So, after picking up the zx-14 in November, I’ve been in the process of setting it up for some sport-touring in order to replace the FJR. It came with heli risers and so far that’s all I’m going to need ergo-wise. That made the first order of business to add a cigarette outlet to power my garmin, phone charger, etc. I use this to plug in the battery tender as well. I made a bracket that utilizes the same bolt that attaches the brake reservoir to mount the plug. Next was installing the nuvi mount using the steering stem hole and ideas from the forum.

Luggage was next on the list. I had planned on using some FirstGear soft luggage in almost new condition I had from a previous bike. Then I heard the problems people had breaking the rear fairing mounts by letting side bags rest up against them. I love the givi hard case set up but did not want to fork out the $800 and let the soft luggage go to waste. After seeing pictures of some homemade standoffs, I decided to make some of my own. After a couple days of head scratching, bending and welding and about $30 in material I came up with these standoffs and thought I would post in case anyone else could find useful.

Started with side arms that bolt into the mount above the exhaust hanger that accepts a 10MM bolt:

I then installed a center bracket above the license plate that ties the two reflector arms together. That allows the side arms to be tied in to the center bracket for lateral support. The center bracket can stay even all the time, even with rack removed:

I added another support that comes off the exhaust hanger bolt. This takes most of the vertical load and keeps it off the rear bracket and fender.

Added some L brackets to support the luggage:

And a couple shots with the bags on:

A little more welding, grinding and a coat of plasti-dip will wrap it up. Each side attaches with three bolts and takes a couple minute to install or remove once you get to your destination. It can also be removed completely with no signs it was ever there. Best thing is no chance of damaging your body work, having to adjust velcro straps or worry about you bags shifting while riding. A little wider than I had planned but it'll do until I decide if I want to upgrade to the hardcases.

Add a tank bag and this is more than enough room for me for a week or so.

Looks good, Will. Now we need to get rid of this damn snow and take it for a test run.

Yeah Dan. With the weather we're having looks like I'll have plenty of time to finish up. This is the only time of year I can get stuff like this done.

Thanks for the comments Erik. I used to have an orange tractor for years and loved that thing. Couldn't pass on the deal I got on the JD though.

Looks like a good solution. Nice work !
Since we're talking homebuilt pannier racks ... here's mine. My objective is to add to this thread, not hijack it.

I too was planning to add soft panniers, and like you was concerned about them damaging the wide plastic tail. I decided to go ahead and make hard pannier racks instead since I already had an old set of Givi E21 top loaders. The Givi's cost about $170US new so they aren't much more expensive than a good set of soft bags while offering all the benefits of hard bags.

Givi E21 top loaders plus tank and tail bags.

My larger Givi E360 / E460's work also, but I prefer the size, price, and utility of the smaller top loading E21's.

The narrow Givi's are the same width overall as the mirrors.

6061-T6 aluminum tubing and 1/2" HDPE plastic adapter plates make for a lightweight but strong pannier rack.
The one-piece rack connects with 4 bolts to the passenger foot peg bracket(pegs removed) and the grab handle.
Attachment and removal take less than 2 minutes. The paint used is Krylon Fusion. Tom

Update ... Added a Givi adapter plate / top rack.

Givi E360 (40 litre) top box

* Last updated by: Werks on 1/23/2013 @ 8:47 AM *

Nice work, Werks! Very versatile, also. Seeing those bags by themselves, I never would have thought they could look that good mounted, but GIVI quality is unmatched.

Werks, that is very slick. I was going to use aluminum but I don't have the setup for welding on it and did not want to have to take it to a shop. Kept bolts to a minimum as they can work loose over time.

BTW, I assume the plates came from Givi?

Great ideas you guys. I'm gonna steal them for my soft luggage which is rubbing the paint right now.

Mad

Thanks everyone for your comments.

BTW, I assume the plates came from Givi?

No, the plates are homebuilt using 1/2" HDPE plastic. It cuts easily with a jigsaw and is very durable.
The "for givi" hardware is an SW-Motech parts kit sold by Twisted Throttle for about $20.00.

Here's an earlier HDPE adapter plate on my Aprilia during construction. The zip ties on the Givi top plate / rack are temporary and get replaced with machine screws / lock nuts.

Same pannier rack / top rack before painting ...

The top rack setup above was replaced with one that's independent of the pannier racks for stand alone use.

Bestem plate / top rack. By resting on the pillion, load capacity is greatly increased vs overhanging SW-Motech top racks.

E360 top box, E21 panniers, MSR snowshoes (optional)

* Last updated by: Werks on 1/16/2013 @ 11:29 PM *

Hi Builderwill,

you did a great job!

I am one of those who used soft bags until the side fairing crecked and I believe your
project is just great!

I am going to build a metal support like yours for my bags, I already bought the metal stripes but don't
know yet how to bend them to make the needed L brackets; may I ask you how did you bend the metal so good as
I see in your pics?

Thanks and have a great day!
Marco

Will hasn't been around for a while. Last time we spoke, he was working in Mexico City on a new brewery. That being said, I think he used a bench vise and a rubber mallet to make the bends.

Hi Danno,

thanks for the info!

I'll try the vise and mallet solution since I don't feel like buying a metal bender to be used
just for this work.

Thanks and have a great day!
Marco

Some 'soft' jaws for the vise made of aluminum sheet will help keep the marks to a minimum.