Notching a Rigid Solo Rack
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 3
From: NorCal
I have thought about notching my solo rack. After reading this thread I decided to just notch the back side of the rack. By notching the back only I still had the security of having the front bolts run all the way through but in the back I would normally have to jack up the bike etc ... to get the rear bolts out. Now even though it is not a quick disconnect - now I can take the rack off fairly easy (if I need to). I also used some spray adhesive and put some felt on the inside of the rack bracket to help prevent scratching the fender when removing or reinstalling the rack.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 3
From: NorCal
yea, even with the notch its still on there solid. Like I was saying - I only notched the back so the front can't come of the bike unless you take the bolts out. I also included a couple of pics. - Before the saddle bags I had a detachable rack on my sporty - I attached a "tank bag" to the rack. I could store stuff like glasses, gloves, chaps, etc .... you can actually put quite a bit of stuff in there when you expand the bag. I know you can fit a couple of orders of chinese take-out too.
Tourer
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 352
Likes: 3
From: NorCal
DMV, I can't really say there is any "Spec." to how I did the cut. I simply took a jig-saw and cut down and across. I attached a little photo shop pic. - the blue circle is where the original hole was and the red lines are where I cut it.
I'll tell you this - becareful putting the rack on. It fits tight and when I first put it on I was careful but then I was messing around with the saddlebags and had to move the rack up and down a little and I stratched up the fender on the other side. Since then I got some spray adhesive and some black felt from a craft store I sprayed the adhesive and attached the felt to the inside rail of the rack then cut off the excess. You can see a little of the felt in the picture.
Good Luck -
Had to resize the picture - hope it turns out.
I'll tell you this - becareful putting the rack on. It fits tight and when I first put it on I was careful but then I was messing around with the saddlebags and had to move the rack up and down a little and I stratched up the fender on the other side. Since then I got some spray adhesive and some black felt from a craft store I sprayed the adhesive and attached the felt to the inside rail of the rack then cut off the excess. You can see a little of the felt in the picture.
Good Luck -
Had to resize the picture - hope it turns out.
Cruiser
Joined: Mar 2009
Posts: 242
Likes: 1
From: Virginia Beach
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Cruiser
Joined: Jun 2010
Posts: 196
Likes: 1
From: Amersfoort, The Netherlands
I've notched my rack too, but a bit different so I still have some upward strength, though I think the way mentioned before is also strong enough. This just gave me a bit more confidence.
I also sprayglued some felt on the inside and it slided on real easy. I can take it off/put it on in less than 5 min. now.
I also sprayglued some felt on the inside and it slided on real easy. I can take it off/put it on in less than 5 min. now.
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