In the BMW K1600B forem over on Facebook there is a member that did just that, with good pictures on what was done and what parts needed.

 

Thanks Tanner. I searched in Facebook and didn't find any posts about removing the top case from a GA. I'll have to try diff search terms and see.

 

From what some have said here it's an extensive operation to remove or replace the top case on a GA..

The opposite of my GTL where it comes off or goes back on in 60 seconds using the quick release from the rack that holds it on the bike.

 

It's 4 or 6 bolts that have to be removed from the inside of the Topcase. Then the electrical connections and it comes off. However, you're left with 2 rails. I guess you could mod some sort of plate to bolt to the rails in the place of the Topcase. Those rails cannot be unbolted.

 

The top case is held on with 4 bolts under the carpet. There are two connectors under the seat that need to separated. Then you can pull the case back and off the H-bracket. There are 4 bolts holding the top case H-bracket to the rear frame. There are 2 more in the grab rails that go into the H-bracket. The top case can be removed in maybe 5 mins with the proper tools. I use a 1/4” Impact driver and a T30 & T40 Torx bit.

This will leave a gap behind the seat that needs to be filled. I made a cover from sheet metal and covered it with vinyl. I put on a BMW Roundel from my local BMW auto dealer.

Removing the top case will trigger a bulb out fault every time you apply the brakes. I used a couple LED bulbs and made a harness with bullet connectors to plug into the barrel under the seat. The LED’s will act like the top case lights as to not trigger a fault. You must have the polarity correct or the lights will not work.

There is a member of the K1600B Facebook page who has done this a few weeks ago. A couple of these pics are his and some pics are mine.

 

The top case is held on with 4 bolts under the carpet. There are two connectors under the seat that need to separated. Then you can pull the case back and off the bracket. There are 4 bolts holding the top case bracket to the rear frame. There are 2 more in the grab rails that go into the bracket. The top case can be removed in maybe 5 mins with the proper tools. I use a 1/4” Impact driver and a T30 & T40 Torx bit.

This will leave a gap behind the seat that needs to be filled. I made a cover from sheet metal and covered it with vinyl. I put on a BMW Roundel from my local BMW auto dealer.

Removing the top case will trigger a bulb out fault every time you apply the brakes. I used a couple LED bulbs and made a harness with bullet connectors to plug into the barrel under the seat. The LED’s will act like the top case lights as to not trigger a fault. You must have the polarity correct or the lights will not work.

Excellent info! Thanks very much. Love the cover you fabricated for the gap. Nice work.

 

This is the H-bracket removed from the frame.

 

I wonder if the sleeves the H-bracket uses are under my B back cover... these would make a sturdy attachment for a backrest

 

I’ll try to get a pic tomorrow so you can compare my GA to your B. Perhaps the rear frame are the same.

 

The rear cover from the bagger could probably be worked to fit that gap at the back?

 

This is probably the biggest BMW failure with the bagger. Can’t believe we’re post 18 months with this bike and still no real, clean solution offered. I’d have bought a bagger vs the GTL if they’d had the passenger backrest, luggage rack and top case sorted out properly.

Oh well, still a beautiful bike and great motor. )

 

Here is a photo of my B showing the 2 forward screws that hold the small seat clips - The other 2 screws are farther back hidden under the fender. From what I can tell, it looks like the only issue with fitting the H bracket would be the cutting of the tupperware (fender) for the H frame; That is unless one purchases the GA tupperware too.

Then if a factory luggage rack (complete rack or just the top plate section) can somehow be fitted to the H frame, you would be all set to use the OEM top case from BMW.

Just my opinion, but I don't see BMW offering a luggage rack/topcase for the B because it would cannibalize GA sales - basically the only difference between the 2 bikes.

 

Just my opinion, but I don't see BMW offering a luggage rack/topcase for the B because it would cannibalize GA sales - basically the only difference between the 2 bikes.

