Boot rack

[c00k1e]

Has anyone fitted an after market boot rack?
I was after the ZTechnik Luggage Rack, but I can't source it in the UK

[zaphod]

You might try Bob's BMW, they ship international. http://www.bobsbmw.com/parts_accessories/luggage/K1200LT.html

[Niall]

The Hein Gericke catalogue has a rack that will fit, its originally a Goldwing International item - for a Goldwing, naturally.

I fitted one to my 99, and then fited a high level brake light underneath it

Cost is maybe £40 to £50, and around £10 for the brake light

[Malki]

I was looking for this rack on the Hein Gericke website, but could not find it.
What I did notice was, the HUGE price difference between the same parts on the UK site as opposed to the German site. Typical rip off Britain ! :eek:

[Niall]

OK - I found mine in a Honda dealer in 2000, and saw it in the real catalogue (as in paper type) over the period up to around 2004.

Where it is now - no idea.

I'd do a search on Goldwing bits - for older machines, the 1300 and 1500

[c00k1e]

The Hein Gericke catalogue has a rack that will fit, its originally a Goldwing International item - for a Goldwing, naturally.

I fitted one to my 99, and then fited a high level brake light underneath it

Cost is maybe £40 to £50, and around £10 for the brake light

I bought one of these off ebay. No fixing bits though so it sat in my garage for a year. Rethinking of how to fit it a few weeks ago, so dug it out - guess what? Covered in rust. Tried cleaning it and the chrome actually flaked off in places!
So I am glad I didnt drill any holes in the box.
This could have been a poor quality imitation of course, so I would be very interested in your views on the one you have - and especially your fixing method.
I may get this one powder coated and put on if I can work out how.

[Niall]

Tried cleaning it and the chrome actually flaked off in places!
So I am glad I didnt drill any holes in the box.
This could have been a poor quality imitation of course, so I would be very interested in your views on the one you have - and especially your fixing method.
I may get this one powder coated and put on if I can work out how.


Mine did rust a bit on the bike - but not much at all.

Fixing - the rack has four feet, two sat on the box, the front two on the "foam". Make sure you position it right, as when I put it on, I didn't account properly for the "squidge" factor of the speaker housings, and then I had a small contact on the top case hump.

[Niall]

And here is one of the high level brakelight (and Muth's working)

[c00k1e]

Cheers - how did you work out where to drill the wholes? Did you remove the inner lining when fixing it? Did you put any extra supports inside?
I like the look, I think I will have mine powder coated after removing the rust and have a go.

[Niall]

From the simple expediency of locating the rack, judging where "inside" the holes would be and checking that there is no conflict - both inside top case and inside the foam.

The brakelight wiring is behind the courtesy light, and to drill that, I drilled from inside out.

For the top case, I checked, marked the case, and drilled outside in. I marked the foam (spearker housings), took them off and again, drilled outside in.

I fitted the carrier to the foam, then fitted the foam to the top case, losely, and located the screws for the rear feet finger tight, and then tighted rfom back to front.

[Niall]

Did you remove the inner lining when fixing it? Did you put any extra supports inside?



Inner lining of the top case lid - no, I don't think it will come away. Speaker housings - yes, I did removed, because the carrier is bolted to them, not drilled through to the top case at those points.

If you look closely, you can see the feet "sink" into the speaker housing, so put a BIG washer on both sides to prevent that. That's what I did in the end.

To make sure of no leaks, I sealed the holes with sealant, as I did with the brake light.

[c00k1e]

So the speaker housing is strong enough to hold the rack? Surprised! I would have thought I would have to have made 4 holes in the top box

[Niall]

If you look inside the top case, you'll see the speaker housing is held on with LOADS of screws, and its a very tough foam, and with big washers for compression and load - wasn't an issue.

The rack was on the bike from late 2000 to when I sold it in Feb 2003. I have no idea it it stayed on the bike after that, but I would have thought so.

The bike was sold on to Holland, where it was re-painted in metallic black.

[c00k1e]

Excellent, thanks, you have given me a new drive to get the rack sorted. Camping tems like rollmats are light enough to go up top, but too wide for the boxes.
Now I just have to sort out the design of a lower rack for the heavy tent! I have seen many goldwongs with them - behind the rear wheel, seems an excellent place for something heavy.

