So nearly 20 years now since the Drifter 1500 went the way of the Buffalo (stopped production) and some of us (namely me) are still sorting what works and doesn't with the bike... i.e tires, seats, exhausts, lights and other mods..
This time I am trying to sort out if there is a way to mount a USEFUL rear fender rack that wont interfere with the suspension/fender/seat (solo)... Ive found several post from years gone by of people mounting "sportster style" racks, but any and all pics seem to be gone. Not too mention any real discussion of if they are actually useable?? meaning can I attach a small bag to one and it wont get tossed off (giggity) along the way?
Anyone still out here that has a useful rear fender rack with the solo seat? I cant stand the way the OEM rack looks and hoping there are other options.. and that someone might care to chime in with their experiences... GOOD AND BAD
For short trips, saddlebags are overkill for me but this rack looks nice (https://www.ebay.com/itm/143989743257?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1owJ9iyVFSKevpHzWls8LXg82&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=143989743257&targetid=2296244299566&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1013466&poi=&campaignid=21214302385&mkgroupid=159999361623&rlsatarget=pla-2296244299566&abcId=9407524&merchantid=263818243&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwltKxBhDMARIsAG8KnqXWEC2McgSFpeSOkCgQ5FFIVt8Ddj5z2kiWe-SftX-S_CiYP2fyex4aAkxcEALw_wcB).. doubtfull anyone is using one, but nice in either case... anyone?? rear fender rack?? anyone?? bueller???
thanks to "anyone" ;D
As the rear fender on our drifters is plastic, fender mounted racks are primarily for show...or very light weight <10lbs. I was making two styles of racks for 1500 drifters (one lighter duty and one very heavy duty), but I stopped due to demand dropping off. email me and I can send you the CAD pdf files for them if you have a local fabricator that can make them for you. If you look at my gallery, you can see some pics of the racks. I even have a solo seat backrest mount that works with both and is adjustable front to back about 3"
OR Seedman
I fitted one of these to my bike.
Early Harley panhead style in black or chrome.
Had to remove rear fender, drill and bend tabs slightly for curvature but sits and looks great - solid too.
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/266620486566?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=xlJlkb8wQra&sssrc=4429486&ssuid=-SELvU5hRNG&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY
Pictures below
Quote from: OR Seedman on May 04, 2024, 13:12:22 PMAs the rear fender on our drifters is plastic, fender mounted racks are primarily for show...or very light weight <10lbs.
Just to add to this. That rear fender, of course, moves with the rear wheel and would shake the shit out of anything on a rack attached to the fender.
Quote from: toad 5.0 on May 03, 2024, 17:28:18 PMSo nearly 20 years now since the Drifter 1500 went the way of the Buffalo (stopped production) and some of us (namely me) are still sorting what works and doesn't with the bike... i.e tires, seats, exhausts, lights and other mods..
This time I am trying to sort out if there is a way to mount a USEFUL rear fender rack that wont interfere with the suspension/fender/seat (solo)... Ive found several post from years gone by of people mounting "sportster style" racks, but any and all pics seem to be gone. Not too mention any real discussion of if they are actually useable?? meaning can I attach a small bag to one and it wont get tossed off (giggity) along the way?
Anyone still out here that has a useful rear fender rack with the solo seat? I cant stand the way the OEM rack looks and hoping there are other options.. and that someone might care to chime in with their experiences... GOOD AND BAD
For short trips, saddlebags are overkill for me but this rack looks nice (https://www.ebay.com/itm/143989743257?chn=ps&_trkparms=ispr%3D1&amdata=enc%3A1owJ9iyVFSKevpHzWls8LXg82&norover=1&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-117182-37290-0&mkcid=2&mkscid=101&itemid=143989743257&targetid=2296244299566&device=c&mktype=pla&googleloc=1013466&poi=&campaignid=21214302385&mkgroupid=159999361623&rlsatarget=pla-2296244299566&abcId=9407524&merchantid=263818243&gad_source=1&gclid=Cj0KCQjwltKxBhDMARIsAG8KnqXWEC2McgSFpeSOkCgQ5FFIVt8Ddj5z2kiWe-SftX-S_CiYP2fyex4aAkxcEALw_wcB).. doubtfull anyone is using one, but nice in either case... anyone?? rear fender rack?? anyone?? bueller???
thanks to "anyone" ;D
Depends a bit on what you want the rack for. To be useful, and look good, it can't be attached to the rear fender so that mostly leaves OR's option or an original F&S rack which I don't think are easy to find. If you're just looking for something useful, as in: a place to strap junk when on a trip, then the original dual seat subframe (the so called horseshoe) will fit on with the solo seat and makes a great platform for strapping stuff on. Dual seat grab rail can also be used with the horseshoe to accommodate an even larger load.
Quote from: 53Indian on May 08, 2024, 03:37:02 AMPictures below
very nice!
have you tried attaching anything to the rack? i.e. a small bag?
Yep, had saddlebags fitted, tied onto the rack at the top with leather laces and zip locked x2 to the fender rail at the bottom.
Done quite a few trips two- up, no problems.
Pics to follow.
Pictures
A couple of fitting pics
My 2 cents worth. I had upright "wings" welded on to the back rail to support a pair of bags and keep them off the fender entirely. I do agree that anything in the bags gets tossed around pretty roughly! I had a small shock pump in a metal case with padding and the case got mangled in the tossing. Also my tools were tossed out ot the little tool wraps I had. This was just after about 10 miles on a gravel road. Not my choice to ride..... Went back to OEM struts