I have question for those of you with the rear grab bar. I need to know if there was any modifications you had to make to the rear tail piece? I am in the process of designing a rear luggage rack that bolts of to the back to use for cross country tours and am considering using the grab rail mounting point as one option since it's there and I if am to make modifications to the plastic, I would like it to be done in a way so that if I (or for someday a future owner of my bike) were ever to install that rail it will fit properly without any further modification.

I appreciate any help or info I can gather from y'all. Also if anyone as any tips or pointers on how they built their own rack or installed an aftermarket, that would be great as well!

Thanks!

I need to know if there was any modifications you had to make to the rear tail piece? I am in the process of designing a rear luggage rack that bolts of to the back to use for cross country tours and am considering using the grab rail mounting point as one option since it's there and I if am to make modifications to the plastic

Note ... Upon re-reading this a few times, it now appears you are wanting to use the grab rail mounting points, not the grab rail itself. If so, my earlier post below is likely of no value to you. I'll delete it based on your input. Sorry !

The grab handle does provide a secure place to attach the rear of a pannier rack. My rack sits under the grab handle and is held there by 2 clamps as I didn't want to drill into the metal grab handle, though that is certainly an option. No mods are required to the grab handle plastic tail piece on my setup, but I notice that you appear to be making a rear mounted top rack, and that could be a different story.

I assume you are talking about the grab handle plastic tail piece and not the plastic tail pod.The tail pod will not work with the grab rail / handle, and the grab rail kit comes with a smaller tail piece than the non grab handle version.

Hope this helps, Tom

With optional top rack .. Top rack goes over the grab handle, the pannier rack tubing goes under the grab handle.

Optional folding bicycle rack..

* Last updated by: Werks on 2/3/2014 @ 11:33 AM *

I really like your luggage rack, Werks!

Any chance you are making them for others?

I really like your luggage rack, Werks!
Any chance you are making them for others?

Thanks. But no, I don't build them other than for myself.
If I did, it would be too much like a job
I've helped a friend or two build bicycle racks for their motorcycles, but never a pannier or top rack.

I'll be glad to talk you through the process.

Tom

* Last updated by: Werks on 2/3/2014 @ 1:38 PM *

They make a special tail piece that fits with the grab bar. No need to cut yours up. Im working on a luggage rack as well. I'll post up some pics soon. I'm going to use soft luggage with my set up.

Werks, wfozx, thanks for the input! I did not realize there was a smaller center tail peice they used for the passenger handle. I will have to look into it and see if I can just purchase the plastic without the handle.

Thanks

Don't know if it's any help but I installed a Ventura rack on my bike and had to drill two holes(one on each side) so it could actually support some weight.The grab handle comes of in seconds and a sport rack or the taller luggage rack can be put on in another few seconds.Brackets mount to the exhaust support and to the main frame in back(where I had to drill the holes)at the bottom.

* Last updated by: fieldgrade on 2/5/2014 @ 1:58 PM *

I see I can buy that center piece from bikebandit for $55 plus a 10% discount with my AMA membership. That's a hell of a lot cheaper than the whole kit!