[Woolly]

Excellent, thanks, you have given me a new drive to get the rack sorted. Camping tems like rollmats are light enough to go up top, but too wide for the boxes.
Now I just have to sort out the design of a lower rack for the heavy tent! I have seen many goldwongs with them - behind the rear wheel, seems an excellent place for something heavy.


.... just bought a new tent (Robens Cloud 1), Sleeping Bag (Berghaus Equinox) and sleeping mat (self inflating Thermarest) - all of which fit easily in one pannier liner, still with room left for tools & other stuff - bought from http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk - at very good prices.

[c00k1e]

Thnaks for the link, unofrtunately their searche facility isnt too good and nne of those items appear!
How much was the lot?
(I have 4 tents already and shouldnt really be splashing out again!)

[Woolly]

Thnaks for the link, unofrtunately their searche facility isnt too good and none of those items appear!


...sleeping bag £39.99 http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=2111


Thermarest lite 3 £ 38.49

http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/default.php?cPath=123_157_238

Robens Cloud 1 tent £59.99 - I couldn't find the cloud 1, but here is a link to a Challenger 2 man (mine is a one man)

http://www.completeoutdoors.co.uk/product_info.php?products_id=487

They are all very good quality, and pack into an unbelievably tiny space.

[c00k1e]

£140 is extreamly good. My problem would be that there is the two of us so pretty much doubling the required space for camping gear and clothes.
We managed a 2 weeker in France by using hotels and we can manage a weekend camping (my tent just about fits in and my selfinflators strap to the box tops - npt as well as they did on an ST110 though!)
But if I had the camping gear on the outside I know I can do 2 weeks camping.
Alternatively dump the SO!
hmmmmmm that would be a saving of well over £140 - jobs a good un!

[hschisler]

Why is it called a "boot rack"? Is that the British version of "trunk"? (I was envisioning a rack intended to hold boots.)

What is the carrying capacity of this type of rack v. the BMW (and other) rack? I've been disappointed in how little they are rated to carry.

TIA.

[Niall]

Why is it called a "boot rack"? Is that the British version of "trunk"? (I was envisioning a rack intended to hold boots.)

What is the carrying capacity of this type of rack v. the BMW (and other) rack? I've been disappointed in how little they are rated to carry.

TIA.

We speak the same language but we don't...

Top case rack - whatever, maybe its where boots were carried, just as where trunks (not swimming or from elephants) were carried.

No idea what the capacity of the Goldwing international/Hein Gericke rack was - I would have thought the capacity is where it sits on the top case, and hence the ability of the topcase not to fail under excessive loads.

BMW are always cautious, probably because of the litigatious where the world is now, to stop anyone overloading and then suing them.

Just look at the speed if you're carrying panniers or loaded up in our case - 80 mph, 130k's. We know the bikes handle well, even with loads, but its to protect them (BMW) from "us"

[hschisler]

We speak the same language but we don't...

Top case rack - whatever, maybe its where boots were carried, just as where trunks (not swimming or from elephants) were carried.

No idea what the capacity of the Goldwing international/Hein Gericke rack was - I would have thought the capacity is where it sits on the top case, and hence the ability of the topcase not to fail under excessive loads.

BMW are always cautious, probably because of the litigatious where the world is now, to stop anyone overloading and then suing them.

Just look at the speed if you're carrying panniers or loaded up in our case - 80 mph, 130k's. We know the bikes handle well, even with loads, but its to protect them (BMW) from "us"Thanks for the clarification. I was assuming the limited carrying capacity was because it was mounted on top of what is essentially a plastic box -- the top case -- and thus unable to support much weight. If the actual capacity is greater than the manufacturer indicates I will be more inclined to look into one of these for my LT.

Thanks.

[Niall]

Thanks for the clarification. I was assuming the limited carrying capacity was because it was mounted on top of what is essentially a plastic box -- the top case -- and thus unable to support much weight. If the actual capacity is greater than the manufacturer indicates I will be more inclined to look into one of these for my LT.

Thanks.

Howard,

that's what I said - or at least try to say - that load is dependent on the top case.

But even so, it's going to be "reduced" because BMW don't want anyone to suffer a failure and then sue, or lose control and then sue.

The top case itself is quite a solid beast, with the lit sitting snuggly on the base, and the base secured on a substantial rack. In fact, the top case it well and truly over engineered compared to a Givi E52, which is a lot lighter.

