Backrest/Topcase opinions

[Beaze]

Hey guys, thanks for the help earlier, I love the Rockster and can't wait to get it out. The BMW community seems like a very friendly one indeed! What do you guys think of after market back rests for the R1150R line? They all seem like they run around 300 bones and I think I can find a decent GIVI setup for that much. It seems like a no-brainer to me, but I was wondering if maybe one of you knew of a cheaper back rest system...thanks for any info and safe riding!

The missus LOVES the Rockster, but can't stop talking about the lack of something to lean back on....
Who needs a backrest when you've got corners to hit , do they ever get it?

[frostbyteva]

I like going with a top box (rear case, tail bag) over a back rest as it gives my wife a place to put her stuff. Plus, I can take it off pretty easy when I want a clean look.

This is from my experience on an R1200RT. Now that I have a Rockster, I'm just starting to look for a tail bag since she just took her first ride.

[jfslater98]

Not sure how much money you're looking to save. I am using a JC Whitney case, and I detail the build in this link. The case was about $50, and you can catch some free shipping deals with them sometimes. I realize you're looking more for a backrest, but some judicious application of foam could get you where you want to be... for a good bit less than $300. Good luck!

[Beaze]

I found a topcase system called "Shad". I'd never heard of them before and I'm not really sure if the "universal mounting plate" will mount on the back of the stock rockster luggage rack (the stock BMW platform only has two grooves cut in it )

[maduko]

There are several threads on this forum with photos and such.

Givi and Hepco & Becker make specific mounting kits to fit the R. Not cheap. And not exactly pretty, especially when the box is removed.

Several people have adapted universal mounting plates to the clamp on to the factory "luggage" rack.

Ventura Aeropak makes a kit to mount their soft luggage, which I have used in the past and love. Stores tons of stuff and makes a great backrest (even though their disclaimer says not to use it as such). But their mounting brackets for the R1150R/Rockster won't fit if you have the System Case brackets.

I've been tempted to buy a set anyway and fab my own mounting brackets. Seems like it would be easy to adapt something to the fit where the factory "luggage" rack mounted.

[harrisphil]

I went with a top box and rear pad to rest against
I found that with the Givi box and kit that works with the bmw side cases it reduces the space for the pillion and hence for the rider
using a cheep chineese top box with the givi base plate solved the problem but the box is smaller and will only hold one helmet compared to two in the givi
so I just swop them depending on my needs
just check when ordering and fitting

the standard rockster rear rack is not ment for carrying any significant weight
I did try replacing the center panell with a flat aluminium plate and and an old top box
dont like spending money if i dont have to
befor deciding it would be better to go with the Givi set up, mainly for the QD capabilities and neat fitt

hope this helps
Phil

[nrfichth]

BMW Part# 71607694117 - Sport Bag

Get it from Chicago BMW and you are good to go.