Notching a Rigid Solo Rack
Notching a Rigid Solo Rack
I mentioned it briefly in the "how to carry stuff on a street bob" thread, but it didn't garner much attention, so...
I'm gonna start taking the bike to work as much as possible soon, and I need a rack to carry a small duffel. I could go with the sissy bar rack method, but I really don't want to have that sissy bar on there more than I need to...
...which leads to a fender rack, and I could go Motherwell or HD. The Motherwell is definitely more cost effective, but I'm a little OCD about having stuff on the fender that absolutely doesn't have to be..which leaves the 2 HD racks: detach or rigid.
Opting for the detach rack makes for a faster removal if the wife wants a ride, but the rigid rack would let me use my detach sissy as a rear brace if I ever carried something heavier that momentum might pull off the rack.
The only thing with a solo rack is that you can't use it with two people...a sissy rack can go with or without the 2-up seat.
Ramble much? Thoughts? And has anyone notched out that rigid HD rack yet? PN 52796-09.
I'm gonna start taking the bike to work as much as possible soon, and I need a rack to carry a small duffel. I could go with the sissy bar rack method, but I really don't want to have that sissy bar on there more than I need to...
...which leads to a fender rack, and I could go Motherwell or HD. The Motherwell is definitely more cost effective, but I'm a little OCD about having stuff on the fender that absolutely doesn't have to be..which leaves the 2 HD racks: detach or rigid.
Opting for the detach rack makes for a faster removal if the wife wants a ride, but the rigid rack would let me use my detach sissy as a rear brace if I ever carried something heavier that momentum might pull off the rack.
The only thing with a solo rack is that you can't use it with two people...a sissy rack can go with or without the 2-up seat.
Ramble much? Thoughts? And has anyone notched out that rigid HD rack yet? PN 52796-09.
Road Captain
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 609
Likes: 0
From: North Jersey
I've been thinking about this too, carrying some crap when needed but being able to take off the rack/sissybar easy. How about just using the Motherwell and your detachable sissybar? Isn't the Motherwell rack just 2 screws, if you are going to run 2 up you have to remove those screws anyway for your seat. I think the notched rigid rack would take 1,000 times longer to take of and put on compared to the Motherwell.
Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 5,120
Likes: 17
From: Indiana
I don't know how much stuff you ride with to work, but I got the motherwell with a kury custom roll bag. The most I've taken is my uniform, gym clothes and a towel in the bag and that was just yesterday. Oh and have my work jacket bungeed to the top because it has d-rings on the outside of the bag. Finally got to ride yesterday adn today into work, and now it's going to rain tomorrow.
Last edited by JaronB; Jul 24, 2009 at 09:30 AM.
Cruiser
Joined: Dec 2008
Posts: 204
Likes: 0
From: North of Houston
I have the HD detachable rack and am happy with it. Nothing touches the fender.
If you opt for the rigid, HD does make a Detachable Passenger Pillion that goes on the rack without removing it. 52689-09
If you opt for the rigid, HD does make a Detachable Passenger Pillion that goes on the rack without removing it. 52689-09
It's a long ride to work with more weight than I want to carry on my back.
Outstanding HDF Member
Joined: Mar 2008
Posts: 2,062
Likes: 2
From: Southwest OHIO
i know people have notched the sissy bar sideplates... its basically the same thing just the weight would be forcing the rack down, which is better than a sissy bar the weight is forcing it backwards, which isnt bad but not as good as down!!!
the rigid racks and side plates slip between the strut and fender, i think removing this time and time again and your bound to scratch the fender when sliding it out (ive been thinking of notching some sideplate to run a sissybar when need, have easy brackets and with the detachable hardware they are sticking out a good bit, dont know if i like that!)?!?!?! with the motherwell you just remove the 2 screws and pull it straigh up and off, no way its going to scratch you fender... unless you drop it or something.
the rigid racks and side plates slip between the strut and fender, i think removing this time and time again and your bound to scratch the fender when sliding it out (ive been thinking of notching some sideplate to run a sissybar when need, have easy brackets and with the detachable hardware they are sticking out a good bit, dont know if i like that!)?!?!?! with the motherwell you just remove the 2 screws and pull it straigh up and off, no way its going to scratch you fender... unless you drop it or something.
Last edited by shimmon; Apr 8, 2009 at 11:59 AM.
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Ultimate HDF Member
Joined: Oct 2007
Posts: 7,562
Likes: 11
From: Palm Harbor fl.
bikersfriend... they have a pad you can put on the fender, and the bag will attach without any need for a rack or sissybar. Also has a backrest for a more pleasant journey. Several sizes available. Check out all the options at www.bikersfriend.com
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