Panniers and Frames for R80GS Basic
 

I plan to fit some Touratech Aluminum panniers to my R80GS Basic.

Unfortunately Touratech do not make pannier frames for it (R100GS ones do not fit as the Basic has the older G/S rear subframe), so I would have to make some (not an option, modify the R100GS ones or use the more flimsy Hepco and becker frames (recommended by Touratech).

Alternatively can I replace the Basic's subframe with one from an R100GS and then use Touratechs pannier frames for the R100GS?

Has anyone done this? Any other Suggestions?

Is the Hepco & Becker frame really not any good? Why not? Not enough support?
I plan to use the original BMW-frame on my R100R to support Touratech-panniers. Has anybody tried that before? Any comments?

[This message has been edited by diederik (edited 08 November 2001).]

The Hepco-Becker frames are good (I've used them on an Africa Twin), but they are not as substantial as the Touratech ones. The H-B ones use 15mm tubes, Touratech 18mm. As touratech say in their catalogue: "If you do not need heavy duty mounting racks, these [Hepco-Becker] mounts are a good alternative". The additional problem with the R80GS Basic subframe is that it's not as strong as the R100GS, so I want the pannier frames to strengthen up that area.

I'd say the H-B ones are OK for road use, but I need something more rugged.

Neil

We had frames custom built for our R80ST and R100GS by Ernie at www.overland-solutions.com. He did an excellent job and strengthened the sub frames as they are prone to cracking with the extra weight of panniers. He can also supply Touratech/Darr panniers or will probably be happy to fit them if you already have them. He can also build racks, tyre brackets, etc if you want those.If you want to see his work, look at our web site www.chasingthesun.org under 'bikes' - there is a link to Ernie's web site on the home page.
Ernie is based on the Isle of Sheppey in Kent and it takes him 3/4 weeks to manufacture the frames. The cost is about the same as the standard Touratech frames, but they're much more robust and have survived a couple of tumbles already!
Hope this is useful and good luck.

I have a 1986 R80 G/S PD that I will fit with aluminium panniers.

After much thought, I've decided to go with the Touratech panniers over the Hepco & Becker panniers simply because I prefer their panniers and the pannier mounts are stronger.

I realize that the Touratech mounts will not directly bolt on to the above motorcycle, but that isn't an issue since the motorcycle is all apart and is in the slow process of being rebuilt to showroom condition. While I'm at it, the rear subframe will be modified as necessary to accept the Touratech mounts as well as being reinforced where necessary.



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Alex

Alex's BMW Motorcycle & Global Touring Page http://www.ott.igs.net/~ace

Given the research that I have done, I would advise that you deal with the rear frame of your bike in some way before mounting heavy bags. As Grant has indicated in the write up on building his bike, the rear frames on the G/S series was weak and will cause evil handling and break if loaded. From what I can tell having owned both bikes (R100, and R80 G/S) the main differerence in dimension is that the R100 frame is longer. While I suspect that you could bolt on the newer sub-frame with little or no modifications (except to your lighting, which is mounted differently), You might want to consider adding some sub frame supports in the way of an extension, thus alowing fitment of the standard rear racks. I am planning this for my bike and do not anticipate it to be a difficult job. Even if you chose to swap sub-frames, the newer rear frame still benefits from triangle bracing from the swingarm up to behind the seat (see Grant's diagrams). I can attest that an average load swinging on a standard rack from the rear of a R100 GS can cause some interesting lateral swaying in certain conditions. This is partly caused by the general design of BMW and aftermarket bags, which tend to be mounted well out to clear the muffler and shock/ rear drive. Good luck with whatever you decide