Another rack question (sorry!)re: position of adapter plate : Kawasaki ZX Forums: Kawasaki Ninja Forum

touchwoodsden · 03-05-2008, 02:57 PM

I have fitted Philip in Texas rack. (I confess to putting in 30mm long screws because the Kwak ones are, IMHO not long enough.; IMHO they are not long enough for the plassy rack either!)
I have Givi E250 adapter plate (same as on my Tiger so I can use same box) and a Givi E52 Maxia Top box.
The question is about positioning. The last time I fitted a top box (rack) rack without her indoors on the bike during fitting, it was too far forward and we had to remove and reposition it in a car park cos she was hunched over forward. Good job I had allen keys with me. She has disappeard into the distance and this is a surprise for the new "seat cover" (by heck, that's an old sexist phrase!).

So, the question is quite simple: Can anyone who has fitted any box with any adapter plate on any rack who has ridden with passenger for a distance, tell me what is the best position for the box front in relation to (say) the plastic weld in on the rear "hump" of the seat? I can then postion the adapter plate to suit. Too far back is not quite as bad but obviously as far forward as poss, for weight dist, is ideal.
Cheers guys.
TwD

chi-gpz1100 · 03-08-2008, 05:24 PM

Here's some pics of a custom rack made for me.

http://s257.photobucket.com/albums/h...00/C14/Shad46/

Sorry about the quality. The flash makes the camera pick up the tiniest spec of dirt/dust.

The plate itself is made out of 1/2" thick aluminum. Weighs in at about a good 7-8 lb with the shad plate ontop. Thought the rack was some sort of alloy steel, but it's nonferrous.

The holes were tapped for 5/16" x 18 threads. All hardware is stainless steel, including the bolts for attaching the rack to the bike, and the shad plate to the rack.

I opted to bolt the shad plate using 6 holes instead of just 4. This way I know it's not going anywhere.

As far as passenger comfort. Just sitting on the back seat with the bike on the center stand, leaning slightly back is pretty comfortable. In fact, although no intended, the spacing seems perfect.