saddle bags for R50/2

[skychs]

Until I modify my Enduro bag lights (dual filaments) Im just using them as extra brake lights. I have LED's in my main tail light but not the Enduro lights, yet. I highly recommend the LED's even with the 12v system because they last so long and tend to be brighter.

Here is a link several of us have used in the past for LED's.

http://www.vintagebmw.org/v7/node/14125

[miller6997]

Thanks for reminding me of that LED source. I'll check them out.

In searching, I have found a lot of LED festoon bulbs, but it's hard to guess which ones will be the best. Most of them are intended for interior applications--dome lights and such--and here's no standard way of comparing their properties. The lumen claims, for example range from 100 to 1200 for bulbs that are all described as "super bright."

Before I bought the bags I had a set of /5 turn signals on the bike that were very bright, and if I can't get very close to that standard, I'll probably install a set of Jerry Skene's "Proton blasters" alongside the license plate. I don't want the bike to look like a Christmas tree, but I do care about being seen.

[miller6997]

I've just about finished the installation of the Oldtimer saddlebags. I'm still thinking about how to deal with the lights, but right now, I'm dealing with the installation of the tape-on pinstripes. Given my fumble-fingers, the probability of a clean installation is pretty low, and I rather like the look of the bags without the stripes.

Show of hands: Should I leave the stripes off?

The roundel "badges" supplied in the kit are also stick-on. I'll apply them temporarily and get a set of real ceramic ones to replace them.

[wa1nca]

I think they would look much better with the stripes

Does anybody have a pic of those bags with the supplied stripes?

I am sure you should be able to find someone (body shop ?)in your area that could apply them for you

Yes the ceramic roundels would look much better

Tommy

[schrader7032]

Their website for pictures?

www.oldtimers.si/en/bags-enduro-saddle- ... -r69s.html

[skychs]

IMHO I think the stripe would look better on the smooth painted enduro bags.

On the original "textured" bags Im really enjoying them without the stripes.

[miller6997]

Everyone I asked said that the bags should have the stripes. That was the correct decision. It's a fiddly process to get the stripes in the right place and secured without any kinks, but by taking my time I managed to get it right.

[miller6997]

I finished the installation of the Oldtimer saddlebags. It's a clean and solid installation. I really like the way they look, but I would not call it a particularly easy task to complete. It's not a strenuous process by any means, but avoiding scratches is nerve-wracking. ;^}

On the right side I had to alter the bottom bracket quite a bit in order to avoid interference with the muffler mount. No two bikes are exactly alike, especially after half a century of use, so different owners may have different experiences in getting everything to fit. Once the mounting brackets are in place, the attachment is very solid and it is easy to install and remove the bags.

I still have to decide how to deal with the lights. I bought the appropriate Hella versions to replace the plastic ones supplied by Oldtimers. I ordered LED boards to replace the festoon bulbs, so that I can drop the current draw and increase the brightness. When I've completed that modification I can decide whether the lights are adequate for turn signals or whether they will just be used as running lights.

One minor detail: I painted the stainless mounting brackets black, which makes them much less visible with the bags in place.

Footnote: The sticker "badges" that come with the cases are the Serif version, which is not correct for the later /2s, so for $9 each I ordered more appropriate ones from Amazon. I'll continue to look for a good set of ceramic originals to finish the project. Details, details...

[skychs]

I love the look of the bike. I love it even more with the new bags. Great job.

[marksd100]

Seeing this thread reminded me that I have some bags and fairing I'll never use. They are in pretty rough shape. Are these originals? Worth anything in this condition? I wasn't provided the mounting hardware.

I also have a fairing which I don't plan to use. From the picture, can you tell if BMW or aftermarket?

Obviously I can put it all on eBay and see what I get. As mentioned in this thread, there are some ridiculous prices being asked for bags (in much better shape but still ridiculous prices).

-- Mark