Now, attach your bags and enjoy the view. These are the Ortlieb QLR2 bags which have quick disconnects. Think bags that you can carry into work. I was worried about losing the handle. I have my bikes in a tight space, and push them around a lot. It is carport Jenga. This functions well as a handle. I added the Denai tail bag, and this is what I get. With the Ortliebs.... The racks are stout. The tail rack makes it easy to attach a bag. The pannier racks will support hard or soft cases easily. The fitment was absolutely perfect. The welds are clean and well done. All in all, the TCI racks have absolutely been worth the wait.
Nice writeup, thanks for the pictures. I had looked briefly at the stuff on their site, and assumed there was a crossbar at the back, I didn't realize they where connecting up to the exhaust bolts, your picture made that clear. I looked at this one and was trying to figure out how the retro reflective stripe on the blacked out 'benz wheel was done!
RD, Could you go back and check to see if the bolt for the support at the muffler is tight and flush with the muffler bracket. Also did you notice that the spacers that go to the front of the bike are plastic panted black??? I did the install just as you have shown and at first was very pleased with how easily in went together, but then as I was checking torque on each bolt found that the mounting tab at muffler would not pull down. This is because the rod where mounted to tab is welded to far up on the tab. The rod is hitting the muffle mounting tab on the bike. So I either need to grind the rod and weld down enough to fit or add a 1/2" spacer to each support bracket. I am also worried about the tire coming into contact with these support brackets the are right over the tire and look as though if bottomed out they would hit the tire.
Also I am not bashing TCI I also like the look and quality of welds and material. Just having some fitment issue's, and I don't like the front spacers being plastic.
Just Talked to TCI They said that you install the the new long bolt then use your factory nut to secure muffler then install support bar over the factor nut. Then install washer and new nut. When I asked about tire clearance they told me they felt it would clear but this is a new product and could not be sure. I will test it this weekend and let you know, should have two days off road.
Donkey, I see that you bought the Denali racks. It looks like they are longer than needed for the Ortlib QR bags. Did you do any research or talks with TCI to see if the smaller Sequoia racks would have worked with those bags?
Tork, mine cleared, but I thought it was a bit tight to compress it all. I'll have to go back and do it the way you suggested. Ogre, Tom steered me towards the Denali racks after I told him I would be using QLR2's. I imagine you could use the Seqouias with the standard Ortliebs, but the quick release latches on the QLR2's kind of fix the height for you. The ones that strap over can be adjusted to either height. What I'd really like to see is how the Adventure-Spec Magadans line up. I really like those bags, but have yet to fork over the cash for a set. For me, the QLR2's are just better for commuting and short trips.
Thanks for the info. If you get a chance, can you post a picture of the back side of the bag mounted on the rack? I am curious how much adjustment there is on the lower mounts of the Ortlib bags to fit the smaller racks.
Got them finished up last night. I had to use three washers on the muffler because the shoulder bolt they provide would not snug up tight. Over all I am very pleased with the rack system, just going to have to check clearance of supports to tire when bottomed out in rear. Should have two days off road to check this weekend.
I will try to remember this when I get home tonight. The fitment is a little different than I expected. The TCI racks have tie downs on the top bars. So my two top connectors get scrunched together. My front lower connector gets turned 90 degrees. So when it is all said and done, I lifte the top handle, and slide the bag out towards the front of the bike. On a traditional circular rack, you would just lift upwards.
Thanks. Yea, thats a bit funky. The top mounts being so close does not seem ideal. Dang, I liked the concept of those bags and I like the TCI rear rack. Not sure about their side racks.
It works. I've been commuting everyday since I installed it, and I lug about 20lbs of gear in each bag. No issues thus far. If you are really concerned, the top loops (for straps) are the only thing blocking it. An angle grinder would fix that in about 30 seconds of work. On second thought, it is entirely possible that the bags will clip on those too. Hmmm....I should go check that out. Let me run out to the parking lot.
OK, it would work to clip the bags on the top strap mounts. Then you could spread the two upper clips out as far as you wanted. The bottom clips adjust with a T15 bit if I recall, and I don't have one on me at the moment. So I'll leave mine as is for now, and try the new arrangement this weekend.
Interesting system very clever. ridingdonkeys, what about handle on the rack to get terra up??. do you think is so strong ?
I can easily pick up the bike with that handle. It works as a handle to roll the bike around in the garage, and also to pick it up when it falls. Keep in mind that you have a handle on both sides. I've picked up my bike with these handles more times than I care to tell.
