Spent some time the other day with the bike.I removed the ugly, silly "sissy bar" (I think I heard the bike sigh in relief) and now the hunt is on for an original passenger grab bar. It's too bad that whoever mounted the sissy bar didn't keep it.. I think this may be a tough part to find..
The bike looks a lot better without the sissy bar, but Janel wants a backrest.. I understand, and have the solution in my head.
With the correct luggage rack there is a small luggage carrier which is perfect for carrying a tent, sleeping bag, and sleeping pad. On my last BMW, when I was not camping out, I used it to handcuff my helmet to the bike when I wanted to leave it behind. That type of rack is plentiful and easy to find, but this is an RT. The problem is that the RT seat cowl lays over when the seat is opened to access the locking under-seat storage where the tool kit, tire pump, and other stuff is kept. The small luggage carrier needs to be a little further aft to provide clearance for that to happen. Once the correct rack is found and on the bike I will mount a rear trunk with a backrest on the forward side to please Janel, but if I am riding solo it will be left behind. That is the plan.. now to pull together the parts...
In the photo is one type of rack used to address what I am talking about.. This system has it's own disadvantage.. You need to unload it to open the seat... If I can find one of these I will use it, However, there is a better solution..
Here it is... It's not as pretty as the above type, but it is much more practical.. Dealer price for this part is way too high.. now to try to find a used one... Sometimes I think BMW stands for "Beyond My Wages".The blue R80 on the right below has yet another rear rack option.. Not sure how this would work as far as opening the seat...
Kind of strange to use the word "pretty" in a sentence about a German motorcycle... I used to be amused when people would comment about my done-up old /5.. They would always comment about a part of the whole... "nice wheels", "nice paint", or something else.. BMWs are odd to the eye.. Look at one long enough though, you begin to see the beauty of a simple, easy to care for design.
To ride one (BMW) is to love it for what it does for you.. Ride it is what I intend to do.. Harley riders seem to tend to use their bike as an example of their polishing skills.. too many Asian sport bike riders use their machines to demonstrate "bravery".. you see them riding too fast in shorts and sandals wearing T-shirts as upper body protection.. to each his own..
Found an outstanding post from a guy who did a long tour on a Honda Goldwing.. Best I have read in a long time.. the link follows, but be forewarned.. It's long...you probably are not going to read it in one sitting.. You will find excellent photos, video, and he is a great writer.. This is worth your effort though.. trust me, your gonna like that read....
http://www.advrider.com/forums/showthread.php?t=310834
Be well... GDW
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