I have been looking at racks to fit to my K7 but they all seem to fit onto the grab rail holes, is this really strong enough to take the weight of a full top box (fixing bolts seem too close together for max strength), or it there another way they fit?
mate, i use ventura rack n bag. would never be without it. brackets fit down each side. naked, just rack or rack n bag. can change in 5 minutes. fits all our stuff for a weekend. can hold a case of beer. very important. can even get another to zip together. perfect quality, good zips. not sure if avail. in uk. totally recommended. https://www.bikebiz.com.au/ventura-aero-spada-touring-pack?gclid=EAIaIQobChMI7ab3-bre1wIVTyQrCh1nUQNzEAYYASABEgLe_PD_BwE
Quote from: mjgt on Monday, 27 November 2017, 07:16 PM
I have been looking at racks to fit to my K7 but they all seem to fit onto the grab rail holes, is this really strong enough to take the weight of a full top box (fixing bolts seem too close together for max strength), or it there another way they fit?
It sounds like you're talking about the Renntec sports rack, I always used one of these on my 14 but they are only meant for fairly light loads. I did use mine to either carry tent and sleeping bags or a bag of clothing but I don't think they'd hold up to a big topbox full of stuff for long, although the grabrail mounts are welded to the frame I reckon something would give sooner or later. For a topbox I think most people use the Givi system.
should be ok for a 45ish ltr topbox as long as its not heavily loaded but best is givi or similar they mount more strongly tho still use grab handles as part of the mountings .
Givi stuff only has a couple of blobs of brazing holding it together, at least it didn't look like real weld when my first one failed.
I've never had a problem using the givi frame and rack but my b/w k6 did bend the frame on the bike tho I'm not sure if it was being over loaded with luggage or the way i tied it down on ferry trips (looking from the back right side was 12mm down and left was 8mm down(left side is stronger on a 14 frame than the right side)).
you can get a 45ltr (givi copy) topbox and plate to fit a rentec rack for £28 only e(vil)bay in the uk
:cheers:
I snapped my first givi rack due to rust & having the top half of my Bonnie's engine in it. It snapped at the mounts to the grabrail, hence I found out the joint isn't fully welded.
Have had to weld up my Givi topbox frame. It does get a hard time so no complaints. Just need to be aware and keep an eye on it.
Thanks, I am thinking of getting the shad system for my Beemer and was considering buying the shad rack for the 14 so I can use the top box but it only looks like it bolts to the grab handle bolts (in their very generic picture). I think the givi system is very ugly with large steel girders runing everywhere so unless they give it to me I wont be going that route.