Bungee Buddy Install on R1200RT Cases

[Limecreek]

It is possible to use Bungee Buddies on late model RT cases and it only takes about an hour to install them. There is a catch—you’ll have to split the case.

 

 

 

Splitting the RT Case

 

Step One

 

Gather Tools and Supplies

1. Masking Tape

2. Torx – T20, T25

3. Silicon Sealer

 

 

Step Two

 

Removing the Fasteners

 

1. Remove the cases from the motorcycle.

2. Position the case on a bench so you can access the hinges.

3. Open the case and make sure it is empty.

4. Leave the case open and remove the both hinges on the bottom.

 

5. Before you begin to remove the fasteners, take a piece of masking tape and tape in across the lockset. This will hold it in place when you remove the inner case from the outer case.

 

6. There are 5 kinds of fasteners that hold the inner case to the outer case and they must go back in the way you found them so pay attention as you remove them and use the photos as reference during reassembly.

 

This set goes....

 

here. The four that kind of make a square. Back of the case.

 

This set goes....

 

here. The front of the case.

 

This set goes...

 

here. Top of case.

 

This set goes....

 

here. Top of case--toward the back.

 

This set goes...

 

here, here, here, here, and here.

 

7. All of the fasteners have a gasket or sorts. Keep track of them. Some will come off with the fastener other will remain glued to the inner case. Be gentle with them and keep track of them or you risk the chance of water intrusion.

8. Commence with removing the fasteners. Most will take a T-25, the smaller ones a T-20.

 

Splitting the Case

 

1. With all the fasteners removed you may gently pull the cases apart. Go slow. There are a lot of working parts between the inner and out case. Your goal is to not disturb the inner workings of the case. You may be tempted to cycle the latching mechanism to see how it works ---cool, look at that! Don’t do it. Stuff will start moving around; creating alignment problems or worse. Avoid the temptation. Stick to your mission—Bungee Buddy installation.

 

2. Set the inner case aside.

 

 

 

 

Bungee Buddy Installation

 

1. You want to drill holes for the Bungee Buddy kit in an area that will not interfere with the latch mechanism. Look at my pictures for reference, but use your own judgment. Drill one hole in the right place the first time.

 

Back of Case

 

Front of Case

 

See them at the front and back?

 

2. After the holes are drilled install the Bungee Buddy, dabbing a little silicon sealer on the bottom before pushing the stud through the hole. Install the washer and nylon lock nut and you’re finished.

 

Reassembly of the Inner and Outer Case

 

1. Install the inner case into the outer case—straight down. If you get hung up, check to make sure the pins on the inner case are aligned with the two slots of the latching mechanism.

 

Pins

 

Latching Slot

 

Latching Slots - Different Angle

2. Install the fasteners leaving them a little loose to aid in aligning all of the screw holes. Make sure you put the correct fastener in the correct hole. Take care with the two small fasteners that hold the lockset in position.

3. After you’ve found a home for each fastener, you may tighten them down—hand tight only. Be gentle and don’t strip out the hole.

 

 

4. Place the lid on top of the case and reinstall the hinges.

 

If you pay attention this is a very easy process. Take your time, be gentle and don’t force anything during reassembly. The cases should slide back together without any appreciable force.

[Warren_H]

Great write up! I installed waterproof U-bolts some time ago and digital pictures help me correctly install parts that moved.

 

If you're going to install bungee buddies following Limecreek's instructions will keep you blood pressure in check.

[Husker Red]

Excellent post. Thanks for taking the time to document this.

[SageRider]

Thanks for posting.

One thing about BMW... I've always admired their simplicity of design!

[Limecreek]

... I've always admired their simplicity of design!

 

Just think, at some point in the future we'll think back to our old and long forgotten R12RT's and talk about how elegant and simple it was to work on and why can't they be that way today.

[SageRider]

... I've always admired their simplicity of design!

 

Just think, at some point in the future we'll think back to our old and long forgotten R12RT's and talk about how elegant and simple it was to work on and why can't they be that way today.

Yep..

When it goes into the dealer for a bag mechanism repair they send it over to the senior latch specialist....

[Dave_zoom_zoom]

Thanks Limecreek !

 

Tips like yours are worth the price of admission.

 

Thanks again

Dave

[Steve R1200RT]

Limecreek,

 

You have a new fan, following my successful case-splitting last night. My new bungee buds look great and the ROK straps fit nicely.

 

While the case was split, I cleaned out the road grit and lubed the moving parts of the latching mechanism, best I could.

 

Thanks for your post!

[moshe_levy]

This indeed is an impressive post, BUT, would it not make more sense to just abandon the idea of bungees altogether in favor of something like Piggyback Straps? I had bungee buddies on my old R1150RT, but never used bungees again after testing the straps for MCN in 2007 - see http://www.mklsportster.com/Articles/mcnpiggyback.pdf - I have yet to miss them. Not only are they more secure than bungees, they don't require any of this extra work. I believe a product called "ROK Straps" also would operate like the aforementioned Piggyback Straps, but I have no direct experience with Rok Straps.

 

-MKL

[blackyam]

Hi. I have used frame loops from Riderwearhouse without hassle. YMMV. They also have another type that I have not tried.

 

---John.

[Selden]

... I've always admired their simplicity of design!

 

Just think, at some point in the future we'll think back to our old and long forgotten R12RT's and talk about how elegant and simple it was to work on and why can't they be that way today.

When I replaced the latch on one of my R1100RT system cases, I remember thinking it was over-designed. Obviously I underestimated German engineering, and had no idea what was coming!