Onboard aluminum tool box for 1200GS/A

[Advdave]

-Update: The current box version is quite a bit different than the one seen here in the photos taken a year ago. Different hinge, rivets, and heavier aluminum. Also now built with better, more expensive tools! Check out current boxes at www.advgear.net-

I've been experimenting with a tool box fits behind the right pannier. This box attaches to the pannier frame on BMW panniers. I built one for myself, then a couple of friends wanted them, so they're on '09 and '11 models now.

I experimented with a different sheet metal brake and it marked the stock, so this is a 'scratch and dent' version. It'll function just fine and it's behind the pannier and mostly invisible most of the time anyway. The nice thing about this design is you can leave panniers at home, but your tools are still on the bike. I've sealed the seams, but water can get in, I put tools in a tool roll, you can jam a lot of tools in there.

You'll have to drill a small hole in the two lower pannier mount tabs, and one 1/4" hole in the box once you've held it in place and marked the box. I'll include all the fastners and bracket you need. Built with stainless steel rivets (a lot of 'em it turns out).

I changed the design a bit after riding the Continental Divide Route. There's a corner lopped off the box to avoid conflict with the rear brake bleed screw. The crud catcher arm won't hit either, but it's close.

Here's one mounted, followed by a pic of the one I've got for sale:







For this one that's marked up, $95 plus shipping in lower 48. Flat rate box would be just under $15, might be less depending on location.

[garfey]

that's nice work.

Were you, perhaps, a Tinknocker in a shipyard in a previous incarnation?

[z4mhawk]

PM sent

[Advdave]

Sold,... pending....pending....pending...
back up offers welcome.....

I can make more of these boxes. I have a new batch of aluminum on order, looks like without machine marks using .040" 2024 alclad stock will be $120. PM if interested.

[HaChayalBoded]

That would be great on my happy trails rack..........

[Lonestar2112]

Originally Posted by HaChayalBoded

That would be great on my happy trails rack..........

Would they fit on an '07GS with happy trails?

[Advdave]

I have onIy put this on the 1200GS/A with BMW panniers because it mounts on the rack I have here. I can make you a box, but don't know how the mounting would work without having a bike here to fit it.

[omeier]

Hi Advdave,
I've been looking at these tool boxes for a while, but couldnt get over the $200 price tag :(
Glad to see a locally made cheaper alternative now :)

I'm local and would love to check one of these out in person when you get a new batch. I might just have to get one...
Let me know,

Cheers,

Oliver

[SantaRosa]

Ouh oh, You might have a business here AdvDave. A lot of us guys need a box like this

[wjpjump]

Fit an 07 GSA?

[joints4sale]

I'll take one.

[HaChayalBoded]

Originally Posted by Advdave

I have onIy put this on the 1200GS/A with BMW panniers because it mounts on the rack I have here. I can make you a box, but don't know how the mounting would work without having a bike here to fit it.

I'm sure someone in your neck of the woods with a set of happy trails racks wouldn't mind coming down.

Fitment should be easy, depending of course what cases someone is using their happy trails racks for. I for instance have a set of GIVI cases which use two mushroom shaped thingies and a pyramid clamp so the case stays on the outside of the rack.

If someone is using the pucks mounting system then they would need room on the inside of the racks to accommodate the mounting system.

[Advdave]

Originally Posted by wjpjump

Fit an 07 GSA?

If you've got OEM panniers, it'll fit. I'll probably be working with some others as time goes along.

[Advdave]

Originally Posted by joints4sale

I'll take one.

PM sent....

[Advdave]

Originally Posted by omeier

Hi Advdave,
I've been looking at these tool boxes for a while, but couldnt get over the $200 price tag :(
Glad to see a locally made cheaper alternative now :)

I'm local and would love to check one of these out in person when you get a new batch. I might just have to get one...
Let me know,

Cheers,

Oliver

Yeah, I looked too, and with freight from Europe it was way over $200....so I just made one for myself, then a couple guys wanted them. It's a pretty cool setup. Sent PM, come up and we'll put one on, takes about 15 minutes.