On the web, I searched for good images and information on the Hepco & Becker hard cases and the SW-Motech quick release system.
Both company's web sites didn't have very good images or adequate descriptions of the product, so I decided to post some info and pictures here.
It's a shame too, since the bags and rack system in real-life are much nicer...and I mean much nicer!
In the United States, it appears that Twisted Throttle and California Sport Touring are just about the only places that sells these brands.
As for the folks at Twisted Throttle, they are nice enough folks, but don't expect ANY break on shipping or discounts. As for California Sport Touring, their web site is kinda weird.
Here is another link to the main Hepco & Becker site.
These cases are NOT common in the USA as most folks go the Givi route. Hepco and Becker make the OEM bags that you see on some MotoGuzzis and on the Buell Ulysees.
I think most BMW folks know the brand since Hepco & Becker are German. I wanted something to go on my Kawasaki ZZR1200 that was different from the Givis I see so often.
I decided on the Junior line of cases as they appeal to my aesthetic; black and textured like my seat.
The Junior comes in various sizes for both the Top-Case and the Side-Cases; I went with the 40s all around.
They also make a Junior 30 Side Case and a Junior 45 Top Case in the line.
Notice how the dimensions are very close except for making the cases "Larger".
Note: As of January 2010, I'm not sure the model numbers are still the same as above, so check.
So far I like the cases. ( 1/31/2010 - When I originally bought the cases, I wasn't sure, but with a TON of miles on them, I am convinced they were one of the best purchases I have ever made for my motorcycles. See my other write ups to see the cases in action.)
In the images below, I've added the reflectors.
I bought them at National Tool.
They are stick-on.
The SW-Motech hardware is really top notch.
I was surprised at how perfectly things went together.
At first I was leery of how a "Universal System" would take into account the
different makes of luggage, but the engineers at SW-Motech did it beautifully.
Since the quick disconnect system is designed for different makes of motorcycles and luggage, the key components are universal, and you buy the adapter for your chosen brand.
One gripe that I have is that it appears that the Givi bags have a slight edge in how they mount to the SW-Motech side racks as opposed to the Hepco-Becker bags.
I'm not too pleased at how the SW-Motech adapter for the Hepco-Becker bags was
constructed. It appears that the team who made the adapter for Hepco-Becker hard bags/cases didn't give 100% to perfection; more like 90%.
The Aluminum part that looks like a machined "lip", that fits into
the case channel could have been made longer to use the entire channel and add
additional strength. (1/31/2010 - It hasn't seemed to make a difference with all the miles I have put on them since I originally wrote this.)
Also I had to use some extra washers to get a really good fit as well as take
off the rubber spacers that were supposed to be in between the rack and the
case.
The SW-Motech Top Rack with the Hepco-Becker adapter worked perfectly without ANY modifications
Note: To see how I used the SW-Motech system to carry/mount a photography tripod to my motorcycle go here.
Update: I created this page several years ago. The intent was for the folks who own a ZZR to come and look at the Hepco & Beckers on the SW-Motech racks on the ZZR1200. For some reason, this page continues to be hit consistently via Google and Yahoo. It appears that people looking for images of the Hepco and Beckers find this page and it has become very popular!
Lauren 2/28/2009,1/31/2010