Help - Any ideas on how to implement a side rack without the OEM rear rack in place?

[Soliminal]

I recently installed a new rear rack. I'm working on figuring out a side rack solution for the left side of the bike so I can mount a saddle bag, but unfortunately everything I've been able to find online relies on mounting points/bolt holes on the OEM rear rack. Any ideas? Thanks guys.

 

[Soliminal]

Just thinking out loud. Maybe I could use a side rack like these and attach them using rubber hose clamps. That second rack looks promising as it also mounts into the rear light housing.

 

[Kritou]

Do you really need a side rack. Perhaps a a bag with a flap closure that can hang from your new rack? At CT speeds mine never gets involved with the suspension or wheels

 

[Soliminal]

That's a good idea! Unfortunately due to the way the rear rack is mounted onto the bike, I don't have much room to work with as there's a mounting bracket in the way. I'd have to get a smaller bag (around 8" long max) and if the flap had any thick buckles or material larger than 1/4" it might be an issue getting it over the rack's bar due to small spacing.

 

[Kritou]

I have lots of inexpensive 1.5ins nylon luggage straps with snap buckles from eBay. These would go through the side of your rack to form two loops that would go around your favourite bag and cinch it in place. Many bags will also have D buckles to take a shoulder strap and I use these with a couple of zip ties for extra security and to enable the bag opening without coming away from the rack. My bag holds a 2litre fuel container, wet weather gear and tools etc etc

Anything to avoid the weight and expense of another metal rack …

 

[Soliminal]

@Kritou I took your advice and found a small inexpensive messenger bag on eBay. Removed the shoulder strap but kept the d-rings. Held onto the rack using velcro straps going through the d-rings and top handle strap on the bag. I think you were right regarding not needing the side rack. For the small size bag and little amount of weight I'm carrying in it (just spare tube, tools, rags, etc.) a siderack would've been overkill and overly bulky. I don't think the bag will get in the way of the rear tire or suspension. I'm quite pleased with how it turned out, thanks again!

 

[Kritou]

Glad you are sorted. What is that seat and how comfortable is it on longer rides?

 

[Soliminal]

It's the Diablo Custom Seat V2 in Black/Black from Beezdeals. It's stiffer and not as cushioney compared to the stock seat but oddly it's so much more comfortable for long rides. With the stock seat my butt would get sore after about an hour of riding. Haven't had any issues with the Diablo seat.

 

[AZ7000']

It's stiffer and not as cushioney compared to the stock seat but oddly it's so much more comfortable for long rides.

Crazy, I thought the oem complaints were it was too hard... I haven't had any issues