More R100RT questions

[basketcase]

The seat will not open. What is the secret? And what is the fallback approach if the button will not do the chore? (It has a Corbin seat on it and not the OEM pine rail...)



Do the sidecovers just pop off, or does the seat have to come up first? I hate to go yanking on things with the risk of pulling something up by the roots...



Tail light is out. Is there a NAPA replacement, or do I have to go to the dealer?



Tire suggestions. It has Metzler’s on it and they are about 2/3's gone to my preferences, so by spring time I will want to replace them. I like the handling of the Avon's on a Gold Wing, but do not know if Avon makes a replacement that will fit the R100 series. What tires besides Metzler are others using?

Thanks in advance,
Rick

PS: Roll Tide!

[Bikebum]

Rick, the seat should be hinged to the side opposite the push button located at the lift handle. Push the button and the seat should release. You have to open the seat to remove the side covers. On my '82 there is a bungy cord type of thing between the side covers that keep them snug. Once you get the seat up it becomes obvious.

[basketcase]

Jamie, thanks for the insight into the side covers.

Apparently the instrument lights and the tail light are on the same circuit, and both are out which makes me think a fuse is blown. And in typical BMW fashion getting to the root of all that requires opening the seat.

So getting a stuck seat open has become the main question.

[Raceydog]

Bring it to me. I'll get it open.

[basketcase]

It's not that far over to where you are. What time is good for you?

Later in the week is better for me, but the weather is calling for rain on Thursday and Friday.

[Raceydog]

I never know when I'll be home during the day. I am usually home around 5pm. I will be in Bessemer, Chelsea and Ensley tomorrow. Just call me when you will have time and I will let you know where I'll be.

[basketcase]

Seat, sidecovers, and fuse update

Okay. Here's the final on the seat, sidecovers, and tail light fuse.

The PO (long time friend) was through town this morning and came over and the seat was opened after going up on the right side and loosening the hinges enough to get some slack.

I feel sure the locking post depth was wrong, and the alignment in terms of centered in the hole was probably also off. At the moment the post is laying on the tool bench and the seat will be secured down with a spare bungee.

Upon getting the seat open I discovered several miscellaneous keys in the underseat tray. One of them locks the luggage. I don't know what the other does but I figure to hang onto it.

It also allowed me to replace the fuse that hots the instrument and tail-light circuit. Instead of being in the headlight cowling the fuses are near the battery.

The sidecovers probably came from the factory with the bungee I have read about, but on this bike a bracket has been added on each side and they are secured with a single Phillips screw.

Alabama/LSU is coming on in about 25 minutes, so anything else will have to wait until another day!

Thanks again for the feedback and suggestions.