G/S seat on a dual-shock subframe

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Well, it is almost time to order my new seat from S. Meyer.

I REALLY want to get one of the solo seats with the luggage rack, but this is specified for R65, R80G/S, ST; which are all mono-shock.
S. Meyer's description says "new solo seat with rear rack for R65, 80G/S, ST models from 1980-1985, Replica", but in communication with them, they told me "sorry, this seat fits R65 G/S or R80 G/S, but not your R65 model from 1979!"

A few pics:  




A '81-'84 R65 subframe (what I have, now, on the bike)


A G/S subframe:


Does anyone here have a G/S with this seat/rack combination?  Pictures would be great.
I was thinking that the two mounting tabs on the rear of the rack were going to match up with the two rear-most tabs on the standard subframe.  Looking at the G/S subframe, those tabs may be higher.
I may be spending $300 for a big mess.

My alternative is to get a '81-'84 bench seat.  The glovebox in the rear is WAY more useful than that on the '78-'80.

Thanks!

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

When I am done, I hope to combine the elements of the solo seat and rack, with the BMW bags loops and tail rack.

Good-bye Reynolds, after all these years...



click for larger image


P.S. NO, I am NOT bidding on the luggage parts on e-Bay that the photo came from.

[nhmaf]

I am wondering if the issue with fitting the seat is related to the width of the seat matching the subframe width...
The monoshock bikes had a different top rail-to-rail width, I believe, than the dual shock bikes.   Perhaps someone
like Justin with his stable full of various vintages could chime in on this one.

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

I think the rear-most seat supports contact the rearward tabs on the rack.

How the rack and the subframe will come together will be a challenge.  It will be tough taking a cutting wheel to a brand new part!

Luckily I have a up & coming fabricator of a nephew.  He does crazy stuff like making rag-tops out of hard-top vintage Mustangs!  Mitch is not easily intimidated.  

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

It has begun...



klik for more

[NC Steve]

It has begun...



klik for more

Cool! Looks to be complete: is it??

Myself, I'd spring for a spare cheapo ebay rear fender to preserve/protect the original factory stickers, but that's just me...

Congrats, finally,  I know this is something you've wanted to try for quite a while.
Full rider report expected soon!  [smiley=thumbsup.gif]

[nhmaf]

Well, you now have a very good excuse now for not picking up hitch-hikers - hopefully you don't come across one that
you wouldn't mind giving a ride !
 

Please give us a ride report and what you plan to do with your expanded cargo capacity - more camping equipment, or, I bet
that one of those small Heineken party kegs would fit back there just perfectly !
 

[NC Steve]

...I bet that one of those small Heineken party kegs would fit back there just perfectly !
 

Hells yeah, yo, partay likes it's 1999!  [smiley=beer.gif] [smiley=beerchug.gif] [smiley=thud.gif]

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

This is a very preliminary test fit.  It will require me learning to weld (my nephew has a small welder), and to figure out how to fabricate some of the tab/mounts that the rack will bolt to.  I plan to leave the rack as is (as much as possible), and weld tabs to the subframe to meet those already on the rack.  As you can see, the subframe is overdue for a paint job, anyway.

The seat is a little different.  Apparently, the way this works from the factory, is, the seat fastens to the rack (with the included allen screws).  Then the front of the seat is held in place with a large "tongue" that goes up in the main frame backbone tube.  The rear of the seat/rack assembly is held in place with a latch/lock at the rear of the G/S subframe.  To remove the seat, one has to remove the rack, as well.  I don't really want to go this route.

I am thinking about using the tongue into the backbone in concert with a latch post taken off of a standard seat, and put on my new solo seat.  This will allow me to remove the seat without disturbing the rack (and load), and I will still be able to use the seat lock.
The right side of the seat would just be hanging in the wind, so to speak.
I might also be able to chop up a tool box to fit in the space not used by the seat tongue.

I do not know of this hinekin bear of which you speak.
I see Pepsi Cube(s) tied down on it.  

[Justin B.]

On an R100 the lengths and widths are the same (or close enough) and only slight fabrication is involved...

[Rob Valdez 79 R65]

Moving along.  Got the fabrication and welding done today.  I ended up cutting up the rack pretty good.  No turning back.

The fellow I hired to do the work, (the owner of this company) (with my help & guidance) asked me if I knew the difference between inspiration and commitment.  I told him no.  He told me to think of bacon and eggs.  The chickens are inspired, but the pigs are committed...

Click on the picture for more.



Paint comes next.