I wonder if there isn't an element (from BMW) of trying to keep the weight down low, because that rack is quite high of the ground to be running with a big weight on

[hschisler]

Howard,

that's what I said - or at least try to say - that load is dependent on the top case.

But even so, it's going to be "reduced" because BMW don't want anyone to suffer a failure and then sue, or lose control and then sue.

The top case itself is quite a solid beast, with the lit sitting snuggly on the base, and the base secured on a substantial rack. In fact, the top case it well and truly over engineered compared to a Givi E52, which is a lot lighter.

I wonder if there isn't an element (from BMW) of trying to keep the weight down low, because that rack is quite high of the ground to be running with a big weight onMakes sense; thank you.

I guess my gripe with the typical rack that mounts on top of the top case is not that the load is located so high off the ground (even though that is a factor, of course), but that the carrying capacity (# of pounds) is so low. I understand you don't want to carry your anvil that high off the ground, but how much useful weight can you put on a rack that is rated for 8-11 pounds, depending on manufacturer? Perhaps the solution, as was suggested to me by others, is to use that top rack for the lightest gear you are carrying: extra clothes, riding gear, etc.

I'm also surprised that some of the fabricating miracle workers on this site haven't developed a rack that mounts low on the LT -- front, sides, or back -- like those that plug into a receiver hitch and are usually used for carrying insulated coolers.

[Malki]

@ Niall - I think the weight on the rack is limited, not due to the structure of the boot/trunk/top case, but as you say more to do with high up, far back weight. Don't think they want anybody popping wheelies or the front end going light in the wet, or as you say generally lose control.
I'm off on a 15 day/10 country tour shortly and was considering the rack for a little bit extra capacity, but at £182, plus the hassle of fitting, to carry a few extra bits.....not needing tents or sleeping bags etc...I thought that was a bit excessive.
A light (waterproof) bag, with shoes, toiletries and a few things that might be needed thru the day seems to be the norm from LT owners that I have spoken to and have the rack fitted.
I have checked my carrying capacity on a dummy run, with Cee Bailey's inner bags, and found, that my FJR1300 with soft luggage and a top box (Givi E52) carries exactly twice what the LT will carry without a rack. I'm a bit disappointed in that. I wonder if laundramattes are included in the GPS :D

[Niall]

The reason I fitted a roack originally was to carry tennis racquets and out-size things, without scratching the case, and still being able to open the case.

When we did a distillery tour some years back on an R11RT, we went up with no kit in the top case and clothes in the panniers. We came back with 5 litres of single malts, a coffee set (if you're married, you'll understand), chocs for the kids and other nic-nacs. That loaded up:
Panniers, squeezed shut
Tank bag, bursting
E52, full of coffee cups
Bag on top of E52, chocs and others

I'd kept the weight low, but none the less, the RT was over loaded.

As it is, I come to work (for a week) with clothes in the left pannier, shoes and electical odds and sods (4 way plug, usb hub etc) in the right pannier, man-portable laptop in the top case. That's quite a loaded LT.

If we were holidaying, I'd have a tank bag and a small bag for the carrier as well (but no laptop)

[hschisler]

[QUOTE=Niall]The reason I fitted a roack originally was to carry tennis racquets and out-size things, without scratching the case, and still being able to open the case.

When we did a distillery tour some years back on an R11RT, we went up with no kit in the top case and clothes in the panniers. We came back with 5 litres of single malts, a coffee set (if you're married, you'll understand), chocs for the kids and other nic-nacs. That loaded up:
Panniers, squeezed shut
Tank bag, bursting
E52, full of coffee cups
Bag on top of E52, chocs and others

I'd kept the weight low, but none the less, the RT was over loaded...QUOTE]Niall and Malki, given all the above, should I be concerned about putting more than a few pounds on a top case rack (sorry, "boot rack" :D )?

Or to put it another way: How easily is an LT going to be front-light when loaded down? Is it possible to really load the beast up and have steering or control concerns?

[Niall]

Or to put it another way: How easily is an LT going to be front-light when loaded down? Is it possible to really load the beast up and have steering or control concerns?

I wouldn't have thought too easy, as the panniers are near enough ahead of the rear wheel, Pillion is ahead of rear wheel, and the top case, even on rear setting is still close enough on rear wheel.

But what sort of weight are you talking about, in the top case or on top? My laptop bag is 10kg+ easily.

