Hi. For my 650 I have fitted side racks to hold my soft saddlebags straight, and thought I'd like to also be able to put various soft bags on the rear rack, different sizes for different outings. I had a mental picture of what a rear rack I would like would look like, and went looking for it. To my surprise it doesn't seem to exist. This may be because I don't know where to look, so if I describe it, I'd appreciate being put on to something like it. If it doesn't exist, maybe I'll draw it up and see if I can find someone to make it up.
Ok - this rack would be about the size of the standard rear rack. It would probably be a bolt - on addition to the rear rack. To look at it, it would look basically like a flat rack with some designs running through it - sort of a large 'A' widest at the front, and inset in to the surface of the rack. To each side, a 5 inch section would also be visible, separate from but flush with the surface of the rack.
Next, one seizes the apex of the 'A' and lifts it, to reveal that it is hinged at the front end. When it is vertical, it locks in to place solidly, and becomes an upright that can be used in a similar way to the Ventura system. Luggage can be slotted on to it either forward so it sits on the passenger seat, backward, or both. The rack can be used this way - it may be that there are two 'A's, one smaller than and inside the other, so that two sizes of upright can be raised - one the equivalent of the Ventura Sports Rack, and one the equivalent of their larger rack.
But - there's another trick up this rack's sleeve. It may be desired to put a duffle bag, bed roll or similar wide pack on the rear rack. One grabs the 5 inch sections and pulls outwards, causing them to slide out much as the handle of wheeled luggage slides out. These slide out 50% of the width of the rack to each side, creating a nice wide rack.
With the 'A' up, and a bag slotted on to that facing forwards, and a nice wide duffel strapped across the back supported by these slide - out sections, there is a lot of storage.
Then when the job's done, the side sections are slid in, the 'A' is lowered flush, and the bike looks sleek again.
Also, blokes like me with bad backs can once again mount the machine without having to climb on the footpegs.
Ok - if this description is good enough, hopefully someone will tell me where to get it. If not I'll think about making one or at least drawing the concept up.
Cheers, PJ
Ok - this rack would be about the size of the standard rear rack. It would probably be a bolt - on addition to the rear rack. To look at it, it would look basically like a flat rack with some designs running through it - sort of a large 'A' widest at the front, and inset in to the surface of the rack. To each side, a 5 inch section would also be visible, separate from but flush with the surface of the rack.
Next, one seizes the apex of the 'A' and lifts it, to reveal that it is hinged at the front end. When it is vertical, it locks in to place solidly, and becomes an upright that can be used in a similar way to the Ventura system. Luggage can be slotted on to it either forward so it sits on the passenger seat, backward, or both. The rack can be used this way - it may be that there are two 'A's, one smaller than and inside the other, so that two sizes of upright can be raised - one the equivalent of the Ventura Sports Rack, and one the equivalent of their larger rack.
But - there's another trick up this rack's sleeve. It may be desired to put a duffle bag, bed roll or similar wide pack on the rear rack. One grabs the 5 inch sections and pulls outwards, causing them to slide out much as the handle of wheeled luggage slides out. These slide out 50% of the width of the rack to each side, creating a nice wide rack.
With the 'A' up, and a bag slotted on to that facing forwards, and a nice wide duffel strapped across the back supported by these slide - out sections, there is a lot of storage.
Then when the job's done, the side sections are slid in, the 'A' is lowered flush, and the bike looks sleek again.
Also, blokes like me with bad backs can once again mount the machine without having to climb on the footpegs.
Ok - if this description is good enough, hopefully someone will tell me where to get it. If not I'll think about making one or at least drawing the concept up.
Cheers, PJ