TIE-ME UPS, TIE-ME DOWNS

Here’s a little tip for that next big adventure... Tie-down points on a BMW are few and far between. There are a few different aftermarket approaches to providing them, but for one reason or another I’d rejected them as inadequate. What I opted for instead has proved a welcome addition, and I thought I’d pass it along to the masses.

I moseyed on down to the local hardware store and picked up a couple of pairs of plastic drawer pulls, along with some stainless #8 finishing screws and cup washers. I mounted them on the side luggage. I got one pair for the front of bags that was 3” on-center and a pair for the back that was 3 ¾” on-center. You could use 3” all around if you want.

Here’s a couple of pictures to show you the layout. First, a shot of the front left bag looking down.

Next, here’s a shot of the right rear. The nicest part of this arrangement is that I can use several hooks of varying kinds all at once. Large hooks, ball-ends, small hooks, etc.

Mounting on the inside is a snap. The flat-head finishing screws and the cup washers bite well into the side and provide great strength. Just measure (OK, twice..) and drill a couple of holes in the plastic, screw ‘em up tight and yer off!

I have also found them convenient to strap on a spare helmet on the right-rear bag. It stays remarkably clean.

You may want to opt for metal pulls if you can find them. I have, subsequently, and keep them in reserve for some signs of failure of the originals. I’ve had ‘em on almost two years now, and they’re still as good as new. I like the flexibility of the plastic pulls because it lets me sneak the ball-end cord in easily, but still keeps it fairly snug. YMMV.

Cheap, easy, and eminently useable.

HTH!

Cary Stotland

Austin Road Warrior

'85 K100RT

X Kaw Z1

Carpe Beemum! Seize the Beemer! (just not mine, OK? ;-)