - Moto-Sport Panniers Yukon II S-44-002X
from scx (
http://members.fortunecity.com/scx1 )
Installing the brackets took me less than 10mins. The brackets are secured to
the existing mounting points on the bike.
The soft panniers holds 27lts (432 x 330 x 191mm) made of 1000 denier Cordura®
looks pretty neat with 2 zipped top opening. It came with liners which make
packing easy. In the pannier there are 2 compression strap that will hold you
items firmly place. To hold the soft pannier in shape it is back with 3mm Alu
plate on the outside and reinforce plastic panels inside. On each sides and the
rear there are strip of white reflectors to make night riding visible. Neat
design I should say.
Pelican cases
from JimJib, Advrider
Anon. (Shown on a KTM)
Pelican Cases as Panniers and Removable Top Box from Greg (CessPool)
For more pictures and a description of the
installation see
The
Aftermarket Luggage FAQ.
Pelican 1520 cases with the Happy Trails side racks and mounting kit from Doug.
The Happy Trails side racks fit well and appear
very sturdy. Doug
Pelican 1550 cases on Moto-Sport Pannier Brackets from cb_abq #1534
For comments see
The
Aftermarket Luggage FAQ.
Touratech vs. Jesse Panniers
from Gerry #951
Jesse LHS, Touratech RHS, Gerry #951 vs. Jaz #1126
from Robin Crabb, Advrider
Touratech Rear
Rack
from
Touratech USA or
Touratech
Germany
Touratech Tank
Bag
from SCX (
http://members.fortunecity.com/scx1 )
Touratech Tail Bag
from SCX (
http://members.fortunecity.com/scx1 )
Touratech Zega Cases
by Dave #1513
For description of installation see
The Aftermarket
Luggage FAQ.
TraX ALU-BOX
from
AntonV
Wolfman Tank Bag
from
SScratch
For opinions on all these see the: Classic Aftermarket Luggage FAQ.
GS Luggage Rack Q&A
Q. How sturdy and useful is the luggage rack on the F650GS? Do you recommend another?
Answers and opinions.
The tail of the bike looks nice, but it's plastic, fragile and if you strap down anything more than a sleeping bag, it'll break. (That assumes you can find any tie-down points to hook your bungies.) There's lots of aftermarket luggage racks out there which will enhance your cargo. Spend the money and save your tail. - David Petersen
A really good rack for the F650GS is available from Motorworks; It's called the ACA66707 Luggage rack F650GS/PD - Trevor George.
The 5-Star rack is really nice too. A bit bigger & sturdier mounting than some of the others out. Sorry, I don't have a pic of mine. - P7HVN
The choice is obvious http://www.bestrestproducts.com/products.htm#F650GS - Mad Russian