With the weight of the engine, fairing and rider, its not going to go light quickly, and are you really going to try to wheelie the bike?

I had more problems carrying a heavy pillion on my wife's cruiser - now that did go light on the front.

Maybe some experiemtns are in order?

[c00k1e]

I would naturally want to put weight low, but thinking about it, the K1200lt is not a bike you are going to make light at the frount very easily.
I was looking to get a rear rack behind the back wheel. But the design I came uo with was turned down by a local machinist, saying it would invalidate his insurance.
I will try the top boot rack with my tent and see what the bike feels like.
I have an ST1100 and have overloaded that to twice its stated capacity, and even added a (large) pillion and toured repeatedly at over 110mph - not a wobble. The safety margins manufacterours put down are really huge.

[hschisler]

...But what sort of weight are you talking about, in the top case or on top? My laptop bag is 10kg+ easily.

With the weight of the engine, fairing and rider, its not going to go light quickly, and are you really going to try to wheelie the bike?... Maybe some experiemtns are in order?Regarding weight in the top case: when I commute on the LT (2-3 times/week) I put my laptop case in it. This is a larger case -- not one of the typical small laptop cases. It serves also as a briefcase, and fills the top case entirely. I have not weighed it but I estimate it to way 30 pounds easily. It is too large to fit in either side pannier.

I do not want to wheelie the bike... intentionally or accidentally. :eek:

Regarding a top rack: I don't have anything yet to put on a top rack, although if I had one I would quickly find a bag to put on it. Could always put helmets, light gear, etc. in it.

[meese]

You're in no danger of the LT's front tire coming up due to overloaded luggage (especially with its weak clutch). However, the more weight you carry, the more stress you put on the frame and drive train and the worse the bike will handle. That doesn't mean that an extra 10 lbs. will suddenly make the LT uncontrollable, but if you're already struggling with the big beast's weight, then adding more just makes it that much harder.

It's all a matter of degrees, and where your particular skill and comfort level lies. I can notice a difference riding the LT by just removing the trunk. That 35 lbs. makes enough of a difference that I almost always remove the trunk when riding solo. When two-up, the trunk stays on and I just compensate my riding slightly.

I've also ridden an LT with both bags and trunk loaded, with windshield fully up, two-up on the Autobahn at 120+ mph. The LT was very stable at speed, but very heavy, especially when exiting to get more fuel.

We now use a Kathy's Rack Sack (http://store.bobsbmw.com/index.asp?PageAction=VIEWPROD&ProdID=25) when traveling two-up on longer trips. We store rain gear, winter gloves, paper maps, and other light things that we need quick access to. It does affect the handling of the bike some, but when every cubic inch of storage space is full, then it helps.

There was a company that made a rear rack that hung low behind the rear wheel like Howard described. It was almost as wide as the saddlebags, and fairly deep as well. They stopped making it due to safety concerns and the fact that it kept cracking due to people overloading it. The weight would be lower, but also so far back that it did have a negative effect on the bike's handling. I've thought of producing a similar design, but smaller. It would only need to be big enough to carry a small electric ice chest, or maybe an auxiliary fuel tank. But still I have my concerns.

The other thing to worry about when overloading an LT is the rear tire weight rating. There is much more weight on the rear tire of a stock LT than on the front. This translates into more heat generated, and usually faster wear rates. My Smart Tire system has reported rear tire temps of 190+ degrees, while the front never seems to get quite that hot. That was fully loaded, two-up, crossing the desert at 110 degrees, but then again it's the worst-case scenario that you need to be concerned about. Excessive heat will contribute to rear tire failure, and we've seen this happen with both Bridgestones and Metzelers. We're not even gonna mention the rear drive in this discussion.

So while there are options available, you have to wonder if it's really worth the risk, reduced handling, and compromised safety margins. I'd say go ahead and add a trunk rack and bag for light, bulky items. But if you really need to carry more stuff or more weight, then start looking at trailers. There are some nice options there that range from affordable to color and style matched to the LT. It all depends on what you really need, and what your budget is. Or just get your wife her own bike, and thereby double your luggage carrying capacity. :)

[hschisler]

...So while there are options available, you have to wonder if it's really worth the risk, reduced handling, and compromised safety margins. I'd say go ahead and add a trunk rack and bag for light, bulky items. But if you really need to carry more stuff or more weight, then start looking at trailers. There are some nice options there that range from affordable to color and style matched to the LT. It all depends on what you really need, and what your budget is. Or just get your wife her own bike, and thereby double your luggage carrying capacity. :)Once again, an excellent response -- lots of options, shared experiences, and new ideas.