Probably true. Now that the cat is out of the bag as it were, even if an H frame is not available for purchase from the BMW parts bin, someone should be able to pretty easily produce one. Could see the development of a kit to include a template to drill two holes in the B rear cover (item 1 p/n 46 62 8 358 769 ) through which the rails would extend. On top of those rails one would bolt the top case carrier plate. If the 'new' H frame is removed, two inserts (grommets/plugs) could be inserted into the rear cover to disguise the holes.

 

I’ve taken a couple mini vacations with the top case on. A three day and a four day.

The top case has been off for the majority of the time.

I did put it back on this past weekend for a couple of day trips with my wife on board. She has to have a backrest and plenty of storage for extra pants, jacket, gloves, helmet, etc. ?

I must confess, either with the top case on or off, this machine gets far more compliments than my GTL ever did. Every time I stop, seems like someone comes over to ask about it.

 

Thanks so much for the quick response, Jesse. I'm glad you're enjoying her. Sounds like you've come up with the perfect solution!

I've about decided the GA is where I'm headed, and just do what you did. I want to ride more to and for work, and that's more of where the top case would be used for me, especially in the early Spring and late Fall, when you have to wear more gear, plus laptop and files, etc. My wife would very rarely occupy the pillion, if ever, as she has her own bike. But it would be nice to have the option to go sans top case.

For now,I'm not selling my K12S or FZ-09, though, so it's not like I won't have something to tear up the twisties if need be.

 

There is an H bracket for sale on eBay for $74 including the mounting screws.

https://www.ebay.com/itm/2018-BMW-K...age-Box-Brace/143273285450?fits=Make:BMW&hash=item215bc0d74a:g:ZecAAOSwIilc7q-6

If anyone is considering adding the GA topcase to their B, this is probably a good option. Might require some mods to your rear fender and rear seat but this part is the main support frame that is required.

I would buy it myself but I have gone a different route.

 

Always wondered how my GA would look without the top case

 

Three pics of without the top case and the H-bracket removed. One of the panel I made to cover the hole. One with the panel on.

 

Nice work...very clean!

 

Very nice. How did you make the roundel trim?

 

I went to my local BMW Auto Dealership. He gave me a couple adhesive Roundels. I believe that they are for the centercaps on the wheels. Free of charge!!!! ?

 

Why didn't they just make it like the GTL? Problem solved

 

Hi, I'd like to remove the top case on my GA for solo riding. Looks simple enough and I'll just get a plate bolted onto the H Bar. But no ones mentioned brake lights. Might be a UK thing but on my bike there are no brake lights on the panniers, just red running lights. Anyone else with this issue and has solved it?

Thanks

 

US bikes , the top of the lights on pannier is brake too

You could try a clearwater billie light or similar

 

Thanks, fitting another brake light makes sense as it will fool the canbus into thinking top box is still fitted

 

I really wish we could make it quick release. Like mount a givi mount on the H Bracket and some how mount something. On the trunk. Quick release. I would pay.

 

Spinning insert?

https://www.k1600forum.com//threads/gt-luggage-carrier.108713/#post-1402033

 

Try this:... Top case removal, brake light fault fix and a custom back rest and I show how to do it...

 

I loved your video it was awesome I promise I wish you would’ve put more instruction into how you fabricated the sissy bar I’m sure you have welding skills most of us don’t have access to that but I suppose we could go to fabrication shop? I really would like to add the back rest with a rack.
I wonder if we could use the regular bagger recover or the back rest from a bagger on our modified grand America‘s? I see they’re selling one on eBay for $350 I wonder if that slides into place and bolts down it looks like it might be close basically can you convert a GA into a B with the same parts?

 

If you want to make a very nice rack for the top case of a Grand America, buy a black Harley touring luggage rack, cut 2.5" out of the middle of it and put it back together and mount it on the case. I think it looks great. If you cant Tig-weld, place metal rods in the pipes and JB weld it together. That's what I did and covered it with anti-slip tape so items won't move in the rack. You can get a rack for about $65 in Black... Joey

 

nice

 

I would purchase a kit to allow a clean removal/re-install.

 

If I was to convert the GA to a B I would want the lower grab handles the B seat and I would build a closure piece with a third brake light in it for that hole back there. For me it would have to look exactly as the B came back there or better 👍