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I know that everybody hates them, but some folks need them. Is there any source for "decent" luggage rack choices for Commandos?



(This one took a hit a few months back and we need some new options.)

Raber's used to have some used racks. The style with the square tube grillage. I used to have one and it was very good.

I see the bike has a Virginia tag, so I assume you are located there. Why not edit your profile to included your domicile?

If you're going to use one of these either add a brace tube maybe to the Z-plates or don't put much weight on the rack. The rear frame tube the rack in the picture is attached to is prone to bending downward.

Why not edit your profile to included your domicile?

Oh, but a picture (& its hidden details) says a thousand words.....

I think Craven is/was the rack of choice for a Commando. Google brought me to a new web site under construction, it appears that someone has acquired Craven. Dunno if the Norton rack is still available.

Mine is home made welded steel (no pics available). Ugly but functional.

It's a pity that the factory didn't include a luggage rack as an accessory for the Interstate. Anyone wanting a touring bike would also want to carry luggage.

RGM Motors sell them.
http://www.rgmmotors.co.uk/



"050395 COMMANDO LUGGAGE RACK, BUTT JOINTED AND TIG WELDED FOR STRENGTH, SMALL AND NEAT WITH A GRAB HANDLE, EPOXY BLACK. FITS ROADSTER OR INTERSTATE COMPLETE WITH FASTENINGS. £150.00"
"Please Note: As from 1st January there will be a price increase on all products of 10% and the VAT will also be reverting back to 17.5%".

(Customers outside the EC are not charged VAT)

I can't find any info, but I think Bruce Chessel made some racks for the Commandos.

Jean

Ventura make luggage racks that are very convenient as those can be removed easily if not needed while hardly visible mounting brackets stay in place:

http://www.ventura-bike.com/default.aspx

The other day I was surprised that they even had the required parts for my Buell S1, so I bought it.
Unfortunately, the Commando is not on their "fitments" list, but it should be possible to make (or adapt existing) brackets I guess.
If anyone ever did this, I would appreciate it to see your reply.

if you use that rack from RGM make sure to make some sort of struts for it to support it to the exhaust-stays a la Craven
I broke a frame while touring when one of the stays came loose
BTW I have a rack and 2 Krausers of my Commando Very Cheap (like a bottle or two of some fine spirit they make in that big island called Great Britain Oops I mean Scotland ......

Here is a picture of my Craven rack that I fitted (I hope). Not stylish at all, but nevertheless harking back to the 1970s and so in keeping with the look of that era.

I have decided for now to leave it on as it comes in quite useful. I believe though that there is a shorter version in height than the one that I've got, which would be preferable as it drops the rack lower towards the frame loop. I have some support bars that I fit between the rearmost mounting on the rack and the pillion footrests if I am carrying anything with substantial weight.

LAB wrote

RGM Motors sell them.

I understand that these are not available any longer from RGM, but you would be wise to check if you fancied buying one as that may no longer be the case.

To me Bruce's stuff is miles ahead of the rest. Much cleaner and more compact.

norbsa48503 wrote:To me Bruce's stuff is miles ahead of the rest. Much cleaner and more compact.

Is there some sort of brace that I can't see?

Hi Guys:
Just came across this posting as I was looking for other info and thought I should clear a few things up.There is a corner brace tab welded in place in the lower corner if you look close to run a brace from,otherwise from the carrier itself were it has the rear loop. From there to the footrest works well if you want to overload the carrier.The frame on my bike in the picture is braced by the shocktower back and I don't overload the carrier or bags.Everything heavy goes on the seat.The bags are spaced off the carrier which puts them out of the route of chainoil so when I put them in my tent or motel room they are not oily.
I originally make things for my own commando such as the quick fill fork caps and carriers and as usual friends want a set and so on.I am not advertising on the forum,just makinga few points.Was tired of soft bags getting greasy ,no way of carrying anything on the taisection of a fastback and easily filling forks without dismantling instruments all the time.
There are lots of carrier options to suit everyones taste on the internet if you snoop around.
Bruce

Hi guys, and Debby, Your just one of the guys to me. Go to ironjohns.com Click first one on list then click NORTON. I want one to go with some nice leather bags I have. Phil

Hi Gang:
Know Iron john well.Makes a great product with lots of great details.Check him out.
Bruce