Custom bags and minor tweaks

[TodkaVonic]

The first modification I made to my R18 was to figure out a way to mount a pair of saddlebags (https://francocuoio.it/) I already owned. It seemed wasteful to invest in the BMW set-up with those just sitting in the garage. Straight-forward enough, huh? Just needed suitable mounts. Several emails to https://www.greatbikegear.com/store/p463/BMW_R18.html#/ asking for their easy brackets to be made for our bike (with photos, measurements) resulted in, can you believe it? They made an easy bracket for our bike! I attached some pictures And am very happy with both being able to make use of my bags and of the look (on and off).




Now onto the tweaking. I added a headlamp visor https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...AdvACh2-QAmREAQYASABEgK78_D_BwE&sku_id=952305 and a tool roll/fork bag I picked up on Etsy.



The visor has a subtle rib at the top which goes well with the cylinder head covers and the seam down the mufflers. The fork paint is protected by 3M tape where leather meets paint. It holds a USB adaptor for the outlet and a spare set of tools so I don't need to struggle with the side cover should I need to tighten something.

Lastly, I just ordered one of these:




I put a lot of thought and research into what type of full-face (only full-face) helmet would go best with the R18. And this one is crazy expensive, I know, but jeez, the pinstripes. The classic look. It's perfect.

And that's what I have for now. I'll probably get a weekender seat. Kinda waiting to hear what folks think about that and the Corbin options. The stock seat isn't ideal.

Nate

 

[Svtweb]

Bags look good! Great job on the mounts. The fork bag and headlight trim is a subtle touch, and while BMW didn’t offer it I see it as another way that customizable changes can court normally non BMW owners over to the brand. Curious to see the helmet when it comes in. Occasionally you will find one of the older BMW R1200C Helmets out on EBay. I have had a couple over the years and while they are fictional, you end up looking like a mushroom head.

 

[TodkaVonic]

Thanks! The helmet takes 6 weeks as they're all made to order. I asked for them to forgo the Ruby and silver emblem at the forehead.

Also, I forgot to add that (as a result of this forum and the excellent information herein) I've also ordered the louder horn. No more meeep-meeep!

 

[Svtweb]

This would get their attention.

 

[theMucker]

...... I'll probably get a weekender seat. Kinda waiting to heat what folks think about that and the Corbin options. The stock seat isn't ideal.

Nate

I ordered my R18 with the Weekender seat. When it shows up and I get to ride it, I'll report back here.

 

[R2K]

The bags and mounts look exceptionally nice, very well done especially if they are dual purpose and also fit your other bikes. I really like the headlight visor and would like to copy what you have done if that is ok. Was the install complicated, was there room to fit it?

 

[TodkaVonic]

The bags and mounts look exceptionally nice, very well done especially if they are dual purpose and also fit your other bikes. I really like the headlight visor and would like to copy what you have done if that is ok. Was the install complicated, was there room to fit it?

Absolutely ok, that's what this is all about. I couldn't remember the steps and didn't want to give incorrect advice, so I just went through it again. It'll take you less than 10 minutes.

1) remove headlamp. Unscrew these two bolts and detach wiring by sliding grey part of the clip away from the headlamp


2) put the headlamp on something soft on your workbench then unscrew the screw at the 6 o'clock position



3) rotate the chrome surround counterclockwise about an inch and remove



***mine has a little rubber bumper at 12 o'clock and I can't remember if it was there or if I added to keep things snug



4) place the visor lip underneath the surround lip then reinstall the surround. Turn surround clockwise then screw in screw.



5) reinstall headlamp onto bike, electrical clip first (lock into place by pushing grey tab towards headlamp).


Enjoy!

 

[Gilles]

Very good job !

 

[enzo5000]

The first modification I made to my R18 was to figure out a way to mount a pair of saddlebags (https://francocuoio.it/) I already owned. It seemed wasteful to invest in the BMW set-up with those just sitting in the garage. Straight-forward enough, huh? Just needed suitable mounts. Several emails to https://www.greatbikegear.com/#/ asking for their easy brackets to be made for our bike (with photos, measurements) resulted in, can you believe it? They made an easy bracket for our bike! I attached some pictures And am very happy with both being able to make use of my bags and of the look (on and off).

View attachment 215
View attachment 216

Now onto the tweaking. I added a headlamp visor https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...AdvACh2-QAmREAQYASABEgK78_D_BwE&sku_id=952305 and a tool roll/fork bag I picked up on Etsy.

View attachment 217

The visor has a subtle rib at the top which goes well with the cylinder head covers and the seam down the mufflers. The fork paint is protected by 3M tape where leather meets paint. It holds a USB adaptor for the outlet and a spare set of tools so I don't need to struggle with the side cover should I need to tighten something.

