Krauser panniers 1991

[Mscutts]

Hi

I have an R80 with original panniers but no key

That makes them pretty useless. The lock type is the one with the small rectangular cover. Replacing 6 locks would cost me over £200. I can't find a locksmith that will make a key without a copy, I notice from previous posts that the S150 key fits most panniers but I can't find a code on my locks so that's a bit of a gamble.

Does anyone have any advice?

Mike
Brighton UK

[SteveD]

BMW panniers.jpg (110.2 KiB) Viewed 589 times

Latch key?

[Rob Frankham]

First point... these aren't Krauser Panniers, they are BMW 'touring' panniers as supplied from about 1983, BMW supplied Krauser panniers as OEM until around 1984 but then changed to their own branded luggage.
Second Point... the S150 keys fit Krauser Classic Panniers and not the touring type.

It's worth finding the key numbers... (see post above) the number will be three digits starting with 0... and asking around to see if anyone has a spare. Hopefully, all of your pannier locks use the same key.

It's reasonably easy to rekey these locks and even produce spare keys if you're reasonably adept with a small saw and file. This might be of use https://robfrankham.com/pannier-latch-refurb. As you will see above, allof the keys have the same profile, it's the section of the key shank that provides the security (if you can call it that).

Rob

[SteveD]

First point... these aren't Krauser Panniers, they are BMW 'touring' panniers as supplied from about 1983, (yep, showing the difference. A picture confirming what the OP has would be helpful, as I've often read the panniers described as Krauser when they were BMW and vice versa. I had BMW panniers supplied on my first R100RS and 1983 R65LS Rob) BMW supplied Krauser panniers as OEM until around 1984 but then changed to their own branded luggage.
Second Point... the S150 keys fit Krauser Classic Panniers and not the touring type.

The lock type is the one with the small rectangular cover.

Sounds like the BMW locks?
It's worth finding the key numbers... (see post above) the number will be three digits starting with 0... and asking around to see if anyone has a spare. Hopefully, all of your pannier locks use the same key.
(Looking for clarification here from the OP...the Krauser S150 is a shaped key verses the flat BMW key above. You're right about asking around as the best way to find a replacement, once the identity of the key is confirmed. Motobins etc don't supply them singly, nor do they supply a lock to suit whatever key a buyer might have. They sell whatever lock and key they grasp off the shelf to fill the order.)

keys panniers.jpg (44.23 KiB) Viewed 455 times

It's reasonably easy to rekey these locks and even produce spare keys if you're reasonably adept with a small saw and file. This might be of use https://robfrankham.com/pannier-latch-refurb. As you will see above, allof the keys have the same profile, it's the section of the key shank that provides the security (if you can call it that).

Rob

[Mscutts]

Thanks chaps, some great info there. Based on this I can confirm I do have the BMW touring panniers. I searched what I thought was every inch of the latches but couldn't find the codes. Now I know they are 054 for the top latches and 057 for the latches that attach to the frame.

I'll try and search for these but I'm not optimistic unless someone can point me in the right direction.

[SteveD]

I'll try and search for these but I'm not optimistic unless someone can point me in the right direction.

ebay can work sometimes. Good luck. Maybe pop a request onto the end of this thread...https://www.advrider.com/f/threads/want ... s.1095204/

[Rob Frankham]

Thanks chaps, some great info there. Based on this I can confirm I do have the BMW touring panniers. I searched what I thought was every inch of the latches but couldn't find the codes. Now I know they are 054 for the top latches and 057 for the latches that attach to the frame.

I'll try and search for these but I'm not optimistic unless someone can point me in the right direction.

The panniers would have come from the factory with matching locks, not just for each pannier but for both panniers in the set, so the fact that some are different would be a good indication that some of the locks have been changed during their lifetime. Not greatly important but interesting.

As it happens, one of my sets uses 057 keys but I only have one so I'm not able to supply it. If I can help with pictures or measurements, let me know...

Rob

[SteveD]

The cut profile for the keys for the BMW motorcycle panniers from the 1980's is identical across all numbers (I believe, as per the picture above). The difference is in the keyway/longitudinal profile of the key shaft.
A nice excel spread sheet with the numbers and corresponding/matching aftermarket key shaft from your local locksmith would be a fantastic resource.

A question...given the low stress of these locks, how easy might they be to 3D print I wonder? Snapping off in the lock much less likely than the newer locks.

https://www.printables.com/model/758424 ... aster-keys

disclaimer: I know nuthin' about 3D printing!

[Mscutts]

Hi Rob
Can I take you up on your offer. A photo of your 057 key alongside something for scale would be useful and might enable me to manufacture one. Similarly if anyone has a 054 key can they supply me with the same.
Regards
Mike

[Rob Frankham]

Unfortunately, most locksmiths won't touch this sort of key... their cutting machines don't work in this way so it's all hand cutting... those that will are likely to ask silly money.

As I've said, if you are fairly handy with a dremel and jewellers files, it's quite possible to make them yourself given that all the information you need can be obtained from any key in the range and the part of the lock that accepts the shaft of the key. I've done it a couple of times and the results, while not pretty, work perfectly. Put simply, if you have a key with the right profile that will fit into the lock, it will open it. These locks aren't really secure... they are more about keeping the locks shut as you drive than preventing theft... and the tolerances are high.

If you want more security, it is possible to fit the later locks that use 'Yale' type keys and these locks can be re-keyed to match the vehicle ignition key and the other locks on the bike.

I don't see 3D printed keys as a solution... for more than a few uses anyway. The keys, once cut, can be quite thin and I don't see them lasting very long. Someone with a milling machine could probably turn them out by the thousand given the dimensions.

A database of dimensions would certainly be useful but I've never seen any indication that one exists. I've not even been able to find out who made the latches If someone wants to make one up, I'm quite willing to measure 4 or 5 different keys that I have.

Rob