stock luggage rack - now I know it's plastic

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CODan

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without mounting a topbox or other luggage rack such as Garauld rack?

If not, doesn't it make you wonder what the hell Yamaha was thinking?

 
without mounting a topbox or other luggage rack such as Garauld rack?
If not, doesn't it make you wonder what the hell Yamaha was thinking?
Haven't had a problem with mine. Top box has been mounted for 6,000 miles.

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It's plastic, but it's tough. I used mine regularly before I killed the bike. I have tied a heap of shit to that thing.

 
I crashed and mine slammed into the concrete. It bent to the whole rear subframe. So, if the subframe bent before the plastic rack broke, I'm betting it is pretty strong.

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It's plastic, but it is very strong. Unfortunately, because of its shape, it is almost useless. Bungee hooks don't seem to fit around it, it isn[t flat, and it is too small. I think it is just for looks.

I welded up a custom rack that is wide, flat, and easy to hook things onto. I only put it on when I am going on a long trip; it is quite ugly, but works well.

I have seen offers for custom racks that actually look good, but they are in the $150 range. I spent about $5 on steel.

 
I've bungied stuff (tires, North Face pack) to it. Others use more civilized methods for sure...

It also is a primo holder for Garauld's removeable backrest when that is needed.

Have bungie...will travel. Don't leave home without 'em. ;)

 
So now you know it is plastic, you posted a new thread?

My understanding is that the bike does not come with a "luggage rack" but a "rack area"..thus meaning a place to put one.

Why would you want to tie crap to a painted surface on your bike anyway? It is not a "rack" ..those you have to buy...........

KM

 
without mounting a topbox or other luggage rack such as Garauld rack?
If not, doesn't it make you wonder what the hell Yamaha was thinking?
It's not actually even called a rack in the parts manual, but is listed as "Handle, Seat". I think the main intent was to provide passenger grab handles and the little rack looking area behind was more of an afterthought. But it works ok for lashing soft and/or light items to.

Mine is sitting on a shelf having been replaced with a GIVI tubular steel rack that accepts a trunk. Far more useful than any rack IMO

 
It's not the greatest rack in the world, but at least its standard, reasonably rugged, and has secure mounting points. When I'm doing a camping tour, my tent, sleeping bag, pad, and kermit chair live happily on the rack for a couple weeks at a time and I've never had the slightest problem with stability or load-carrying capability. Rok-Straps are the key to getting a good secure load, not a huge rack.

- Mark

 
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