Replace the side pod clips with magnets and never lose another pod

I got tired of my side pods falling off on dirt roads. Let's face it, the clips that BMW used on these don't last very long.

To fix this design error for once and for all, I removed the tapered pin on the fairing side and replaced them with flat, 1" diamter steel washers, held on with a flat-head machine screw. I countersunk the washers so the flat-head screw would be flush with the top of the washer (see photo below). You can buy these washers at mcmaster.com, part # 92140A112.

 

I then drilled out the faulty clips on the side pods and replaced these with circular, 25mm diameter magnets, each held in place with a flat head, stainless steel machine screw. The magnets may be obtained from K&J magnetics.

 

I supported the screw on both sides with a rubber grommet, so there would be a bit of play in the magnet. This helps to align the magnet with the washer. You can see the grommet sandwiched between the magnet an the pod housing is the photo below.

The side pods are now very firmly held in place, and have never come off unintentionally. It takes a good firm whack to loosen them from the bike.

This is an inexpensive fix to a very annoying and potentially dangerous problem.

 

 Back to K1200 home page