Smaller BMW RT Tank Bag

[bmendenhall]

I don't know how many of you out there have the BMW 1200rt tank bag, but once I purchased the Zumo GPS - I cant hardly see it (mounted on the center of the handle bars with the BMW mount). I love the BMW products and dont want to change since the bike has a tank bag harness.

My thought is that if there are others out there like me, we could send an email to BMW at : Webmaster@bmwmotorcycles.com lets see if the power of our forum might persuade them into making something more useable for those of us with a GPS and still want the storage of the tank bag.

Happy riding, love my RT!

[Ted Shred]

BMW already makes a TALLER GPS mount for your bike that makes the GPS easier to see with that tall tank bag.

[Effjay]

An inexpensive option is to buy the RAM ball mount pictured, which allows Zumo to be positioned low (with full view of BC display) or higher (with BC display at least partially blocked) in normal seated position. RAM B272 mount (http://scripts.ram-mount.com/RamSearch/Templates/SearchParts.php?step=start) In the high forward postion, BMW tankbag clears Zumo and allows full GPS display over the bag with nothing obstructed.


Jeff

http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL100/6660515/19047276/305911001.jpg http://pic20.picturetrail.com/VOL100/6660515/19047276/305910994.jpg

[Semper_Fi]

I put mine on top - can see all the instruments w/or w/out bag

http://i293.photobucket.com/albums/mm43/Semper_Fi_LR/GPS%20Install/Cable_Routing.jpg

[saved1]

I have a Tourtech that is much smaller and is rather nice. I just put it on my R12RT. I had asked the local dealer for a small BMW or other bag and they told me none exists. They were wrong. The Tourtech was about $150 which is about $200 less than the BMW bag.

[MValspeed]

Great question and issue - I tried the BMW fitment down on the handlebars...but then I couldn't see it with my old trusty tankbag in place (I love the Wolfman Denali bag). So I moved the GPS to the accessory shelf, easier to see, and go me a small camera bag when all I need is a bag to carry my phone, glasses, camera and other semi-valuables - Bought one for $10 at our local Wallyworld...then spent another 5 bucks to waterproof it (spray can). It fits nicely on the existing plastic rack.

[Stixx]

FWIW. I have the standard Zumo rig on my RT and I had a magnetic tank bag left over from my R model (metal tank and boy do I miss that) so I took the hockey puck size magnets out of it and used the slots in the RT fake tank enclosure to do a bit of creative velcro .

The results are usable small tank that is very well designed and holds a miriad of small necessities, like garage door openers , eye glass cases , bug cleaner and static cloth and chargers for my phone which I put in top of the well designed cases that adorn this clever little bag

It's no secret to metal tank crotch rocketeers and is easily found at cycle gear type joints around the country . It is amazing how clever the sizes of the various pockets and such and the velcro is standard 18 inch straps found at the local ace hardware under the velcro displays.

OH the one in back next to your "parts goes under the seat and attaches handily to the bar on the seat height adjuster. When you want to run tank bagless you can just slip the velcro strap down one side and tuck it out of site , helpful also when washing the bike.

I love my Joe Rocket bag and will probably use it till it is thread bare . best designed small bag ever. er uh, "in my view''

LOL

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v82/Stixx/smalltankbag.jpg

[Stixx]

BTW. Dont freak out on the mirrors. They are just GS mirrors stuck in the holes on the castings where they used to be on R models.

[Semper_Fi]

Hi-Jack Alert!!

How are the mirrors? I am on the fence doing the same thing.

Can you see more behind you - i tend to have to either dip my head down or move the bike over to see more of what's behind.

I assume it is a direct install?

Back to regular programing

[Lopaca]

I love the mounting setup on the stock BMW bag for the RT. I do not always need the big size (day rides) so I bought a used one on EBay and took the bag off and mounted a smaller bag to the plastic mount - works great and I have a small bag with the great stock tank mount for day rides. I am sure there are cheaper alternatives but I had fun and ended up with a great set up. :wave

[Stixx]

Hi-Jack Alert!!

How are the mirrors? I am on the fence doing the same thing.

Can you see more behind you - i tend to have to either dip my head down or move the bike over to see more of what's behind.

I assume it is a direct install?

Back to regular programing


I wouldn't be without them in Atlanta Traffic you can not afford to look anywhere but straight ahead and the eye level mirrors from a GS do the trick

The are slightly blurred under various rpm but you can always reference the stock mirrors which are still there and always clear for an ID on that approaching car that might be a patrol car. LOL

But seriously it becomes so natural to use them just as I did on my old R model that you hardly even think about using the fairing mirrors any more.

Remember it requires a special nut and lock washer and the left assembly will be slightly too small at first so ream it out from the bottom ever so slightly. Almost goes through but just a tiniest bit of reaming is necessary only on the left side. The lock washers stay on the shaft as the nut that attaches underneath has a slit in it and acts as it's own lockwasher. Look over an older R 1150 R real carefully and you will see what you need to do to adapt the parts to the new RT. BTW all the mirrors are the same R, GS , etc , how they mount varies but the part itself is the same no right or left just one mirror works either side . They run sixty bucks each , the nut was about ten bucks each and the lockwashers I found at ACE hardware for pennies. Whole thing took me maybe ten minutes.

[AliMar]

I put mine on top - can see all the instruments w/or w/out bag
Looks like the GadgetGuy mount, same as mine and I love it. It's above the instrument panel and still low enough to not interfere with frontal views. It's a few bucks, but if not that mount you can spend the same $$ for a new bag and low mount...