Back rest: easy separation from the rack ?

[Joesmoe]

I want to install a top box -- the Rocket Touring's biggest short coming in my book -- and need to have the rack without the back rest.

I see others say they have removed it, without further detail.

I'm hoping beyond hope, that back rest will come out with the removal of the four bolts (two on each post on my 2014 bike). Often overthinking these things, I'm concerned the four bolts only remove the rack, leaving the back rest in place -- I see the welding at the base of the backrest supports.

 

[Ygransom]

Those bolts only remove the back rest. I think all racks are quick release from the 4 bolts holding chrome fender rails.

 

[mport]

The bolts go through the luggage rack and thread into the backrest.
If you want to use the luggage rack without the backrest, you will have to use short bolts with nuts on the inside.

 

[Joesmoe]

Variation on a theme: I rode my bicycle to Lowes and purchased 8mm flat washers, lock washers, and 8x1.25 nuts.

This arrangement -- 2 flat washers, lock washer, and nut was used with the existing bolts.

I'll post photos later.

Thank you !

 

[jake shaw]

I made stainless plugs to replace the threaded backrest tubes. Sorry the picture isn't very clear.

 

[Bedifferent]

Variation on a theme: I rode my bicycle to Lowes and purchased 8mm flat washers, lock washers, and 8x1.25 nuts.

This arrangement -- 2 flat washers, lock washer, and nut was used with the existing bolts.

I'll post photos later.

Thank you !

So are the actual backrest posts threaded for the bolts or is the plate that is welded to the quick disconnect brackets threaded? The plate I am talking about is about 5/16" thick and sandwiched between the rack and the backrest tubes.

I also have thought about adding a removable trunk for trips, but if I buy something like a Givi they would open towards the backrest (unless I turn it around) and I am concerned about clearance. I also have a Tourmaster bag I attach to the backrest (it rests on the passenger seat) so I would like to keep the backrest in place if possible. Too bad the Givi's don't open to the side. The cost is not outrageous and they would work for a trip. I need a "not so big" trunk that opens to the side.

I made a this board that mounts/clamps on the underside to the existing rack and then I screw a mid size roll bag to the board so it can't be easily removed. The board extends the rack rearward to support and fit the bag. The board also has pieces that fit the openings in the rack so it doesn't shift around. It gives me some extra storage for jackets and such, and leaves clearance for still attaching the Tourmaster bag to the backrest. So far it has work well, but a hard trunk would be nice. I suppose I could do some mods to accommodate a truck or just make a new rack to properly mount a trunk. Overlook the electrical tape in the pictures as I don't want it to scratch my rack anywhere.

 

[Joesmoe]

Yes, the actual posts are heavy duty (were I any kind of a machinist I'd tell you the gauge of the metal) tubes that were obviously placed in a jig and drilled and threaded for the 8x1.25 bolts and the back rest was welded to those pieces, and the whole thing chromed.

Our fellow Captain @jake shaw is a machinist and was able to replicate the Triumph tubes and thread them, and cap them, for a professional look, while I had to settle for the kludge arrangement from the Lowes hardware bins.

You too do excellent work -- I continue to be amazed at the collective talents represented in this group!

Part of the challenge with keeping the rack without the back rest is they either intentionally made it narrow or, as I suspect, they used a rack off another, smaller bike. So there are a couple of special spacers you dare not misplace that are curved on one side to abut the vertical tube and flat on the other abutting the flat rail of the rack itself.

And yes, with the Givi (and most other boxes) one needs room in front of it for the top to open. I've had problems in the past where without thinking I set down my helmet, and walk to the back of the bike to open the top box, and it won't -- and I keep trying until I look up and . . . "Duh" . . . see the helmet there blocking the way.

One of the poor parts of the Givi setup is the hideously expensive and chintzy back pad they sell that is bolted to the rear of the top and replaces the back rest. The only saving grace is that my wife wears a jacket with a back plate and doesn't mind the smallish pads which might otherwise dig into the pillion's back.

For that reason, I much prefer the Harley trunk @jake shaw and others have installed. It looks more roomy by far, and far more comfortable for the pillion. We'll see. I notice @jake shaw didn't trust the rack fully and installed rear supports for the box. In my case, I have my fingers crossed the rack will hold.

 

[Bedifferent]

Yes, the actual posts are heavy duty (were I any kind of a machinist I'd tell you the gauge of the metal) tubes that were obviously placed in a jig and drilled and threaded for the 8x1.25 bolts and the back rest was welded to those pieces, and the whole thing chromed.

Our fellow Captain @jake shaw is a machinist and was able to replicate the Triumph tubes and thread them, and cap them, for a professional look, while I had to settle for the kludge arrangement from the Lowes hardware bins.

You too do excellent work -- I continue to be amazed at the collective talents represented in this group!

Part of the challenge with keeping the rack without the back rest is they either intentionally made it narrow or, as I suspect, they used a rack off another, smaller bike. So there are a couple of special spacers you dare not misplace that are curved on one side to abut the vertical tube and flat on the other abutting the flat rail of the rack itself.

And yes, with the Givi (and most other boxes) one needs room in front of it for the top to open. I've had problems in the past where without thinking I set down my helmet, and walk to the back of the bike to open the top box, and it won't -- and I keep trying until I look up and . . . "Duh" . . . see the helmet there blocking the way.

One of the poor parts of the Givi setup is the hideously expensive and chintzy back pad they sell that is bolted to the rear of the top and replaces the back rest. The only saving grace is that my wife wears a jacket with a back plate and doesn't mind the smallish pads which might otherwise dig into the pillion's back.

For that reason, I much prefer the Harley trunk @jake shaw and others have installed. It looks more roomy by far, and far more comfortable for the pillion. We'll see. I notice @jake shaw didn't trust the rack fully and installed rear supports for the box. In my case, I have my fingers crossed the rack will hold.

Thanks.....I did catch another post you made after I made mine and see you mounted the E55. I'll kick the idea around some more. I probably would make some tubes and tap them to replace the backrest posts. I may also consider some support posts as well but I don't plan on loading it down heavy. I mainly just want something for jackets and extra clothes. My first choice for clothing to take into a hotel is a carry bag I can fasten to my bike, perhaps even put it on my rider backrest and then anchor it. Do you have a couple pictures of your bike with the trunk on the bike?

 

[Joesmoe]

I'm working on photos -- since winter arrived I'm picky about when the Rocket goes outside, unless committed to a trip.

I'm like you -- like to carry a bag, and apparently plenty of other people do too -- I have sized liners for the both the box and the side saddles. So the bag is inside -- gets packed -- put on the bike -- is protected from the weather and prying eyes en route -- and quickly comes off the bike at destination.

 

[jake shaw]

For further information. i used 1" Diameter stainless, turned down to .865", leaving a .125" shoulder the full 1" dia. The holes are 2.2" centres tapped M8 x 1.25 as Joe states, to make the pins. Many types of material could be suitable , Aluminum or brass. I used extra supports to the saddle bag brace for two reasons, to stop the rack from sagging and because of the low carrying capacity Triumph recommends. I will remove one of the pins and photograph it later today.