Do I need a luggage rack?

[Jackleg]

About to go on a short trip with the wife and needed more luggage space than the OEM leather bags would accommodate. I bought a Tourmaster large t-bag that straps to the sissy bar pad. I have the Corbin seat with the removable oval backrest that allows you to remove the OEM sissy bar mounting brackets. The Corbin backrest pad attaches to the seat with a square 5/8 inch aluminum rod. I do not have a luggage rack. The bag hangs a little lower than I would like when loaded but doesn't touch my brake light lens. I have never used a t-bag before and was wondering if it was a bad idea to use one without a luggage rack. I assume that the 5/8 square bar could easily hold the loaded weight (maybe 25 lbs). Obviously, a rack would eliminate any bag sag and it would be better to have one, but I thought I would ask for your opinions on running without the rack. Thanks in advance.

[Colin]

The bar should hold it BUT I wouldn't want to do it. The T bags are designed to support the weight on the rack and so the bottom of the bag may not be strong enough to do what you want.

Your choice but I wouldn't use it without a rack.

[Walküre]

When I got my bike, the previous owner had taken a 2500 mile trip, with a stock sissy bar, no luggage rack, with a t-bag. I could see a few scratches on the top of the tail light, where the bag had apparently rubbed a few times, but no other damage. I did put the bag on once, saw the sag, so went out and bought a stock luggage rack, since I have original seats.

As for the bottom of the bag - possibly something inserted to support it? The Tourmaster I have, seems plenty strong at the bottom, I wouldn't worry about doing it. Maybe yours is different?

R

[Jackleg]

One yay and one nay.......just my luck.

I forgot to mention in the original post that the Tourmaster bag is fairly rigid. The sides and bottom are reinforced with some sort of material that holds it shape. I was planning to put a short extension (maybe 4 inches) on the Corbin backrest post to get the bag up a few more inches in case it tries to settle while running down the road. The bag also has a neoprene cover on the bottom to keep from scratching the fender/tailtight. I do have a cruiser bar (not currently installed) that I could bolt up that would support one edge of the bag. I guess that is better than nothing at all.

Thanks again for the help.

[fudgie]

If you had a pic it might be better. I'd use a rack myself. You could make something to mount to the sissy bar if you cant get a rack in time. Or borrow one from a member......

[sandy]

Mount the bag loaded with weight. Ride around town a bit and check for sag and fender rubbing. For future trips, I'd put a luggage rack on a purchase list.

[vanagon40]

There is one for sale in the classifieds for $82 (shipped to your door).  I would buy the rack and not look back.  If nothing else, works to transport items too big to fit in the hard bags.

I would not be without my sissy bar rack, but I have a standard, not a tourer.

AND, I do not believe I understand your set-up, so I may be completely out in left field.

[Kingbee]

I mounted the bag so it rested on the pillion seat - problem solved!

[BamaDrifter64]

I mounted the bag so it rested on the pillion seat - problem solved!

I don't think his wife would appreciate holding on to or sitting on top of the T-bag....

Dave

[Kilroy]

Put on a rack and you will always have the capability to carry small items with or without the bag.  I think it is a good inverstment.

[john]

One yay and one nay.......just my luck.
" the differance between what goes and what stays behind "     
where did i see that ?     

[Jackleg]

Thanks for all the input guys. I normally ride solo (my wife coming along is rare) and like the look of a clean rear end (....sound of the door opening for comments) so I was trying to stay away from the rack which would require me to remove fender rails everytime I install/remove. I worked on a backrest extension this weekend and I think it will work. I was tapping the last bolt hole when the bit broke off. I will post pics once I get the set up complete.