Rear luggage racks and top cases

[frankenduck]

I'll start with the first BMW tail rack made for K bikes.  The part number for the rack itself is 52532300052.

This isn't the best picture but it's also available from BMW in chrome.  Part number 46542303558.

The BMW 22 liter top case (part 46542324814) mounts to those racks using a base plate.(46542300449)

It's pretty good looking and most of them you'll find have a small backrest for your passenger.

But it's rather small and not a very practical shape.  You can't put a helmet in it.  The only thing I ever found that is was ideally suited for was Roman candles and mortars.

I'll be adding more to this later....  stay tuned.....

[Mickster]

[duckhawk]

I bought a Tragkorb top case with the bracket and installed it but it rattled a lot and started to mar the rear rack. Did I install it incorrectly? I added some self adhesive foam strips to try to quiet it down. Any thoughts?

[johnny]

greetings... i used foam tape on my tragkorb... aints rattled since...  which tragkorb did you buy...  j o

[duckhawk]

Greetings Johnny!

I "think" it's the 21 liter stock model.

  I just noticed the lock was loose and tightened up the large plastic nut on the inside, but the lid seems looser than I would expect for a BMW product. Last year I just bungied it when I rode but it looked cheesy.

I bought the top case because it's a lot easier to commute and move a bike around in the garage with a top case only. I have the set of city bags but the top case is the way to go for running to work and the store for mild.

Jeffy

[Filmcamera]

Has anyone ever taken a 22 liter top case apart in order to replace the vinyl on the backrest? Is it even possible?  I brought a second hand top case which is champagne coloured when the rest of my bike isn't... repainting the case is easy enough but the vinyl of the backrest is also the same colour. I was hoping to simply recover it rather than using a vinyl spray paint or something... has anyone ever done that?

[Inge K.]

It's secured with two nuts (same is used for adjusting the catch for the lock).
Why not by a brand new black backrest................only $121.68 at MaxBMW.  :yes

[Filmcamera]

Why not by a brand new black backrest................only $121.68 at MaxBMW.

Gulp - yeah I think not - ok I saw the two nuts but it seems like it is glued as well, I guess a hot air gun and a little tugging should deal with that.  Since it cost me $50 to re-cover a seat here is CR I guess the backrest would be maybe $20... that leaves me $100 left over for beers to cool in it!

[Inge K.]

ok I saw the two nuts but it seems like it is glued as well, I guess a hot air gun and a little tugging should deal with that.

Lock nuts is used...........nylock type.

Since it cost me $50 to re-cover a seat here is CR I guess the backrest would be maybe $20

The backrest isn't covered with PU leather.......it's foam in one piece, with a metal bracket that is molded in.

[Filmcamera]

Ah ok so paint it is then

[Martin]

A good upholsterer should be able to cover it.
Regards Martin.

[mw074]

I have painted them with good success using plastic paint ( flexible ).

[Billk]

In reference to securing the back top case to the rear rack. I use a couple of strips of bicycle inner tube between the case and the rack as a spacer. It no longer rattles and it could be difficult to remove its so solid now.

[alexg]

Greetings:
I am posting here to keep the information on the iconic 22 L box in one thread. If this is not a proper procedure, my apologies.

So, the retaining big plastic nut on my box keeps loosening after about 20-40 miles on standard traffic. I do not notice major damage to the threads of the nut or the lock body. However, if I torque it with enough hand force, the nut will skip a thread, indicating that the engagement is not great, or the lack of stiffness of the plastic nut is enough to expand when torqued.

Are there any methods to secure this concoction to last? Glue, epoxy, new nut?

Thanks for the help,

AlexG

[Martin]

Either Silastic or hot glue gun the plastic nut, then it can be removed if necessary. The back rest can be recovered in marine stretch vinyl using a hot air gun and patience. It took me three goes to work out how to do it, but it is easy to peel it off and use another piece of vinyl. I recently colour matched my backrest to match my seat colour.
Regards Martin.

Topbox Backrest 2.png (36.88 kB . 768x576 - viewed 638 times)
Topbox Backrest 3.png (32.13 kB . 768x576 - viewed 676 times)
Topbox Backrest 1.png (42.97 kB . 768x576 - viewed 633 times)

[mw074]

I have top box parts including backrests. If interested, email me.

[mw074]

So, the retaining big plastic nut on my box keeps loosening after about 20-40 miles on standard traffic. I do not notice major damage to the threads of the nut or the lock body. However, if I torque it with enough hand force, the nut will skip a thread, indicating that the engagement is not great, or the lack of stiffness of the plastic nut is enough to expand when torqued.

Are there any methods to secure this concoction to last?

A small hose clamp installed behind the plastic nut will keep it in place. A new nut will help. The plastic threads wear down.

[spencer802]

I am looking for a top/tail box and it sounds like the 22l described in this thread would be good. The bike has the luggage rack pictured here. Are there boxes that clamp to or easily attach to these racks, or will any generic strap-on box do?

[frankenduck]

The only case that works with that rack is the BMW 22L topcase.

Givi makes the E180/E181 that fits the same holes and allows you to run Givi or other aftermarket topcases that need a flat level mounting surface.

https://www.kbikeparts.com/classickbikes.com/ckb.tech/0.ckb.tech.files/reynoldsrack/givi180/givi180.jpg

[spencer802]

Thanks much!