Luggage racks for top of saddlebags?

[Joel The Biker]

Has anyone considered putting luggage racks on top of the saddlebag lids on the RT? I think it would be a great place for a roll bag. I never had any hinge problems like some. My lids seems strong enough to handle racks. I know nobody makes one, but there are probably other racks on the market that will fit.

[PW2013STL]

Go to Value Accessories as they have one for the top box. Maybe the one Harley Davidson sells would fit your saddle bag?

[Bob Denman]

How will you mount them? It would seem that there's no easy way to spread the load across both halves of the saddlebags: you wouldn't be able to open them!

[cptjam]

Those hinge mounts are weak and fragile. I would be afraid they would break.

[Joel The Biker]

How will you mount them? It would seem that there's no easy way to spread the load across both halves of the saddlebags: you wouldn't be able to open them!

Like this. Very simple to install. The lid comes off with a couple screws, leaving the innards intact.
luggagerack.jpg

[BLUEKNIGHT911]

Those hinge mounts are weak and fragile. I would be afraid they would break.

, since there have been quite a few Failures ( of the hinges ) under normal loads - I think adding more weight is not going to make this issue BETTER , you are quite handy make your own …..jmho ….good luck …...Mike

[JayBros]

I agree with Joe. If the hinges weren't the weak point Doc Humphries wouldn't sell replacements.

[UtahPete]

I agree with Joe. If the hinges weren't the weak point Doc Humphries wouldn't sell replacements.

Actually Doc's kit reinforces the hinge attachment points. The original hinge stays, as I understand it.

[Flamewinger]

I have the Rivco Trunk rack and it sits flat on top. I use an Eagle creek packaging cube bag as a trunk bag as I didn't want a tall one and all I carry in it is the bike cover. Hate putting a wet cover in the saddlebags. (The BB-8 swivels and is my co-pilot)

https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00F9S87NU...548740407&sr=1

TrunkRack1.jpg TrunkRack2.jpg

[jaherbst]

I would not do it Joel for all the reasons stated above. Way to many hinge failures without the added weight.

Jack

[Joel The Biker]

I already have the Rivco rack on the rear. Just looking for a use for my roll bags.
IMG_20190126_115126098.jpg

[starrider60]

I have the Rivco easy on-off rack. Carry my sleeping bag when I tent camp. No damage noted.

[UtahPete]

I already have the Rivco rack on the rear. Just looking for a use for my roll bags.
IMG_20190126_115126098.jpg

I'm sorry this is off-topic, but just wanted to ask why you would want to load up your bike that way. Didn't you build a trailer to pull behind your Spyder?

[Flamewinger]

The only way to load extra gear is between the seat and passenger handrails. The bag hinges are not the best and the latch can pop open if not latched right. If there was a rack that mounted to the top of the bag and allowed the door to open/close easily, might be an idea.

[Joel The Biker]

I'm sorry this is off-topic, but just wanted to ask why you would want to load up your bike that way. Didn't you build a trailer to pull behind your Spyder?

I sold the trailer. I might build another one someday. But I like to have lots of storage space. Also, just want to be different and have stuff nobody has seen. I am now exploring a way to attach a rack where the rear grab handles mount. I already have a bag that fits the rear passenger area. My 2 roll bags need a home.

[Boilermaker]

I sold the trailer. I might build another one someday. But I like to have lots of storage space. Also, just want to be different and have stuff nobody has seen. I am now exploring a way to attach a rack where the rear grab handles mount. I already have a bag that fits the rear passenger area. My 2 roll bags need a home.

I think this is potentially a great idea! You could get the structural integrity of the grab handle mounts and extend them over the saddle bags without actually depending on the saddle bags to support the weight. This could eliminate the need to use the passenger seat for storage when riding two-up also. I will be very interested in what you come up with.

[Bob Denman]

With a set of Doc's hinge reinforcements: it might just work out okay...

(Sorry Joel... I had wondered if your were going to try and cantilever it up and over the solidly mounted part of the bags... )