Lastly, I just ordered one of these:

View attachment 218
View attachment 219

I put a lot of thought and research into what type of full-face (only full-face) helmet would go best with the R18. And this one is crazy expensive, I know, but jeez, the pinstripes. The classic look. It's perfect.

And that's what I have for now. I'll probably get a weekender seat. Kinda waiting to hear what folks think about that and the Corbin options. The stock seat isn't ideal.

Nate

I received my Ateliers Ruby Victories helmet today. It's a great match to the R18. Extremely light and quiet. Be patient if you order direct. Mine took 7 weeks to be made and delivered.

 

[TodkaVonic]

Yes, ordered direct. Looks beautiful. How's it fit? Is it worth the hype?

 

[cwo4uscgret]

I didn’t use a tape measure but the Corbin Gunfighter is taller then the stock R-18 Seat. The arches of my feet are centered on the foot pegs and I can use the rear brake pedal more easily now.

 

[Sgentry365]

The first modification I made to my R18 was to figure out a way to mount a pair of saddlebags (https://francocuoio.it/) I already owned. It seemed wasteful to invest in the BMW set-up with those just sitting in the garage. Straight-forward enough, huh? Just needed suitable mounts. Several emails to https://www.greatbikegear.com/#/ asking for their easy brackets to be made for our bike (with photos, measurements) resulted in, can you believe it? They made an easy bracket for our bike! I attached some pictures And am very happy with both being able to make use of my bags and of the look (on and off).

View attachment 215
View attachment 216

Now onto the tweaking. I added a headlamp visor https://www.revzilla.com/motorcycle...AdvACh2-QAmREAQYASABEgK78_D_BwE&sku_id=952305 and a tool roll/fork bag I picked up on Etsy.

View attachment 217

The visor has a subtle rib at the top which goes well with the cylinder head covers and the seam down the mufflers. The fork paint is protected by 3M tape where leather meets paint. It holds a USB adaptor for the outlet and a spare set of tools so I don't need to struggle with the side cover should I need to tighten something.

Lastly, I just ordered one of these:

View attachment 218
View attachment 219

I put a lot of thought and research into what type of full-face (only full-face) helmet would go best with the R18. And this one is crazy expensive, I know, but jeez, the pinstripes. The classic look. It's perfect.

And that's what I have for now. I'll probably get a weekender seat. Kinda waiting to hear what folks think about that and the Corbin options. The stock seat isn't ideal.

Nate

That helmet is lust worthy. I’d almost pull the trigger myself but how do you ensure a good fit? I find fitting helmets difficult brand to brand. Also...googles?

 

[enzo5000]

Ateliers Ruby requests an accurate measurement of your head bone before the build. My Schuberth is a 2XL and my Bell Bullitt is a 2XL so I was pretty confident that the Ruby Victoires in a 2XL would fit, and it does. The cheek pads are a bit snug at first but after they break in it is a very comfortable helmet.

 

[TodkaVonic]

That helmet is lust worthy. I’d almost pull the trigger myself but how do you ensure a good fit? I find fitting helmets difficult brand to brand. Also...googles?

It's a bit of a gamble. Revzilla does a great job with their review and the description of it's shape (intermediate oval) has been helpful for me over the years with numerous helmet purchases . Check out the reviews there. Sometimes you can find a reviewer who owns/owned a helmet that you may have some experience with, so there's a direct comparison. For example, it's really nice to hear that enzo5000 has a Bullitt because I have one as well. And yes, they ask that you confirm your measurements before finalizing your order.

/There's a modest sale of Ruby at Revzilla now.
//Considering that you're not getting the eye protection though (included, if you buy direct), it's a wash
///likely easier to return to Revzilla if it doesn't fit though

 

[Sgentry365]

How does the safety compare to Shoei or Arai?

 

[TodkaVonic]

How does the safety compare to Shoei or Arai?

 

[Sgentry365]

How mid fogging with this helmet. So beautiful

 

[TodkaVonic]

How mid fogging with this helmet. So beautiful

That I can't answer. Enzo?

 

[enzo5000]

How mid fogging with this helmet. So beautiful

The strap on visor seals really well so there can be minor fogging when you are stopped. The multiple air inlets on the front of the helmet flow air generously and there is no fogging once you're in motion.

 

[Gerard]

I wanted lockable bags. Yes, we are in south of France ...
So I found this:
https://www.motea.com/en/motorbike-...-case-incl-mouting-brackets-in-black-966266-0

I like he "stream line" design of these cases.
And the material is of good quality, matching the general aspect of the bike.
I made a card board pattern to figure out where to position the holes on the inner side, and make sure of the symmetry.
I used the BMW supports, but strangely they are not identical. I'll have to machine the port side to reduce the gap.