I picked up a new roll bag at the International Motorcycyle Show in Toronto yesterday, so that means it's time to start my winter project. I want to fabricate a luggage rack for my 1984 650.
Plan A) is the simplest idea I have is to make a lightweight aluminum plate the "clips" onto the top of the rear passenger grab bar and extends back over the rear tailight. The rear of the plate will be supported by a U-shaped mount that extends back from the rear turn signal mount holes. My question is are the turn signal mount holes strong enough to carry approx. 20lbs (max) of weight? I already have saddle bags and a large tank bag that I use when touring, but always seem to need a little more room so I wouldn't be loading the roll bag up over 20lbs. Plan B) is to build a set of rails that bolt into the frame using the holes for the aluminum grab bars under the seat (near rear shocks and behind the helmet key lock). The rail would extend out near the back of the seat and up over the rear cowling in a Y shape on both sides of the bike. This would then accept an aluminum rack. I am really gunning for Plan A but don't like engineering items that are bound to fail. I have full access to a machine shop, welders, pipe benders, etc. to get the job done. Any feedback on either of these ideas would be appreciated. I'm sure there are a few members with similar homebrew racks. Graham already sent me some pics from his bikes to use as a template. Also, I am making a set of pannier supports to keep my bags from swinging in towards my rear wheel. I always get a bit nervous when they are fully loaded and swing in close to the real wheel. With them fully expanded they are almost 14" deep and 20" long so they can get pretty heavy with whatever I need for my trips. I'll document the build process and maybe make up an extra set or 2 if anyone is interested. Thanks - Chris -- You received this message because you are subscribed to the Google Groups "Nighthawk Motorcycle Lovers!" group. To post to this group, send email to nighthawk_lov...@googlegroups.com. To unsubscribe from this group, send email to nighthawk_lovers+unsubscr...@googlegroups.com. For more options, visit this group at http://groups.google.com/group/nighthawk_lovers?hl=en.
