Looking for photo of 1200LT without topcase

[Billy]

I ride alone and not overnight. Does someone have a picture of their LT without the topcase? How much does the topcase weigh? Also, does anyone know if there is a less expensive option than the A & S rack for about $350?

Thanks for any input.

[Road_King]

...not mine but I did the exact thing.

~George

[Jerrym]

This is my 2005 less the top case.

[Billy]

They look great! Do you know how much the topcase weighs? Have you noticed any difference with regards to it being less "top heavy"?

[Jerrym]

They look great! Do you know how much the topcase weighs? Have you noticed any difference with regards to it being less "top heavy"?

It does not weight that much but it does feel much lighter and handles better. It does really make a difference in the wind. The topcase does catch a lot of side wind. I have the Corbin Smuggler, which helps the handling over the topcase but with it off it makes the bike feel much lighter yet.

[hschisler]

Can't say exactly, but I'm guessing an empty top case weights maybe 20#. I had mine off once at a Tech Session; it's easily lifted off the bike. Can't be that much weight...

[kip]

takes about 10 minutes
makes a whole different bike
wish i could find a lower cost rack for when its off also....

[dmatson]

I took mine off and unless i need it for my wife or more secure storage I will never put it on again. I just weighed it and it was 38lbs. that includes a chrome rack about 5 lbs I would guess. The bike feels alot more nimble, catches less side wind, faster cornering side to side. Looks much better.
http://dmat.smugmug.com/photos/85235864-L.jpg
I have my rack in the rear postion so the rack lines up to the bikes rear
http://dmat.smugmug.com/photos/70809547-L.jpg

[deputy5211]

I hate to say this to another guy, but nice rack. :histerica

Seriously, who makes it and how easy to swap for case?

Thanks!
Tony


I took mine off and unless i need it for my wife or more secure storage I will never put it on again. I just weighed it and it was 38lbs. that includes a chrome rack about 5 lbs I would guess. The bike feels alot more nimble, catches less side wind, faster cornering side to side. Looks much better.
I have my rack in the rear postion so the rack lines up to the bikes rear

[dmatson]

The rack is a Ft. Worth I bought it at A&S cycles (not Cheep). The top box comes off in about 10 mins. Just take the rear seat off and unplug four electrical top box connections, then take the liner out of the top box, take out four bolts that hold the case to the bike then bolt the rack back on in the same holes. After you do a couple of times I imagine you could do it in about 5 mins., I just take my time.

[deputy5211]

Thank you. Doesn't look cheap, I'll check into it. Thanks for the info. :)

The rack is a Ft. Worth I bought it at A&S cycles (not Cheep). The top box comes off in about 10 mins. Just take the rear seat off and unplug four electrical top box connections, then take the liner out of the top box, take out four bolts that hold the case to the bike then bolt the rack back on in the same holes. After you do a couple of times I imagine you could do it in about 5 mins., I just take my time.

[Billy]

The bike really looks much better without the topcase. What is involved in removing the rear seat? (asking because I don't have my manual in front of me )

[Dieselweasel]

I'm wondering how much not cheap is for these racks? I like the bike topless but I find the topcase most usefull in all bike I've owned, my KLR has a topcase and no side cases. Is it possible to fabricate the BMW case top rack with the LED brakelight to be used without the topcase?

To remove rear seat section, lift up rider seat, look to right and left front of passenger there is a socket head screw on each side, remove them and lift and pull seat forward, to reinstall note the finger on bottom to be reincerted into slot at rear.

[deputy5211]

From the A&S web site:

Keywords: K1200LT, Luggage

If you want to take your trunk off but have a sturdy place on which to strap luggage, this is for you. This high quality luggage rack is machined from solid aluminum and mounts easily when your topcase is not needed.

Grab rail also available

Price: $294.65

Here's the link to it: http://ascycles.com/detail.aspx?ID=1694

I'm wondering how much not cheap is for these racks?

[dandiver]

Lots of information on the rack, weight and cost in previous threads. I too removed my rear case and really loved the way the new bike handled. I purchased the rack used from this board and thoroughly enjoyed the way it improved the bikes performance. Unfortunately I missed the storage, sold the rack and reinstalled the top case.

[lord_helmet]

Ignorant question: is the 'grab rail' the part that I circled with blue in the attached photo, that has to be purchased separately?

[dandiver]

That is it....

[deputy5211]

Not to be picky, but a circle is round, so technically . . . yes, the grab rail is the part you have kinda squared in the attached photo :D

Ignorant question: is the 'grab rail' the part that I circled with blue in the attached photo, that has to be purchased separately?

