I used a V-strom 650 rack so it has built in handholds for my kids to hang onto. Also a good mount for a backrest and or topcase.

Very nice. The rack has good lines and fits the shape of the 14.

Who makes the rack.

It's a modified Suzuki V-strom 650 Carrier.


I'm waiting on the arrival of new Flathead top screws,
Top plate, Topcase. and C-14 seat to finish the project
I will post pics when done.

* Last updated by: ezx1408 on 10/1/2010 @ 6:03 AM *

I looked on Google and did not see any V-strom 650's with a top rack carrier, unless it was aftermarket like SW-MOTECH or GIVI.

Might need something like that too!My GF is scratching the fairings up on mine trying to find a handhold.

All the Vstrom 650s come with them stock. Look at the rear section of the bike
http://www.suzukicycles.com/en/Product%20Lines/Cycles/Products/V-Strom%20650/2008/DL650.aspx

* Last updated by: ezx1408 on 10/2/2010 @ 8:55 PM *

How you mounting it under the seat?I got a SW Motech rear rack for a Givi topcase and I think that's where I'll mount the back of the rack.

I think the SW Motech rack mounts only to the cast section of the subframe. That is where the European handgrab connects. I wanted mine to not only attach there but on a forward location as well for added torsional strength.

So you don't have any mount points on the subframe yet for the forward parts?

Yes, I thought I made that clear. That is the difference between mine and the SW-M. I will post pics to clarify shortly. I did not drill through the subframe in the front but fabricated clamps. The rear actually srews into existing threaded holes. I went with the top holes instead of the grabhandle mounting points but it is hard mounted to the cast section non-the-less.

5th picture down show hex-head screws that will be replaced with flat heads tomorrow when they arrive.
I have a C-14 seat coming as well as a topcase to mount. I went with the Twisted Throttle 46 liter with remote unlock and alarm.
ezx1408

Do you think you'll have to notch your seat some for the brackets?And do you think the handlebars might be strong enough without the front mount?Thanks.

ezx1408 wrote:

I think the SW Motech rack mounts only to the cast section of the subframe. That is where the European handgrab connects. I wanted mine to not only attach there but on a forward location as well for added torsional strength.

Having done thousands of miles with a fully loaded Givi E52 top case on a quick release plate on a SW-MOTECH rack, I can say unequivocally it is solid, and the loaded E52 doesn't move, vibrate, or do anything but go along for the ride.

Yours will ride a little higher because your rack is higher than the SW-MOTECH, but that shouldn't be a problem.

Also, mine has the light upgrade upgrade (yes, the upgrade was upgraded) and while the quick release plate has to be plugged into a socket I put on the tail piece, the case can be removed by simply pushing a button and lifting it off.

Ninjamaster,
The fronts [b]are[/b mounted and the primary reason for the V-strom rack was for handholds for my passangers under such tremendous thrust. The seat is only notched a eigth of an inch in front of the rubber blocks. You cannot see it from the outside. A plus is the ability to mount a removable topcase and just strap on a duffle bag in front of the trunk.
Privateer,
Looks like you have a really nice sports tourer. I just went a different route.
Ezx1408

* Last updated by: ezx1408 on 10/4/2010 @ 5:48 AM *

That's a fantastic result! Looks very nice.

The only small detail negative for mine is the way the forward mounting tabs protrude beyond the grab rails. Is that for some other mounting (like panniers) or a left over of the suzuki bracket?

Still a creative solution, well done.

Russty

I intentionally left those long for tying off bags. I figure if I didn't like them I can very easily cut them off flush with the grabhandle. It's easier to cut off then to add metal.

ez1408

Nice work on the rack, I like your write-up.

Any interest in selling me one of those, ready to bolt on?

Let me know zxrider11@gmail.com

* Last updated by: zxrider11 on 10/7/2010 @ 12:05 PM *

If anybody is looking for racks there on ebay for $50 shipped!!!!Got one coming

Ninjamaster,
Thanks for the tip. I just picked up a new Black one for $58.95 shipped. They have two more new black ones available. Just Ebay "V-Strom rack"

My Coocase arrived last night. Has an alarm and brake lights and the gloss silver is even metal flake and is not to bad a match.

Will post pic. My big decision now is whether to mount it farther back for pillion comfort or up front more so as to not stick out so far back. That would be fine for one up ride but require a nut a bolt reposition for passengers. I will be thinking on a possible dual position setup.
EZX

How do most of you secure your load to the rack or the back of the bike in general?

About 2 years ago I was at the Long Beach Motorcycle Show and I found a strap system that works really, really great! S2Straps.com Check them out! I bought the double set for my bike and the wife's bike. I use them almost every day to hold down my gear when I commute to work and back. Nothing has ever fallen off and I have not lost anything due to this strap system. When I don't use the starps I tuck them under my seat and you can't see them. The wife and I like them a lot. Before I was using the "net" and it was not very secure and I always worried that I would loss something, not anymore! The best $40 per set I spent!

* Last updated by: ezx1408 on 10/9/2010 @ 1:23 PM *

Rack and box look great.

PM sent about the slip ons