Onboard aluminum tool box for 1200GS/A

Advdave · 09-16-2011, 11:41 AM

-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 · 09-16-2011, 12:01 PM

that's nice work.

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

z4mhawk · 09-16-2011, 03:38 PM

PM sent

Advdave · 09-16-2011, 04:11 PM

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 · 09-17-2011, 04:15 PM

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

Lonestar2112 · 09-17-2011, 07:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by HaChayalBoded

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

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

Advdave · 09-20-2011, 06:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 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.

SOLD....Payment received. couple other boxes in the works.

bluechip0309 · 09-20-2011, 07:36 AM

an adaptation for the Vario system. I know the mouts are weird but is there another mounting point that would work?

LaurelPerryOnLand · 09-20-2011, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bluechip0309

an adaptation for the Vario system. I know the mouts are weird but is there another mounting point that would work?

The VARIO owners market seems to represent a significant opportunity if you can develop a solution!

mb90535im · 12-17-2011, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by LaurelPerryOnLand

The VARIO owners market seems to represent a significant opportunity if you can develop a solution!

+1000

Running Varios here and would be very interested in a box like this.

Advdave · 09-21-2011, 06:43 AM

PM sent

LVGS · 09-21-2011, 07:10 AM

Thanks!

Englishmatt · 09-22-2011, 11:52 AM

Looking for shipping to Woodstock, GA. Let me know at hallsm@bellsouth.net.

SantaRosa · 09-22-2011, 10:09 PM

AdvDave I have a request to build one that will strap to the Pillion where the rear and front rack bolt on. Maybe simple fix idea to meet any style of rack design. What do you think? I'm willing to buy one if you want to give it a try. That might be perfect for both Vario, Micatech and Jesse. PM me if you want to try this out.

Also you might conceder some kind of splash fender under it that will keep all that spray away from the rider and the tools. Maybe it's too much but seems like a logical evolution of the tool box.

I really can see this as being the must have box of the year. Ya' need to name it. AdvDave Box or Adv Box or maybe iToolBox 2

Advdave · 09-23-2011, 05:14 PM

I've got enough people wanting these things right now that I'll be busy for a while building the 'standard' box.

As for a name for the box, it was 'hobby' but it's turning into 'work'...but so far, going ok. I should have a few to mail the the first names on the list next week sometime. More aluminum is on order.

09-16-2011, 11:41 AM	#1
Advdave ^OP Toolbox Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Anacortes, WA Oddometer: 325	Onboard aluminum tool box for 1200GS/A -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. __________________ ADVGEAR.NET Advdave screwed with this post 10-08-2012 at 07:00 AM

09-16-2011, 12:01 PM	#2
garfey Scruffy Adventurer Joined: Sep 2010 Location: Deep East Texas Oddometer: 2,739	Don't Need One, But that's nice work. Were you, perhaps, a Tinknocker in a shipyard in a previous incarnation? __________________ So many bikes, so little time (and money)

09-16-2011, 03:38 PM	#3
z4mhawk Adventurer Joined: Jun 2009 Location: Skiatook, OK, USA Oddometer: 49	PM sent __________________ 2010 KLR 650 2008 R1200GS 2007 K1200S 2006 Z4M Roadster z4mhawk screwed with this post 09-16-2011 at 03:39 PM Reason: spelling

09-16-2011, 04:11 PM	#4
Advdave ^OP Toolbox Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Anacortes, WA Oddometer: 325	Sold pending payment 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. __________________ ADVGEAR.NET Advdave screwed with this post 09-17-2011 at 02:53 PM

09-17-2011, 04:15 PM	#5
HaChayalBoded Brooklyn Bored Joined: Oct 2006 Location: Brooklyn, New York Oddometer: 6,740	That would be great on my happy trails rack.......... __________________ Eddie Stuff FS '00 Harley MT 500 '93 Concours, extreme farkle (for sale) '00 Shadow ACE Tourer (for sale) '03 Shadow Sabre (Gone) '90 Honda Hawk GT NT650 (Gone) Lookin' for a (cheap) '95 GSPD Classic I've been stranded in the combat zone I walked through Bedford Stuy alone Even rode my motorcycle in the rain!

09-20-2011, 07:36 AM	#8
bluechip0309 Old and In the Way Joined: Mar 2009 Location: Western Washington Oddometer: 205	Have you considered an adaptation for the Vario an adaptation for the Vario system. I know the mouts are weird but is there another mounting point that would work? __________________ 08 1200GS ESA 07 1200 GS, crushed by an uninsured cager 76 R90 gone 96 K1100LT gone 83 R100RS gone

09-21-2011, 06:43 AM	#11
Advdave ^OP Toolbox Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Anacortes, WA Oddometer: 325	PM sent __________________ ADVGEAR.NET

09-21-2011, 07:10 AM	#12
LVGS Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Sep 2009 Location: North Vancouver, BC CANADA Oddometer: 390	Pm'd Thanks!

09-22-2011, 11:52 AM	#13
Englishmatt Gnarly Adventurer Joined: Jun 2007 Location: Woodstock, GA Oddometer: 466	Pm sent Looking for shipping to Woodstock, GA. Let me know at hallsm@bellsouth.net. __________________ 2010 R1200GS Adv 2008 KTM 990 2003 Kawa Z1000 (Orange) 2000 RC51 # 41 "I can't lead, I go too fast..." Scott Hinkle, April 2010

09-22-2011, 10:09 PM	#14
SantaRosa I'd rather be lost Joined: Jul 2011 Location: Santa Rosa, California Oddometer: 215	Pillion Mounting AdvDave I have a request to build one that will strap to the Pillion where the rear and front rack bolt on. Maybe simple fix idea to meet any style of rack design. What do you think? I'm willing to buy one if you want to give it a try. That might be perfect for both Vario, Micatech and Jesse. PM me if you want to try this out. Also you might conceder some kind of splash fender under it that will keep all that spray away from the rider and the tools. Maybe it's too much but seems like a logical evolution of the tool box. I really can see this as being the must have box of the year. Ya' need to name it. AdvDave Box or Adv Box or maybe iToolBox 2

09-23-2011, 05:14 PM	#15
Advdave ^OP Toolbox Adventurer Joined: May 2007 Location: Anacortes, WA Oddometer: 325	I've got enough people wanting these things right now that I'll be busy for a while building the 'standard' box. As for a name for the box, it was 'hobby' but it's turning into 'work'...but so far, going ok. I should have a few to mail the the first names on the list next week sometime. More aluminum is on order. __________________ ADVGEAR.NET

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