What gear rack should I get?

[redbeard]

I'll be getting my bike in a couple of days, and like all the motorcycles I've ever had, I will be riding all the time. To work, for pleasure, short jaunts, and longer runs. I will need a rack right away for my lunch cooler that I take to work everyday. I also want to be able to attach bags to the rack for longer trips. For those of you who don't already know, the cycle is a 05 B12. About the only rack I have heard anything about is the givi. What are you guys using, and what do you recommend?.

[txbanditrydr]

You might check out the Product Review thread on this subjuct...

http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=346

FWIW... I recently purchased the Rentec Rack and Expandable Tailpack for my '05 and love it.  I had a couple of minor issues with installation and such but it really works well.  Note there is a 5-1/2 pound load limit per the instructions.  If you plan on hauling heavy gear it may not be for you.

Good looking too!!!!



Installation issues....   sent this to supplier via email and got no response - YMMV

[terrebandit]

You might want to check this out.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ebaymotors/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=84147&item=4546956266&rd=1

[Red01]

Racks that mount only to the two fasteners on each side of a 2G's grab rail will be limited to ~5 lbs. If you carry more, you run the risk of breaking the structure on the tail frame. Racks that mount on the grab rail and forward bungee point can carry heavier loads.

I use the Ventura system of racks and packs for duties too great for my tail bag. The Ventura setup is one of the racks that mounts on the grab rail and forward bungee spool point. I can't say enough good things about how versatile it is - and how quickly it can interchange between racks, or be completely removed if you choose.

Here is my bike with the 45L pack mounted to the Ventura pack rack:
(The rack can carry up to two of any of their packs.)

[terrebandit]

I checked out Jays rack and it looks great.  It also appears to be very solid and well made.

I went with a GIVI rack myself and I can load this beast up!  

http://groups.msn.com/DavesBanditHomePage/rearrack.msnw?action=ShowPhoto&PhotoID=142

Dave

[DaveG]

go to holeshot.com

i have their rack and backrest and like it just fine
they have bags and brackets too

[Red01]

Only problem is the Holeshot rack only mounts to the grabrail mounts - and that part of the bike's frame isn't strong enough by itself to withstand much of a load, whereas the Givi and Ventura racks have forward mounts that pick up a stronger section of the frame (where the forward bungee spools are).

[Bazza]

Paul is correct. I did witness the damage that a Krauser rack did to a friends B-12. Cracked part of the frame and tail of the bike. The Krauser rack is supported the same way.

I would not buy anything now that did not hook up to the larger bungy cord bolts on the meaty part of the frame.

[Snubnose]

Paul is correct. I did witness the damage that a Krauser rack did to a friends B-12. Cracked part of the frame and tail of the bike. The Krauser rack is supported the same way.

I would not buy anything now that did not hook up to the larger bungy cord bolts on the meaty part of the frame.

that would be me!! check it out.
http://forums.banditalley.net/viewtopic.php?t=772

[smooth operator]

There is a lister on the Bandits RUS list selling his 97. He is selling his Givi luggage with mounting,hardware seperate. He is asking $350. Does'nt sound that cheap,but he said its a bit more for new.

[smooth operator]

might not fit the 2nd gen. though. I'm not sure,but I'm guessing there different

[Red01]

Yup, the bracketry is different!