T/GT500 rack

[rbond]

My luggage rack has broke again at the welds. Does anyone have a rack? I can't get a Johnakay rack right now, maybe later this year, so just about anything will work for now. Thanks, Robert

[johnakay]

My luggage rack has broke again at the welds. Does anyone have a rack? I can't get a Johnakay rack right now, maybe later this year, so just about anything will work for now. Thanks, Robert

if you can post a couple of pictures of the broken weld and the rack,
I might be able to tell you why it broke again.
if it has already broken before then it seems to me you have not got enough support to take what ever weight your carrying. john

[rbond]

I believe it will be necessary to run some supports from the license plate bolts up to the rack. Most of the weight is concentrated on two 'L' shaped tabs that bolt to the turn signal mounts. I had to move the lights to a hole further toward the front as part of the rack blocks a straight line to the original bolt holes. The tabs are rather thin and are cracking again, the main oval shaped tubing just forward of the tabs broke once already. I put some flat steel inside and drilled through all and bolted that together. Right now that is all that is holding it from pivoting down or completely breaking the tabs. The 'fix' I mentioned is only temporary until I can afford another rack. Hopefully in about two weeks.

[wvc]

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/75-76-Su ... 500wt_1182" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Here's one on ebay right now. It has one of those hideous 1970's tall backrest's but that might be removeable, or the ol' lady may even like it.

[parksie]

That one still lacks support. I have had two racks now snap off just aft of the last mounting bolt. They need support if they are to be of any use as a luggage rack. I think I saw one made by John (posted on this forum I Think) with a support bracket all the way back to the last mounting bolt. John may be able to elaborate on this.

[rbond]

I am not sure, but the rack shown with the very tall backrest, appears to have two legs going down towards the license plate mount. I have bought a NOS aftermarket rack on e-bay that looks very stout, but, if it seems to need it, I will put some brackets too going to the license plate mount as well. I really don't want to, as it would seem to negate the rubber mounts for the tail light assembly.

[H2RICK]

I really don't want to, as it would seem to negate the rubber mounts for the tail light assembly.

If you are considering putting some straps to the licence plate mounts I would strongly recommend AGAINST that. Such a setup is notorious for:
AA) ripping the plate mounting "ears" off the bracket, and/or
BB) causing cracks in the rear fender where it mounts to the frame, and/or
CC) pushing the taillight bracket so hard that it indents the fender

Now, such damage may take more than a couple of weeks to happen but why tempt fate ??
ANY rack or sissy bar that uses the taillight bracket as part of the mount (and there are a LOT like that for sale on feebay) is very poorly designed and is made from very low-rent material. Stay away from that kind of setup if you value your rear fender and taillight.
My .02 worth....

[johnakay]

I don't know Bondy lad what do we need to do to convince you?.
what was wrong with this one that I sent you.
OK its not pretty but it will do you for now and its cheap as chips.
just cut that so called grab/rest bit off and plug the hole.
http://cgi.ebay.ca/1972-suzuki-t500-t-5 ... 3a6266bf6a" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

now you know as well as I do.
I know what will and what won't carry this or that.
as Rick has said using the rear fend as a support is a no no
trying to save a dollar or two will end in tears believe me.
since 2003 I have been on numerous forums checking and looking for info's yes your right racks ,what breaks and what doesn't.
just take a look at Suzuki grab rails for instance,
looking from the side you will never see the g/rail bent dead on 90%.
the reason is if it was and a rack was attach to it it will easily bend down.
but if you bend it say 110% then it will be extremely to bend down.
add a support then this will not bend no matter what.
and I have proof of this to confirm my theory.
Eric(Zooke) gave me his,and it was bent at the rear mount!(not in the bends).
so be wise my friend buy a decent rack to start with instead of trying to save a Dollar.not necessary mine!
as it happens I've just made a couple new type and T20 racks this pass couple of days, once they are chromed I will post up in the service section. john

[rbond]

Got the NOS rack in and mounted it last night. What a PAIN! This was an accessory meant for a T500 ONLY, no GT500's. The platform is, on a T500, very close to the seat. On a GT500 it is pushing into the seat, just a little. Enough to make re-mounting the seat very hard to get to slide back enough for the front mount, then getting the rear mounts to line back up was a nightmare too. I will have to move further back the mounting plate for my trunk, as it too close. Swing a leg over the seat now means bumping the trunk a lot. I will have to get use to it for a while until something better comes along. This one IS well built at least.

[johnakay]