[BlackBMW]

I didn't care for the grab rail so bought mine from A&S without it.

http://blackgs12.smugmug.com/photos/104168245-M.jpg

http://blackgs12.smugmug.com/photos/108291275-M.jpg

[meese]

FWIW, the aluminum rack isn't strictly necessary. BMW provided a black plastic plate under the top case that looks just fine with the trunk removed. You could at least remove the top case and see if you like it that way before dropping $300+ on a replacement rack.

And yes, the bike does handle noticeably better with the top case removed. :)

http://www.bmwlt.com/gallery/files/1/7/8/Buttonwillow.jpg

[Dieselweasel]

I think you hit the nail on the head Meese, you can adapt anything to that base including the rack from the top case or nothing.

[SPM]

Just re installed my top box (needed extra space for a suit!) after riding for 6 months without it. As soon as I get home it's coming off again! My shocks are knackered but even so the bike handles much worse with the box on.

Ken are those mirrors on your bike from the K1200rs? The stock mirrors are a liability when filtering and I need to change them before they get knocked off. cheers.

[meese]

Yes, the handlebar mirrors are from a 2002 K1200RS. Part numbers can be found by scrolling through our Part Numbers (http://www.bmwlt.com/forums/faq.php?faq=accessories_faq#faq_accessories_faq_partnumbers) FAQ.

[Billy]

Will the rack with the brake light which is now on the topcase fit in the void where the topcase has been removed? I don't plan to eveer use the topcase again since unfortunately I don't do any trips and I already have the rack on top which was an accessory.

[Dieselweasel]

I'm sure it will work but you'll have to make an adaptor plate and some spacer washers for the rack legs, they are differant hights front and rear. I like the Idea but also use the trunk the most, maybe the answer is to get another LT?

[Briantime]

Do you lose the rear speakers for the audio when removing the top case? Gotta have the tunes :)

[Dick]

Do you lose the rear speakers for the audio when removing the top case? Gotta have the tunes :)
Yup - gone with the top case.

[Billy]

When you take the topcase off is the shelf it is sitiing on made of metal or plastic? If metal, then a small rectangular magnetic tank bag about 5" high might fit nicely and be a less expensive option than the Ft. Worth rack.

[hschisler]

When you take the topcase off is the shelf it is sitiing on made of metal or plastic? If metal, then a small rectangular magnetic tank bag about 5" high might fit nicely and be a less expensive option than the Ft. Worth rack.It's plastic.

[macmolly]

A Fort Worth Rack is on E-Bay. Look in E-Bay Motors. Item number # 160060100863

[Jerrym]

When you take the topcase off is the shelf it is sitiing on made of metal or plastic? If metal, then a small rectangular magnetic tank bag about 5" high might fit nicely and be a less expensive option than the Ft. Worth rack.

It is black plastic but you could bolt down a flat piece of metal painted black to match the shelf for the magnetic tank bag. I have the Corbin Smuggler and what I did on it, which could be done on the platform is install the plastic clips that come with some boat battery boxes and use the RKA pack that is made for the LT chrome rack. This would be a real good small pack when needed.

[Billy]

I just wanted to cover it cosmetically since I don't need any storage for my day rides. Perhaps the industrial strength velcro would hold the tank bag down without having to bolt the metal plate on as you suggested. I could sew it on to the bottom of the tank bag and stick it to the plastic shelf on the bike. Do you think that might work?

[Billy]

Thanks for the ebay tip.

Billy

[Jerrym]

I just wanted to cover it cosmetically since I don't need any storage for my day rides. Perhaps the industrial strength velcro would hold the tank bag down without having to bolt the metal plate on as you suggested. I could sew it on to the bottom of the tank bag and stick it to the plastic shelf on the bike. Do you think that might work?

If you use the industrial strength Velcro it will hold it. In fact it is hard to get it loose.

[meese]

Do you lose the rear speakers for the audio when removing the top case? Gotta have the tunes :)Yes, you lose the rear speakers, but you can hardly hear them when at speed anyway. Plus I always use helmet speakers which work at all speeds.

[meese]

I just wanted to cover it cosmetically since I don't need any storage for my day rides.The plastic cover looks fine all by itself. No need to cover it unless you want some additional storage. See my pic above. Note that actually washing the cover is optional. :D

[BlackBMW]

The extra storage is sure nice and I miss the convenience of it since I removed the topbox.

However, by the seat of my pants the bike seems much lighter-handling (topbox and hardware are about 30lbs, I hear).

I would recommend the rack though, since when you do want to travel, if you want you can simply strap an Ortlieb waterproof bag to it and not have to worry about putting the topbox back on.

Plus.............it just looks good without the topbox

http://blackgs12.smugmug.com/photos/108291495-M.jpg

[Billy]

It definitely does look good!

[Dieselweasel]

Could screw in some bungee tiredowns in the 4 mounting holes.

[Billy]

Great idea.

[Billy]

Mike,

Is that a Cee Bailey windshield on your bike? If so what size?

Billy