Tubular Steel Rack That Fits 2014 Honda Valkyrie Sissy Bar

[Bill Havins]

In another thread I was asked for photos of my luggage rack and backrest (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,91738.0.html).  The backrest sissy bar is from a Honda Valkyrie Accessory Backrest (Part #: 08F70-MJR-670).  The pad in the photo is an early prototype I made.

The luggage rack is a Yamaha product designed for a 2009 Roadstar.  The Yamaha part number is STR-5VN51-31-00.   Note:  There are two versions of this rack – one has dimpled mounting holes – it won’t work with the Honda sissy bar.

As I indicated in the earlier thread, I want to transform my Valkyrie into a touring roadster along the lines of a 1956 Jaguar XK140.  Many of the roadsters of that era had tubular steel luggage racks that “flipped up” at the rear.  The Yamaha rack has that look.

The rack was not exactly what I wanted – the mounting tabs are too long, and the rack is just a little too narrow to complement the width of the rear fender on the Valkyrie.  But now that I have it installed I don’t know when I will get around to designing my own.  It’s really a nice rack.

Here are the photos:





It is necessary to bend the mounting tabs on the rack just a bit to match the angle of the flats machined into the uprights on the Honda sissy bar.  Once that is done the bolt holes on the rack align with the threaded holes on the sissy bar.  How lucky can a person get!  I chose to mount the rack using stainless steel Allen head bolts.



We used the rack on our first tour on the Valkyrie.  A Lowe’s tool bag (https://www.lowes.com/pd/AWP-Polyester-Zippered-Closed-Tool-Bag/50331641) was easy to bungee to the rack and gave us just enough room to pack those extra things we couldn’t get in our panniers.

Hope this gives you some ideas.

Bill

[_Sheffjs_]

The rack looks nice and a great fit all around.   

[Bobvalk]

Thanks Bill for the pics. Looks good. Wish there were more aftermarket options for our bike. Honda wants an arm and a leg for their rack and back rest.

[bscrive]

Bob,

Bill showed us that if we look around at other brands, there are options for us.  We just have to be a little inventive.  Personally, I love hunting for stuff that are not made for our bikes, but will work with them.  Most of the stuff on my bike is like that.  If I couldn't find something to fit direct then a little modification is in order. 

Great work Bill.   

[Verismo]

Agreed. Bill is killin' it. Two thumbs up!

[goldstar903]

Thanks Bill! Just grabbed the rack via Ebay.  cooldude

[tekonus]

Hey Bill, what windshield is that?

[Bill Havins]

Tekonus, that windshield is a Goldwing shield I modified (trimmed like crazy) to fit my Valkyrie.  It is mounted to the hardware for a Honda Touring Windshield.

All of my Honda windshield stuff is for sale in the classifieds (http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,96071.0.html).

The windshield(s) did not work the way I wanted (as you can see in this thread: http://www.valkyrieforum.com/bbs/index.php/topic,92859.0.html).

Welcome to the forum!

Bill

[Robert]

Nice addition Bill, a great job as usual 

 Bike looks great hard to keep black that scratch free, How many miles do you have on it now?

[Bill Havins]

Robert,

This is an old thread from December 2016.  And the "lack of scratches" is an old photographer's trick - shoot photos when there is no direct light (diffuse light only).  But, now that I think about it, the bike doesn't have many scratches....hmmm....wonder how that happened.

Miles?  Not broken in yet.  My part time gig, "The Fairing Saga," and family obligations have kept the bike in the garage way too much (my weekends are not my own).  But early tomorrow we're heading to a wildlife area north of here to check lake/pond levels "just for fun."  We'll try to get in several hundred miles before lunch.

Bill

[Robert]

Robert,

This is an old thread from December 2016.  And the "lack of scratches" is an old photographer's trick - shoot photos when there is no direct light (diffuse light only).  But, now that I think about it, the bike doesn't have many scratches....hmmm....wonder how that happened.

Miles?  Not broken in yet.  My part time gig, "The Fairing Saga," and family obligations have kept the bike in the garage way too much (my weekends are not my own).  But early tomorrow we're heading to a wildlife area north of here to check lake/pond levels "just for fun."  We'll try to get in several hundred miles before lunch.

Bill

Seems I know a Jaguar that has a similar finish  Sometimes it does not take miles especially with black, and after looking at Rolls and Bentley finishes for so many years you know the tricks of the trade. Some finishers dont really appreciate my talent,  .

You may not get this till you come back but I hope you enjoy your trip since, life can get kind of demanding. Clearing the air on a ride seems to be what biking is about. Seems I am doing alot of air clearing at 22k,  ??? I wonder what that says about my life 

[tazzzed]

i picked one up off of amazon... any idea what size allen head bolts you used???
thanks

[Bill Havins]

M8 X 20, stainless steel (I believe the bolts are a 316 stainless - more corrosion resistant).  I also used a SS washer under the bolt head to limit damage to the chrome.

Bill

[tazzzed]

many thanks saves a bunch of time at home depot going back and forth....
I picked up an open box rack off amazon for $55 bucks us.   thanks again for the heads up.