BMW F900GS Rack-less supports with Kriega OS-18

BMW has done an excellent job streamlining the F900GS's rear end, giving it a sleek and modern appearance. However, one potential downside to this design is the lack of side support for certain rack-less luggage systems, especially on the left side. Some of the many bags we tested work well as is. But not our faithful Kriega OS-18 bags paired to T700 OS-Base. Why the T700 OS-Base you ask? First, we already have it and use it on several mid-sized ADV bikes. More importantly, at the time of writing, a dedicated F900GS base doesn't exist. If and when Kriega develops one, we’re confident it will fit the bike perfectly..

To solve this, we developed the BMW F900GS Rackless Supports. Simple stand-offs which mount to our Top luggage rack and provide all the support the bags need.

Precision-milled from 4mm stainless steel, they are both strong and lightweight. All mounting hardware is included. Installation should take next to no time. For instructions, please click HERE. All of the edges are chamfered. If you choose to use the slots for strapping of any luggage, the straps will be safe from fraying.

Check out this short video presentation of the Rack-less supports for a clearer look at how they look on the bike.

With the Rackless supports mounted, the Kriega T700 OS-Base fits as it was tailor made for this bike.

Almost the entire surface of the base sits either on the seat or on the Rackless supports. This gives it plenty of stability. Whether using OS-12 or OS-18 bags, the bounce is practically non existent.

Upper straps attach to our Kriega mount Add-ons, which install onto our Top luggage rack. These allow the straps to be quickly hooked and secured.

Keep in mind that Kriega OS-Base for T700 comes with their own alloy mounts which will also work with our Top luggage rack, with different bolts. 

Lower straps are looped through passenger footrest brackets. The strap is at optimal angle and this is a viable option.

For weight conscious riders out there, we offer minimalist Tie-down brackets. They are a lightweight replacement for passenger footrest brackets, providing several slots for straps. No riding with pillion, obviously. Considering the fixed length of OS-Base straps, using the Tie-down brackets enables some fore-aft adjustment of bags' position.

This is a narrow setup, considerably narrower than handlebars. Both bags are almost entirely tucked behind rider's legs and there is very little chance of them getting caught on branches or rocks.

As I have already said, the OS-Base is supported almost entirely. RHS bag (fully loaded OS-18 bags are shown in this article) sits just above the silencer. Depending on the load, riding style and conditions, there is a chance it will sag down and contact the exhaust at one point. For this reason it's strongly advisable to use a heat shield. Yes, it's a shame to cover such a nice Akrapovič. It would also be a shame to burn trough nice Kriega bags so it is not worth the risk IMHO.

Positioned like this there is some rubbing between back side of the OS-18 bags and front edge of our luggage rack. This is not a pressure point, and the back side of the bags is reinforced so it shouldn't be an issue in regards to their longevity. Powder coating on the rack will be worn trough so keep that in mind if such things bother you.

As said, using our Tie-down brackets enable some fore-aft adjustment so this small issue can be negated.

Kriega OS-Base lies entirely on the seat. This leaves the whole Top luggage rack free to install additional tail bags. Any of the Kriega US Drypacks will work great, it's just a matter of capacity needed.

If I can't fit everything into the two OS-18 bags, it means I'm out on a camping trip. And for camping trips, that calls for the modular, high-capacity US-40 Rackpack.

Some additional photos from different angles are below.