I don't know if the quality is inferior with these ebay sets. Also, I have saddlebags on the bike and not sure if changing the fender mount brackets for a new sissybar would affect the saddlebag mount/rails.
If there is no better alternative then I figure I'll have to bite the bullet at some point and buy the Show Chrome part.
I have the luggage rack you mention, mounted on my Suzuki OEM backrest (which appears to me, to be made by Jardine). It's not exactly a mirror finish and the welds are a little crude (the chrome is not too bad), but it is hidden under a bag all the time and does the job. It was cheap, but does not degrade the structural integrity of the backrest in any way. Got it on eBay for about $45. If your comfortable with the backrest you have, the rack is a serviceable addition. Fitment may be the only issue. It bolted up fine to the factory sissy bar after enlarging the holes a bit.
EDIT--I just checked the link you posted and realized it is for the entire backrest/rack assembly. Sorry, it's what I get for rushing. I was referring to only the rack. No opinion on the backrest, but would echo the others in terms of caution. Might want to take some measurements of your existing sissy bar and see if you can mount just the rack they make?
The thing about my current Show Chrome backrest is the tube and where it mounts is round/tubular. My worry was that the luggage rack would have to conform to the tubular shape for mounting. I'm not so sure that's the case anymore. The holes lining up is important and the Show Chrome luggage rack I linked to is made for my backrest.
My interest in the eBay backrest was the extra width of the padding which might be more comfortable for the wife.
Anyways, I think I'll just pay for the Show Chrome luggage rack add-on.
Make sure the mounting holes are the right distance.
Earlier years had 2-2 1/2" gap between holes, newer are 1" gap. Make sure it specificly states your year.
I just took a closer look. 1" gap between holes and the inside edge is flat. I wonder if that would allow other optional luggage rack adddons to be used that don't cost so much. I paid just as much for my class 3 trailer hitch as this tiny plate of metal.
Take some measurements inside,outside and between the bolt holes. Some of the sellers on eBay give pretty good dimension information on the Mutazu racks. Check out a few and see if you can get the info. My bike is at the cabin and I'm not, so I can't give you measurements from mine.
Some accessories are reasonably priced, some are just nuts.
That cost for the V-Star sissy bar, over-priced IMO. The V-Star 1300 is on my list of next bike upgrade, the Honda CTX 1300 is as well. The factory, painted luggage/trunk with passenger backrest for the Honda is under $400 at the stealership. That's reasonably priced. I'm going need to factor this in when considering bikes.
I can only imagine HD accessory prices. :surprise:
So I'll likely get the Show Chrome addon rack in the next month or so.
I dunno. Did I read that wrong? Didn't he say that one cost $180 and the other was $150? That's a difference of $30. Not a cost of $30. You and I both know he's no fool to value his wife at $30. I believe he's stating that for what he wants, even $150 is too much IF it can be purchased at a lower cost. Isn't that why we run to the Dollar Store, or the Dollar Tree or why we purchase the knock off Suzuki part, etc, etc?
So I'm still looking to swap out my current sissy bar for one with a luggage rack. Whatever setup I use I will remove the backrest section, leaving only the luggage rack to install a Mutazu trunk. I can't do that with my current Show Chrome setup.
I found 2 assemblies I could go with. They look very, very similar but are priced very much apart:
Any of you know if there is a difference in quality because I can't tell. I don't want junk so if the cheaper one is cheaper build then I'll stay away.
If someone has a setup with luggage rack that can have the backrest removed in good condition that might want to trade for my Show Chrome setup I might consider. It's pretty darn nice but wont fit for my needs unfortunately.
I know it's been a while since I last responded to this thread. Well I just happened to stumble upon an item which is exactly what I was looking for, a luggage rack minus the backrest. That way I can attach a trunk. What I don't like is that the seller clearly states that it is not a quality product, DAMN.
Honestly, I think I may just add the Show Chrome luggage rack to my present backrest and just throw a duffle bag or luggage on it. I'll save the trunk for the next bike. :grin2:
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