back rest/ luggage rack for an 85 XJ 700 Maxim X

Ok I'm tired of looking and not being able to find one not to mention money is on the short side. So I've decided to build my own. I started doing a little mock up and some fab work today I forgot to take pics but, I can fix that tomorrow. Right now I'm trying to figure out exactly how big I want to build it (nothing crazy big) I"m just not sure if I want to build it so it will hold a Gold Wing trunk or a smaller one. I will also be doing a little mod to the rear turn signals while I'm at it (don't like the way they sit against the saddlebags right now). Well off to find some measurements for different size trunks. If anyone has the deminsions of their trunk please post them so that I can figure out what size to make the rack. Also feel free to post pics of your trunk on your bike to help with ideas. Thanks.

 

A permanent trunk will negate your need for a backrest (they are built into most trunks)

I don't have a good photo in my album of the trunk mount.
Here is an overall on X2
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... trunk1.jpg

I STRONGLY suggest re-inforcing the mounting where your trunk bracket will mount to the bike. The 85 only has two bolts going through a single piece of channel under your rear fender. The trunk takes a pounding and that frame member will break like a pretzel with the abuse.
I added a cross bar between the two frame tubes about 3 inches ahead of the existing mount and was able to secure the trunk bracket with four bolts with a little distance between them. I've done three like this and they are rock solid.
My buddy has been known to "test" it with a full size truck battery and 5 qts of oil in the trunk. His only complaint was the front tire was "a little light"

I'll try to get pics of the mod

 

Best I can tell from your pics your trunk is actually mounted to the factory grab handle/backrest and it's stock bolt holes. The mount I'm building will actually mount in the front and rear side grab handle bolts and then use the factory rear grab handle mounts as well for added strength. But if you get a chance to take a pic of the mod you mentioned please do and I'll probably incorporate that into my support as well. Also the trunk that I'm looking at doesn't have a backrest but, if I end up getting one that does I'll modify the mount to remove the backrest but, for the time being I'm going to need it. lol Besides it'll probably be Christmas before I actually get a trunk. By the way sweet looking bike.

 

Thanks rk

You are partially correct.
I used the original grab rail bolts and added two ahead of them.
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... mount1.jpg

I fabricated the mount from stainless steel.
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... mount2.jpg

The additional frame cross member is 1.5" x 3/16" flat bar welded to the top of the tubes. Drilled and tapped then used locktite on the bolts.
http://s288.photobucket.com/albums/ll16 ... kunder.jpg

Attaching to the bolt holes for the side rails is a good idea and will be strong. Paint it to match the fender and you won't even notice it I bet.

There are a bunch of trunks on Ebay for around $50
Beware of the "detachable" ones...those cheap bogus mounting plates dont hold up on the highway bumps ..DAMHIKT
If you get one, dont be afraid to drill a couple extra holes and use some big flat washers to bolt it down or your trunk will be sliding into the ditch.

 

Or if someone has the backrest with luggage rack that they don't want maybe you'd be interested in trading for my grab bar? Long shot I know but thought I'd throw it out there anyway.

 

Well here it is almost comlpete still have to finish the mount on the right side and then stop by a friends and get a couple tack welds and she'll be finished until I find and can afford a trunk. Also thought I'd throw in a pic of my small work space and bike storage.