Solo Rack Adaptation

[chip]

After a long but successful search for a reasonable priced solo rack for my Valk ,and watching what others are paying for a rack, I decided to try to adapt a rack made for another model to the Valk. Here's what I've got so far. If this adaptation is successful, and not financially out of the average persons reach I hope to produce more. These brackets could end up on some of your fenders and maybe saddle bag lids, so I am open to input from any members that have thoughts on how to improve on my ideas. I am a machinist and work with this type of thing frequently. I have been home on medical leave for minor surgery on my arm, so I have not been able to get much done. The brackets I have made are made from a thin sheet metal allowing me to form them in my garage with simple tools. The finished brackets would be steel and at least as heavy as the original factory brackets. With a chrome finish.
 
The racks above are upside down to show the shape of the brackets, the rack on the right is the one I hope to adapt to my Valk. I tried to make the brackets lines flow better than the Show Chrome Rack on the left. Notice the racks on the lefts brackets are welded to the rack. The rack on the right brackets screw to the rack,this is what I hope allows me to adapt it to the Valk. The rack on the right is about 1 inch longer and about 1/2 inch wider than the one on the left. The next pics will show how the racks compare on the bike. The file fragments and finger prints sure show up in photos.
The pic above shows the fit of the Rack made for a Valk, it was on the left in the first pic. The next one will be of the rack made for another model, with my brackets.

The longer rack or the rack in the third pic is made for another model ,when mounted comes closer to the back of the seat and extends out and closer to the tail light. My front bracket is very similar to the factory bracket, but the rear bracket will have a little rise to it, so it clears the rubber on the tail light. The next pics should show that.

The above pic is the rack made for a Valk, the one below is the adapted rack with my brackets.

The biggest obstacle I see is catching a CNC machine empty at the end of a shift so my project does not interfere with my employers work. We are very busy at work which is a good thing. I believe that I like the looks of the adapted rack on my bike better that the original, the bracket lines are more pleasing to my eye as are the curves in the tubes. I also like the larger size. We shall see.

[Kaiser]

Very nice work!  And based on Willow's poll a few weeks back, you'll probably be able to sell quite a few of those if it all works out.

Just my .02 - can you take a pic of your rack flipped around the other way?  Again - this is just my opinion and I'm NOT trying to take away from what you've already done - but I think the rack's lines would flow better if the curves were on the seat side and not on the fender side.  I think the curves would fit the wide lines of the seat, then taper back to the narrow fender.

It'd look like this:

seat --->        |   |
                    /     \
                   |       |
                    \___/

rack --->        \    /
                      | |
                      | |

...instead of:

seat --->        |   |
                    /     \
                   |       |
                    \___/

rack --->         | |
                      | |
                     /   \

[John Schmidt]

I like it better than the original made for the Valk. You might consider cutting slots in the forward mount like the other one has. Other than that, I don't have any issues with it. You might give some thought to what was said in the above post re. reversing the direction of the sweep. How much trouble would it be to have the mounts interchangeable? That way the rider could install it in either direction.

Again...just my .02  Looks good to me though. 

[Brad]

That looks good so far, will be watching the progress.  Also some one has been snorting coke off your back fender   

[chip]

Yep ,I forgot to mention that the racks front bracket would be slotted, maybe not as much as the factory one. How's this for you inquiry about turning it around ?


Only one problem small one though,the radius of the bracket hits the back of the seat. The brackets could be adjusted for this.

[Kaiser]

That's what I'm talkin' about!  When do you think you will be ready to announce that they are for sale?  And how much $$$ do you estimate they will be?

[Pete]

Looking good, keep up the good work.
I am still a player.

It may pay to check it with different seats and perhaps drivers back rest, for clearance and fit.
And to slot the holes a little to allow some adjustment front to rear.

Thanks

[T-Bird]

Good work Chip. 
I just got a show chrome one, and I like yours better! 

[chip]

Its to early to know much. There is a couple of routes I could go. Just sell the brackets, with out the racks and let you guys purchase the rack. But the rack with all its original hardware plus shipping ,plus my brackets plus shipping = too much money. I can purchase them wholesale, sell them with the brackets. Probably would be a lot cheaper that way. But the more I purchase the bigger brake I get.= cheaper for you. Before I spend anything on a quantity purchase I would need a locked in count for the quantity. The purchase size gives me my actual cost. But if I had to guess we are still a month away from that point. I have to make mine and talk to a chrome shop. Look at material cost for the brackets etc. I'm going to guess maybe I could sell twenty five over this summer, a dozen may sell quickly. The other thirteen would be a financial strain until they were gone. But again its too early right now. Let me finish a set and we will go from there. And I agree about the slots for adjustability. I have the stock seat on the Standard,which is what I m using to model the solo rack, I do have a Mustang on the I/S but I would not be sure it would locate correct in the back or like a mustang would for a standard. I'll try it in a minute. This is the type of things I was hoping you guys would throw at me .Thanks.

[chip]

Brad, it wasn't me the bubbles and carbonation tickle my nose.

[G-Man]

Thank you for all your work, brother!   

I'm in!  Just let me know.

2 things:
- I could go for a set of unfinished brackets.  I have a fast Black Valk and have no problem just spraying them black.  This way, you are not responsible for the finish or quality of the chroming.

- Do you think the brackets and rack will work with a pilot's backrest that mounts to the front passenger seat mounts?  Of course it will need longer bolts, but will there be enough clearance, Clarence?

[BF]

Any plans to make a set of matching saddlebag lid racks?  btw.....I like your rack the original way you had it with the rounded portion with the flares/sweep thingys to the rear.   

[gwise]

That rack looks great to me. Either way it is positioned. Will you be able to mount with a Corbin seat?
Count me in if you think so. Thanks for your hard work on this project!!!!!
    Gregg 

[Bama Red]

Chip, that looks great! Count me in for a definite solo rack and two definite saddle bag racks, should you decide to do them, too. I'd much rather buy from a Valk owner and forum member.

Damn fine work!

[hotglue #43]

Great job Chip!!!!!!! I likes it!!!!!

[chip]

I go back to work after almost a month off between the holidays and my surgery. There I can play with some heavier materials. As far a what seats they will work with, I really dont know. I will try to add a bit more clearance behind the seat. I can then try it on some of the locals bikes who's owners have installed a few different seats. I'll keep you all updated

[tybme]

Nice work - and I would be interested.

[Big Rig]

Chip,

If you need some 3d models, let me know...I will be happy to make them for you, should be easier to program your cnc machine from this files.

Send me a PM if you are interested.

[G-Man]

Again, thank you, Chip!!!!