Monoshock rack on a dual shock bike?

[CaptainDistraction]

Hi Everyone,

I have a 1982 R65LS.  I have the opportunity to buy a new (to me) set of bags and rack for my bike (which is just what she needs).  The bags are the type I've seen on K bikes (newer look, big round lock cylinders). However, the rack and bags came from a later monoshock R65.  Barring R65LS v. R65 seat cowl issues, will this mounting rack work on my dual shock bike?  If not, has anyone made this type of bags work on their dual shock bike?  They are in very good condition, look very nice, and I would like to use them if I can.

Thanks for the help!

David

[Justin B.]

The later model monoshock "Z" bar mounts are considerably different than the mounts for dual shock bikes - the mono-shock bikes also have a longer wheelbase.  Also, since the System Cases are meant for a mono-shocker or K-bike I wonder if there would be shock clearance issues with the L/H bag.  I have a set of the later mounts stashed around here somewhere and if I can easily find them I will put them up next to an R65 to see how difficult it might be.

[CaptainDistraction]

Hi Justin,

Shock interference issues are something I didn't stop to think about even though the word "shock" appears several times in my post.  I also did not realize there was a wheelbase difference.  Thanks for the info and thanks so much for offering to check a z bar against your dual shock R65 if you are able to!

David

[Justin B.]

OK, David, I dug out the l/h z-bar rack and sort of held it up next to the '81 garage ornament and these are my assumptions:

1.  It looks like there is a hole that will pretty much line up with the shock bolt.
2.  It also looks like the hole for the long 6mm bolt at the back of the subframe falls pretty much in the right area.  THis is the one that ties both sides together at the back.
3.  It appears the front of the mount could be modified to attach somewhere on the ear the passenger peg bolts to.  It doesn't fall anywhere close to where it would bolt on a stock setup but I always say, "Where there's a will, there's a way" - provided you have a large hammer and a torch!  [smiley=mad.gif]

It looks like the bar will clear the shock and maybe the bag will clear.  You'll just have to latch bag and mount together, hold it where it should go, and see what it looks like.

It looked like you should be able to bolt up the rear two mounting points and then you can see where the front/lower one falls before you decide to start cutting and bending stuff.  You will not want to bend anything starting from where the bag latch is to the rear.  I would think minor tweaking before this point will be OK and it doesn't necessarily need to hook to the stock location.

Oh, my '81 has a mono-shock seat and tail cowl (which ain't supposed to fit) that fits just fine with a little "persuasion".  



Click on this one if you have a fast connection:

http://www.suraklyn.com/yabb/pictures/1981%20R100/repaint%20011.jpg

Have fun!