Thanks Ken.

[c00k1e]

Yes, some very sound advice, thanks.
The most worrying bit being the tyre rating. All in all, I think I will go for a small light weight tent and just use a top rack for light roll mats and waterproofs.
The 'behind the wheel' rack would be too much of a temptation when a crate of beer was on offer - not a good idea!

[pozo_izquierdo]

I'm also surprised that some of the fabricating miracle workers on this site haven't developed a rack that mounts low on the LT -- front, sides, or back -- like those that plug into a receiver hitch and are usually used for carrying insulated coolers.

Howard, just wait a while...

One is being designed and produced. ;) I hope to have it finished in 4 - 5 weeks.

Regards

[c00k1e]

Howard, just wait a while...

One is being designed and produced. ;) I hope to have it finished in 4 - 5 weeks.

Regards

Just in time to take it to a Belgium rally I am attending. If you come along and bring a spare and I will buy it and test it to its limits by taking home some of that loverly Belgium beer!

[pozo_izquierdo]

Just in time to take it to a Belgium rally I am attending. If you come along and bring a spare and I will buy it and test it to its limits by taking home some of that loverly Belgium beer!

Not to Belgium rally but to the German LT-Treffen in Stadtkyll, Germany!

Come over and you'll see the rack in live.;)

If not, I'll post pictures on this forum anyway...

Regards

[c00k1e]

Not to Belgium rally but to the German LT-Treffen in Stadtkyll, Germany!

Come over and you'll see the rack in live.;)

If not, I'll post pictures on this forum anyway...

Regards

What are the dates? I have to be in Germany at some point this year anyway

[mark_sat]

I am looking for a rack also here in the UK, I had one on my Wing that was great for strapping the tent on.
I am sure that a Goldwing one could easily be used, BUT I would prefer one designed for the LT with the brake light.

I would be interested to see what you come up with.
Camping/travelling/touring season is fast approaching :D

[c00k1e]

I am looking for a rack also here in the UK, I had one on my Wing that was great for strapping the tent on.
I am sure that a Goldwing one could easily be used, BUT I would prefer one designed for the LT with the brake light.

I would be interested to see what you come up with.
Camping/travelling/touring season is fast approaching :D

The '05/'06 BMW rack is very plasticy - yuck!
Do we realy want another light at the back? The one we have is massive.

I am stripping the dodgy chrome off my goldwong rack and will paint it and attatch it - hopefully before the end of the week

[c00k1e]

Well I have just done a weekend camping on the Isle of Wight with the K12lt. As I hadn't drilled holes in the boot yet for a rack I tried another option - a tank bag on the boot. Wow, it worked excellently. The tank bag was a £15 special in Aldi, loads of straps to go round the rear seat (I will permanently fix a strap between the top and bottom back rest screws) and a strap under the lid (I may permanently fix that strap under the whole box). Add a couple of bungees that I probably didnt need, but added a massive amount of storage.
The Aldi bag is very good quality and has an integrated rucksack, waterproof cover, bumbag, and over the sholder bag. The map pockets become a bit redundent though!

[mark_sat]

Got to love some of the Aldi specials. :D
Good idea I guess, although no good for putting a tent on/in.

[c00k1e]

Got to love some of the Aldi specials. :D
Good idea I guess, although no good for putting a tent on/in.

Well it actually leaves one pannier free for the tent now and the bag has loads of strong metal eyelets that I can get the light roll mats up top now. I also use my old ST1100 tank bag up frount - it fits like a dream and you can still see the radio.

[GJH]

I have been following this thread and having seen the link to 'Kathy's Rack Sack' in Meese's post on page 3, I had a look in at the Bob's BMW site. The Rack Sack seemed to be exactly what I have been looking for to complete the luggage on the LT and so I ordered one up. Pricy but worth it is it does the job better than a rucksack bungee'd to the top box rack.

It arrived from the USA in less than a week and, although I haven't tried it out yet it seems to be well made and the fixings, being specifically tailored to the bike, are likely to be straightfoward to use.

No connection with the company etc but I am impressed by the product and the service.

Gordon
'05 K1200LTSE