thompsp
Well-known member
I've had a couple of PMs asking m about the Softbag 2 that's shown on my Avatar, so if it's useful and for future reference (and if anyone has any additional tips for me), here is some info on how I fit it...
Firstly, I have to say how brilliant this bit of kit is and I can fully recommend it, especially if you only have one or 2 trips a year, like me and you don't want to fork out hundreds (mine cost just £70 from eBay). It's so good that my mate with a new Gixxer has bought one and tried to cover up the BMW logo.:smug:
I have a 2011 bike with the larger rear end. Hopefully the pics below explain most things on how I fit/use it, but basically:
When I pull up anywhere, it's so quick and easy to release the 4 catches, leaving the straps still in place on the bike and easy to refit again.
The only one addition that I think I might get is one of those Xena disc locks with a built in movement sensor activated alarm. With a bit of cable, this would allow me to lock the bag to the bike and alarm it at the same time, so I could leave it on there in situ in some places.:apthy:
Firstly, I have to say how brilliant this bit of kit is and I can fully recommend it, especially if you only have one or 2 trips a year, like me and you don't want to fork out hundreds (mine cost just £70 from eBay). It's so good that my mate with a new Gixxer has bought one and tried to cover up the BMW logo.:smug:
I have a 2011 bike with the larger rear end. Hopefully the pics below explain most things on how I fit/use it, but basically:
- I take off my painted seat cowl and fit the original seat (a tad obvious), with the BMW log & zipped pocket facing rearward. The OEM seat provides all the grip, cushioning and protection needed to the complete bottom of the bag, i.e. I have never used any additional protective matting on the top as it doesn't need it.
- I use 2 of the small length straps to wrap around the same sided rear indicator arms - I have a D3 Components tail tidy fitted, which is solidly built. The straps clear the paintwork, but just in case on long journeys, I stick a bit tape along the edge (by the tail-light), in case of any possible small movement.
- A medium sized strap on the front right hand site of the bag attaches to the frame/bar near the rear foot hanger bolts. The strap feeds directly up the inside the edge of my seat (wider on the 2011) to look really neat.
- A large sized strap on the front right hand side of the bag attaches to the frame where the rear foot hanger bolts to the bike - you need the longer one one this side, as there is an extra bit of black frame in the way. Again, this strap feeds directly up the inside the edge of my seat.
- I don't use the built-in strap on the very bottom of the bag, as it doesn't fit with the built-in seat lock on the S1k (my mate uses it on his Gixxer tho, as it has a remote seat release mechanism).
When I pull up anywhere, it's so quick and easy to release the 4 catches, leaving the straps still in place on the bike and easy to refit again.
The only one addition that I think I might get is one of those Xena disc locks with a built in movement sensor activated alarm. With a bit of cable, this would allow me to lock the bag to the bike and alarm it at the same time, so I could leave it on there in situ in some places.:apthy:
