Hello from Albuquerque, NM USA
Posted: Sun Apr 12, 2026 8:42 pm
Hey all,
First time posting here. I'm new to BMW bikes. Bought my first one in October and spent the late fall getting it squared away for the spring and summer riding season here in NM.
I'm a retired FF/paramedic turned life insurance agent. Got divorced a couple years ago, kids are grown, have an older bloodhound with seizures. Enjoy riding a ton, not a fan of the cold, love the heat. I shoot guns, go to church, watch my favorites movies over and over, drive a 2005 Tacoma my dad left me. Not sure what else to share.
Bike is a 2015 R1200RT, bought with 24K miles on it. Had the dealer service it and they replaced the drive shaft per recall. Oil change, new tires, new front brakes, new fork seals, bunch of other stuff included in the service. Worth every cent.
Been riding it locally, added a Quadlock with antivibration mount, USB twin outlet, and Noco battery tender.
Needs and seeking advice:
1. Repair of left side pannier, bike was dropped on that side and when we removed the pannier, it wouldn't go back on the bike. Service tech quoted me $680+ for replacement latching mechanism hardware. I disassembled it, cleaned it, and reassembled it, but the handle won't unlock now so I can't remount it. Anyone who can share a post or process would be very much appreciated.
2. Need a top case as it did not have one. Not real particular about brand, looking for larger size so I can pack for longer trips. Thinking larger than 45L. What are your favorites? Not overly concerned with matching locks and what not right now.
3. Looking for a tank bag or two. One larger and one smaller. I like the looks of the gas ring retainer, but would like input from the crowd here.
4. Service manual. I have a Clymer manual for my 2000 Honda VFR Interceptor. What out there is comparable?
I want to thank anyone who can chime in with good input or even better questions.
Plans are to commute on this guy swapping back and forth with the VFR, to take day trips, take longer multiday trips and stay with friends or short term rentals.
First time posting here. I'm new to BMW bikes. Bought my first one in October and spent the late fall getting it squared away for the spring and summer riding season here in NM.
I'm a retired FF/paramedic turned life insurance agent. Got divorced a couple years ago, kids are grown, have an older bloodhound with seizures. Enjoy riding a ton, not a fan of the cold, love the heat. I shoot guns, go to church, watch my favorites movies over and over, drive a 2005 Tacoma my dad left me. Not sure what else to share.
Bike is a 2015 R1200RT, bought with 24K miles on it. Had the dealer service it and they replaced the drive shaft per recall. Oil change, new tires, new front brakes, new fork seals, bunch of other stuff included in the service. Worth every cent.
Been riding it locally, added a Quadlock with antivibration mount, USB twin outlet, and Noco battery tender.
Needs and seeking advice:
1. Repair of left side pannier, bike was dropped on that side and when we removed the pannier, it wouldn't go back on the bike. Service tech quoted me $680+ for replacement latching mechanism hardware. I disassembled it, cleaned it, and reassembled it, but the handle won't unlock now so I can't remount it. Anyone who can share a post or process would be very much appreciated.
2. Need a top case as it did not have one. Not real particular about brand, looking for larger size so I can pack for longer trips. Thinking larger than 45L. What are your favorites? Not overly concerned with matching locks and what not right now.
3. Looking for a tank bag or two. One larger and one smaller. I like the looks of the gas ring retainer, but would like input from the crowd here.
4. Service manual. I have a Clymer manual for my 2000 Honda VFR Interceptor. What out there is comparable?
I want to thank anyone who can chime in with good input or even better questions.
Plans are to commute on this guy swapping back and forth with the VFR, to take day trips, take longer multiday trips and stay with friends or short term rentals.
