Evolution Cycles
1087 Hickory Hill Pkwy.
Hubertus, WI 53033
414-573-7031
Frequently Asked Questions
about the Kugler Klamp system
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Common Questions:
What in the
heck IS the Kugler Klamp system and why do I need it?
How do they work?
Why don't I just use nuts, bolts, and washers to change my lids?
Do I need to buy a set for every size lid I own?
Does the Kugler Klamp system compromise the
weatherproofness of the saddlebags?
What do they look like?
Do they come in different colors?
How hard is it to install the kit?
Tip & Tricks for using your Kugler Klamp system
Answers:
What in the heck IS the Kugler Klamp and why do I
need it?
The Kugler Klamp system is a way for you to enjoy the benefits of
owning two, or even three, different sizes of saddlebags for a fraction of the
cost and storage space. Simply put, the Kugler Klamp allows
you to buy extra lids {outer halves} for your BMW "oilhead" style saddlebags and
change them whenever you want very quickly and easily. By not having to
buy the whole saddlebag, you save LOTS of money, and the lids hang flush on any
available surface for compact, simple, and out-of-the-way storage. There
are lots of reasons riders want to have different saddlebag lids. Most
change their lids to suit the way they will be using the bike during a
particular ride. Such as using the City Case lids for commuting and for
the nicer look that it gives the bike, and then putting the larger lids on for
those weekend, or weeklong trips. One customer has color-matched lids for
his GS that he likes to take off and save when he goes adventure riding.
Putting on a set of lids that are the bare plastic, and already a little scarred
up. In fact, several couples and individual riders who own multiple bikes
which all use the oilhead style bags have installed a set of Kugler Klamps
on each set of bags and share the different size lids back and forth between
bikes. That way they maintain the convenience of a single key for access
on each bike, and add the convenience of owning several different sizes of bags
for all of the bikes!
How do they work?
The Kugler Klamp system is really
simplicity itself once it is installed. The system consists of a set of
brackets, which mount permanently to the inner half of your saddlebags, screws
for attaching the lids to the brackets, and an included wrench which stores
inside the set of lids that you are not currently using on the bike.
To change the lids to a different size, you get the lids you will be installing
from where you have them stored {I keep mine hanging out of the way on the wall}
and bring them to the bike. Remove the wrench from the velcro tab in the
stored lids, and open up the bags while leaving them hanging on your bike.
Use the wrench to remove the two screws holding each lid on, and replace them
with the lids that you took down from the wall. Hang up the set of lids
that were on your bike just a few minutes ago, and load up!
Why don't I just use nuts, bolts, and washers to change my lids?
Of course, you can do that. I changed my lids
that way for a while... and that is what led me to create this system...
The problem with loose nuts and bolts is, of course, one of quickness and
convenience. And to a certain degree, security of your cargo. To
maintain the weatherproofness of your bags, you will need to change 4 screws on
each side, so that there are no unused holes in the bottom side of your lids.
Not to mention what a pain it is to dig out the right tools, and have to get
those tiny nuts started, then have to use both hands to tighten the screws with
a tool inside and outside of that lid at the same time. And if you are
working on the first one, the lid of course, is trying to flop all over the
place. And what if you don't get those screws tight enough, can you
imagine the nuts rattling off as your ride...Or someone taking them off on
purpose to try to get at your baggage?
The external bracket of the Kugler Klamp will not rotate, even if
the fastener holding it to the inner bag half is removed. It is captured
by design, and cannot be removed with the lids closed, nor come loose on its own
bumping down the road or trail.
Plus, the Kugler Klamp is designed so that there are only
two screws to change for each lid, and that is done with a tool that stores with
the lids so you never have to hunt for it. Nor will you have to hunt for
that tiny nut that rolled under your workbench...
Do I need to buy a set for every size lid I own?
No, you only need to buy one set of Kugler Klamps
for each inner set of saddlebags that you own. The brackets mount
permanently to the inner half of the bags, i.e. where the latching and lock
mechanisms are. The lids are loose and attach/detach from the brackets
when you wish to change lids.
Of course, if you have two sets of system bags (i.e. His/Hers bikes) you will
need one set of Kugler Klamps for each bike, but the advantage is
that you can mix/match the extra lids between the bikes now!!!
Does the Kugler Klamp system compromise the
weatherproofness of the saddlebags?
No, The weather seals and waterproofness are not affected
at all by installing the Kugler Klamp system. The alignment
of the lids to the inner half of the bags is maintained, so the seals work as
before, and all holes in the saddlebags, lids, and hinges are blocked when the
lids are installed.
What do they look like?
When you have the Kugler Klamps installed on
your saddlebags all you see from the outside is a small aluminum bar and a
single stainless steel button head cap screw at each hinge. The brackets
do not extend down any farther than the lowest points on the stock bags/hinges,
and in some ways provide an even nicer appearance because you eliminate the
rivet shanks from view when looking at the bags from the side. Inside the
saddlebags there is a single stainless steel button head cap screw at each hinge
point in view. The button head screws prevent anything from hanging up on
the fasteners either inside, or outside of the bags when in use.
Do they come in different colors?
Kugler Klamps normally ship with a black anodized finish.
For those of you that like showing off the customizations to your bikes, or
those that treat you bags a little more roughly, you can get them in a plain brushed
aluminum finish. The brackets show up much more nicely, and you don't have
to worry about the finish getting scraped up. If you wish to have the
brackets match a painted lid, you can order either finish, and
have them painted to match.
{back to
top}
How hard is it to install
the kit?
The initial installation can be done in under 30 minutes with just a few common
tools. The allen wrench included in the kit, a 3mm allen wrench {included in
your bike's tool roll}, a drill for removing the existing rivets, and a 5mm
tap {which can be ordered from here if you don't own or can't borrow one}.
Or you may be able to have your local dealer install it for you as well.
Of course, if you find me at a rally, I will install the
kit for free with purchase!!!
Tips & Tricks for using your Kugler Klamp system
- Store the lid-changing wrench with the set of bag lids that you are not using. You won’t be changing the lids on the road, so why carry the wrench and risk losing it? It will still be right there with the lids when you want to change them back at home.
- Hang your unused lids up on the wall. They take up less space that way, and there is less risk of them getting scuffed up.
- After you hang your lids up, for added convenience, keep the screws right in the holes in the bottom of the lids. It eliminates trying to find a place to store them, reduces handling, and the chance that they will roll under the workbench if dropped while handling…
- If you have both standard and extra-large lids, buy an extra set of the longer 4mm screws. Keep screws in each set of lids, even while they are hanging up. No more handling of the screws when you change lids for even faster changes!
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