KZ1100 luggage rack

When I bought the bike last summer I inherited a luggage rack, but I never tried to install it until this evening, as I'm planning a trip next week. It fits, but the seat won't open when the rack is installed. Argh! A picture is attached, with the offending section highlighted. Rack is not currently mounted, I just laid it on there to illustrate the problem.

I can use the rack as is, but it would be very inconvenient to have to unbolt it every time I needed to open the seat. I could also go with just a tank bag, backpack, and cargo net. But a well-fitting rack will make the trip so much more pleasant.

I've checked ebay and have a search set up to email me daily, though it's doubtful there would be enough time to win an auction and get it shipped here before I leave. I've checked the web sites of all the places listed in the Vendors page. I've got an email in to Z1. Google is no help.

Any other suggestions? Anyone have a luggage rack they want to sell/trade? It would need to be here by Wed Mar 19.

Thanks.....

PITA but it's really not likely that you'll have to lift the seat.

Go For It!

But take some tools.

KZCSI

KZCSI wrote:

PITA but it's really not likely that you'll have to lift the seat.
Go For It!
But take some tools.

I suppose I'll try to find some wing nuts to use at the grab-bar attachment points; then I won't need tools.

I have a similar problem with my rack/backrest/saddlebag frame on my SR650. The original owner modified and installed a Honda unit to fit on this bike. After further modification by a friend we got it to mount and work well...unfortunately the seat will not open fully with the rack installed.
My solution was simply to pull the pins on the seat frame on the right side and "set" the seat in the frame and latch with the seatlock. It's not a perfect solution but it sits squarely and never shifts around while I am riding. As an alternative, I tried using long cotter pins in the seat hinges but this really wasn't necessary as the seat stayed attached via the lock and my weight. I found it is no big deal and ride it as it is without any problems.
Since this rig looks and fits well, I have decided to keep it as-is. I also have searched for a replacement rig on ebay and elsewhere, but they are either too hard to find, are over-priced or are in worse condition than the one I have.
I have met others who also have set their seat on without the pins and no-one seems to have any problems with this under NORMAL riding conditions. I have attached a pic of my bike the way it was when I bought it 3 years ago. The backrest/rack/saddlebag frame has since been modified slightly (mounting was improved and removed from the swingarm which differs from this pic). If you look closely you can see that the seat can't not open because the frame is in the way. You seem to have a similar geometric problem with your bike.
If you like your set-up, just try removing the seat pins and ride it like that. It's no big deal...I've ridden mine this way for 15,000 so far w/o any problems.
Just my 2cents worth,
Good Luck!
-Dave

davenkids2001 wrote:

My solution was simply to pull the pins on the seat frame on the right side and "set" the seat in the frame and latch with the seatlock. It's not a perfect solution but it sits squarely and never shifts around while I am riding.

That's an excellent suggestion, thanks. I'll try it.