Topic: Make my own luggage rack?

[IAmCitizenMe]

Sure. Why not? The '78s are hard to come by, expensive and usually need work. I'd only be using it for trips--for better luggage strapability--I'm not too worried about the aesthetics of it. Granted, I'm not going to drywall-screw PVC pipes together or wood-glue some complimentary paint stirring sticks, but I figured I could do a reasonably good job without refinancing my cardboard box. I don't have access to welding equipment, but I do have enough equipment to grind, sand and polish.

Any suggestions for such endeavors?

[kirkn]

I've built three over the years.

All three were made using 1/8" thick angle-iron and steel bar picked up from Home Depot.

1st was strictly bolt-together, as I didn't have welding capability.  The next two were welded together.  None of them were particularly great looking, but with a coat of black paint, they weren't altogether embarrasing either.  All were over-built!  

All of them carried my briefcase / lunchbox back and forth to work with no issues.

I have a picture somewhere of that last one - I'll have to dig it out and post it.

Kirk


*edit* - here we go.  A '82 Yamaha XT200 from a few years ago.  Worked like a champ on my 60-mile-per-day commute.  You should be able to do it, too.

[IndyFour]

I can't offer any suggestions for building a new one, but if you find an old crappy one, paint can do wonders.

I got two different ones from the previous owner of my bike.  I took one of them that had been chrome at some point in its life (was pretty rusty) and sanded it down the best I could.  A couple of coats with Rustoleum black texture paint (looks like the texture of black iron outdoor furniture), it looked great.  Kind of a textured powder coated look.  I went to the cycle store the other day and a guy came out to ask where I found the cool new rack for my old bike.  

[HavocTurbo]

I've got one off of my XS850...

I could send everything all in one box. 

[IAmCitizenMe]

I've built three over the years.

I have a picture somewhere of that last one - I'll have to dig it out and post it.

I'd really like to see the pictures if you can find them. The only thing I've ever really build in my life is skateboarding obstacles which are usually made from wood. And I already ruled that out.

I can't offer any suggestions for building a new one, but if you find an old crappy one, paint can do wonders.

I thought about that, but even the old crappy ones are more expensive than I think a couple old, rusty, welded bars are worth. I like the idea of that black textured paint, though. I may do that as a finishing touch.

I've got one off of my XS850...

I could send everything all in one box.  

Would it fit a '78 550K?

[HavocTurbo]

Hmmm... I could measure it. How wide are your shock mounts?

[333]

I've been thinking the same thing, although I AM thinking of wood.  I have access to okumme marine plywood, and have had success with laminating it to make thick and strong lengths.  I figure if I laminate it to the curves I need, it'll be strong enough to hold whatever I would strap on it.

[kirkn]

I've built three over the years.

I have a picture somewhere of that last one - I'll have to dig it out and post it.

I'd really like to see the pictures if you can find them. The only thing I've ever really build in my life is skateboarding obstacles which are usually made from wood. And I already ruled that out.

PM me with an email address, and I can send you higher-res photos of that cheesy rack, if you like.  The bolt-together rack followed the same pattern, only bolted together with 1/4-20 screws - the kind with rounded heads - so they wouldn't chew up the cargo.  That welded rack was practically strong enough to lift the back end of the bike by...

[pdxPope]

I made one once out of two bent pieces of 1/4" conduit and some wooden dowels.

I bent the conduit into an oblong "C" shape, drilled holes into the inner part of the "C" & painted them a decent rattle-can silver. Then I inserted the varnished dowels w/ a little clear caulking to give them a nice seat and clamped the two halves together with conduit joint clamps.

Bolted the whole thing w/ a piece of flat steel to the rear fender mount and viola!

Looked decent and worked pretty well. I scrounged all the stuff I needed, so I don't think it cost more than maybe $5.

-JP

[Gordon]

Have you thought about buying one that's for another bike and modifying it to fit yours?  Might be a lot easier. 

[IAmCitizenMe]

Here's what I'm thinking. Looks kind of like an Erector Set, lots of nuts 'n' bolts, but I think it should be sturdy and not too ugly.

Notice how my "artistry" progressively regresses.




The backrest looks likes a nuclear hazard symbol, so I drew an alternative below. I'm a very talented artist.

[Laminar]

I'm a very talented artist.

 

Personally, I'd replace the "X" with parallel strips, as dealing with the over/under elevation changes would be a pain and possibly throw off symmetry.

[IAmCitizenMe]

Personally, I'd replace the "X" with parallel strips

I thought about that, but without the X's it seems that the side-to-side stability would be off. Not that I'm going to be hauling lumber or anything.

But the "parallelism" would mos def look better.

[Laminar]

I thought about that, but without the X's it seems that the side-to-side stability would be off. Not that I'm going to be hauling lumber or anything.

Since you don't have a welder, I'm assuming this will be bolted together. If you fasten each joint with two bolts, it should prevent side-to-side movement.

What material were you considering using? Flat? Angled? Steel? Aluminum?

[IAmCitizenMe]

I was thinking angled steel. But I'm not sure. I haven't been able to make it to the hardware store today.

[Laminar]

FWIW, alumimum will be much easier to cut and drill by hand at the expense of some strength and greater expense.

[Gordon]

I think the design you've made would not only interfere with the passenger's legs and hips but also prevent you from opening the seat. 

[IAmCitizenMe]

Yea, I saw that after the fact. I wouldn't have a passenger for the trips I plan on taking. It's mainly for strapping and securing luggage.

I wonder if there is a way to make it a quick-release, so I can take it off any time I need to get under the seat... hmmm.

[HavocTurbo]

CRAP I forgot to take pics...

PM me your phone number, (picture messages?) and I'll send you a pic.

If you want it pay for shipping for just that and I'll throw it in with the tires.

[IndyFour]

Hey Iamcitizenme:

Saw this post on Indianapolis craigslist for a decent looking rack for $20.  Has a back rest and the chrome looks decent.

http://indianapolis.craigslist.org/mcy/1286278002.html