Wilsons Sandbox

--- In DSN_klr650@y..., "mmytacist" wrote:

>> I'm wondering if anyone has >> used the QLR-2 mounting system and the Ortlieb bags? >> The QLR-2 system appears to eliminate the tie down >> points at the bag bottom, and eliminate the strap >> that goes over the seat. It also makes it easy to >> remove the bags (a sort of quick release). But how >> will this mechanism stand up off road?

If I'm not mistaken, the guy at strikingviking.net uses these bags on his KLR. Take a look at some of the pics on his site to verify. If these are the bags he's using, he is putting them thru hell and they seem to be holding up well. You could email him for details and he'll probably give you his thoughts.

I can't tell you much about the mounting system. Butt I use the bags on my Tiger and will use them on the klr in northern Canada and Labrador this summer. I used them during the IBR on a ride to Prudhoe Bay in lousy weather. They kept everything in them totally dry. I prefer them over the Givi sidecases because they are lighter and will not damage if you go off road and just beat the hell out of them - and the bike. I did have a strap break on one bag when I dropped the bike butt that was easily taken care of with spare bungy chords. There are some photos on my site with the bags. You will notice they are tilted at an odd angle due to the on-the-road temporary fix. dennis k '99,'01-IBR briodk@... Maine, usa http://www.viewfinder.com.idx/ldtiger

Ben, Three other KLR riders and myself used Ortlieb bags combined with racks from Happy Trails. The Ortlieb bags directly clipped onto the racks. The two bottom clips were essentially hooks. The top clips were spring load and latched closed. You had to unlock them (slide them open with your thumb) to remove the bags. We typically ran a single strap from one bag to the other bag (over the seat) just as insurance (we riding in some rough stuff at times). None of ever had a problem that showed that we really needed to do it, but it didn't add any significant extra time to use the strap when we loaded and unloaded. Unloading the bags at the end of the day, took only about 30 seconds. Unclip the strap from one of the bags, open the spring loaded top clips and lift the bag off the rack. The other bag was a repeat. Open the clips and lift the bag off. I think that all of us were very happy with the Orlieb/Happy Trails combination. Unfortunately, I don't remember what the part numbers for the specific Ortlieb bags and Happy Trails rack. If you interested, I should be able to get them for you. Randy mmytacist wrote:

> > I've seen the Ortlieb Dry Bags (available from Aerostich) on a couple > KLR's and I like the look and function. I'm wondering if anyone has > used the QLR-2 mounting system and the Ortlieb bags? > > The QLR-2 system appears to eliminate the tie down points at the bag > bottom, and eliminate the strap that goes over the seat. It also > makes it easy to remove the bags (a sort of quick release). But how > will this mechanism stand up off road? > > Any comments welcome. > > Regards, > Ben > >

Before you install the new bolt- consider the virtues of safety wire! I got a wiring kit when I was building my SR500 cafe racer (no balancer system) and I've found it really useful for my KLR. Loctite isn't bad, but safety wire is better IMHO. You don't need a kit really, a leatherman and stainless baling wire will do. BTW if you hit a big bump, and bottom the suspension with one of the bolts out, all hell can break loose. Many aftermarket grips come with safety wire grooves. The magnetic drain plug that Fred sells comes pre-drilled for safety wire. Devon cactus_reese wrote:

> > Another one bites the dust. I lost the lower right subframe bolt > somewhere on the trail. Didn't notice 'til I was installing Jake's > SS socket head sidecover bolts tonight. Also lost one of the screws > holding on the rear brake reservoir cover. I had plenty of > replacements since they are the same size as the sidecovers. I'll be > off to the hardware store tomorrow for and M8x30 at the best grade I > can find. Another friendly reminder to check your bolts and use > locktite when you can. > -Bryan > A12 Tucson >