My ugly but functional DRZ tail rack

[OrangevaleFJR]

EDIT: Test rode it and I have scrapped the rack. It was dangerous in more than one way.

Yep, using spare shelving anchors, some hardware and later tonight welding, I made my own rack for my DRZ because the thing Suzuki sells is friggin useless unless you only want to bungy a box lunch to the bike.

$144.95 :blink:

Other options on the market are slightly bigger and very slightly cheaper and what the heck...I didn't feel like cleaning the house last night so I started cutting apart perfectly good shelving supports. :lol:

The thing is suprisingly rigid, and the welding tonight will be aimed at reinforcing weak areas, securing bolts in case locktite doesn't work and creating additional attachment points. I have a few design issues that I think could be addressed pretty easily, but as a 4 hour prototype from a computer geek, I was pretty happy with the result. Somehow it looks like something frabricated out of bathroom hardware from a cheap hotel, but heck. If it works it works...I could even paint it yellow and add blue pinstripes :lol:

One of the design issues is that the rack sits higher than the seat. I'm going to try fixing that tonight even though it is quite far back, it just seems like one more thing that could hurt me in a get off.

 

[odot]

That, dear watson, is what we in the airline industry call "farming 101".

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

That, dear watson, is what we in the airline industry call "farming 101".

I'm neither Watson, or in the airline industry. What does "farming 101" mean in this context?

 

[bandito]

I'm going to try fixing that tonight even though it is quite far back, it just seems like one more thing that could hurt me in a get off.

Ouch !! yea just thinking about a get-off hurts :blink:

 

[vectervp1]

I could even paint it yellow and add blue pinstripes :lol:

It would also add 10hp, and a minimum of 20ft/lbs torque.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Can you believe I bought that backpack 25 years ago? It still looks new!

 

[twowheelnut]

Wait a minute... You couldn't form a cohesive thought during our phone conversation while building that?

:lol:

Nice work, but do yourself a favor and get some pipe insulation (the rubber stuff) and pad those corners... I ain't stitchin' up no butts on this ride! mg:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

Wait a minute... You couldn't form a cohesive thought during our phone conversation while building that?

:lol:

Nice work, but do yourself a favor and get some pipe insulation (the rubber stuff) and pad those corners... I ain't stitchin' up no butts on this ride! mg:

Something about holding a drill and stuff makes me focus on the task at hand B)

EDIT: Test rode it and I have scrapped the rack. It was dangerous in more than one way.

 

[UberKul]

You get an "A" for effort Andrew, looks like a stunt bar. Keep in mind all those hard bits you bolt on are just waiting to swat you when you go down. That factory bar doesn't look so terrible, at least you can slide off it when things go bad. A few Rok Straps and a backpack will haul a long weekends worth of stuff and you will still be dirt-worthy! Bungies are you friend.

I do not have any rack at all on my bike.

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

the hard parts in bad places were the reason I failed the effort. I went and maneuvered around on the seat and had I done that going over a berm I would have had chucks of skin cut out of my thighs :lol:

 

[xcsp]

Just a suggestion-

If you still want to use a oem rack from Suzuki, check online for a better price, like here:

https://www.suzukipartsoutlet.com/eshopprod...ool_Box_Set.htm

$113

Then, if you need a larger area to strap down luggage or whatever, fab up a plate to mount to that rack.

I have the factory rack on my DR650 and have mounted a GIVI docking plate for a E30 case that I swap between the DR and my FJR.

 

[RenoJohn]

When it's all said and done, and you've exhausted your home-brew attemps, then discover that the OEM one is no good .....

You'll pull your wallet out and buy one of these.

*IF* you really want/need a rack, these guys do a great job, yes you'll pay for it, but the quality is good and the weight is low. You can check mine out this weekend.

Pro Moto Billet # PMB-01-4201

https://www.promotobillet.com/03technical/i...PMB-01-4201.pdf

If I remember right, about 160.oo. However, that is just the start, the real cost comes in the form of abuse when pro's like Uberkul tease you for having a rack and being a dirt pussy ....trust me, I catch that abuse all the time LOL LOL

 

[twowheelnut]

Just a suggestion-
If you still want to use a oem rack from Suzuki, check online for a better price, like here:

https://www.suzukipartsoutlet.com/eshopprod...ool_Box_Set.htm

$113

Then, if you need a larger area to strap down luggage or whatever, fab up a plate to mount to that rack.

I have the factory rack on my DR650 and have mounted a GIVI docking plate for a E30 case that I swap between the DR and my FJR.

Thanks for that link! Nice discount from list. Sweet! :good:

Actually, I found another source for racks:

 

[OrangevaleFJR]

I am a dirt pussy. I have to fall back on the comeback, "You are what you eat!"

So I eat dirt, and pussy. Better than some alternatives out there :lol:

This site has some nice stuff for the DS crowd too

https://happy-trail.com/category.aspx?categoryID=852

Cheaper and not as cool and billeted like the one you offered up...but I think they have the pannier kit that I'll end up getting.

 

[RenoJohn]

Actually, I found another source for racks:

I can undstand if you weren't looking at her face, but if you did, you would have seen the way she looks at me ....pretty obvious she digs renojohnLooks like I may have to replace my billet rack with her rack, and I'm looking forward to the get-off. Don't worry, I'll write up a farkle review for ya all

 

[evil_henchman]

I am a dirt pussy. I have to fall back on the comeback, "You are what you eat!"
So I eat dirt, and pussy. Better than some alternatives out there :lol:

This site has some nice stuff for the DS crowd too

https://happy-trail.com/category.aspx?categoryID=852

Cheaper and not as cool and billeted like the one you offered up...but I think they have the pannier kit that I'll end up getting.

I had every guard that happy trails made for my '02 KLR650 and I can say first hand that their stuff is top notch. I crash tested it hard and often. :good: