Thrilled to be here

[JerseyJon]

So I just picked up a '80 1100xs with about 6600 miles on craigslist here in NJ. It has brand new tires, but it runs a little rough. I'll post a picture when I can. I'm thrilled to have it, and to be a member here.

So my question is this: I really like the luggage rack/backrest that I see on so many of these bikes. I have one on my 1977GS550. Where is the best place to find one? I've scoured ebay, this site, and places like the oldbikebarn.com. I've come close to finding what I want, but they're very expensive for items that are pitted, rusted, or torn. If that's my only option, then so be it. But can you folks let me know if there's a way to find those backrests either OEM or even aftermarket?

Thanks for the help. I'll return the favor.

Jon

[James England]

Hello from the UK, JerseyJon. I think you've found one of the world's best XS11 forums.....

[crazy steve]

So my question is this: I really like the luggage rack/backrest that I see on so many of these bikes. I have one on my 1977GS550. Where is the best place to find one? I've scoured ebay, this site, and places like the oldbikebarn.com. I've come close to finding what I want, but they're very expensive for items that are pitted, rusted, or torn. If that's my only option, then so be it. But can you folks let me know if there's a way to find those backrests either OEM or even aftermarket?

Welcome! As to your question, these bikes have been out of production for 30 years and finding anything other than some repair parts is a 'good used, new-old-stock-if-you're-lucky' deal. The new specific-fit accessories market for these is non-existent, and prices for used/NOS can be all over the map. So the only answer is to keep looking...

One other thing to keep in mind; you have to get the right part. You don't show what model you have (standard or special) and that makes a difference. Many accessories don't interchange, and the rear racks are one of them. You can modify some to fit the 'other' model, but not always, so it's best to get the correct item.

[JerseyJon]

Hey Steve, thanks for the advice and info. I do have a special. I have found a luggage rack from a 1980 xs1100e. Do you think that would fit my special?

Thanks again.

[crazy steve]

You need to verify the year/model; a '80 would be a G model, a E is the '78. The specials all have a 'S' in the letter designation, as in SF, SG, SH, and the two Midnight special versions LG and LH.

[fredintoon]

Hey Steve, thanks for the advice and info. I do have a special. I have found a luggage rack from a 1980 xs1100e. Do you think that would fit my special?
Thanks again.

Hi Jon,
if you mean, will it bolt straight on? No it won't.
Your SG's cast grabrail will be in the way for a start and you can't really take the grabrail off unless you find somewhere else to mount the rear light.
But can it be made to fit? More than likely. Depends how handy you are.

[JerseyJon]

Hey Fellas,

Thanks for the tips. I'm going to get one from ebay that hopefully will be close enough for me to work on. Should be a fun project. In the spirit of this group, I'll try to keep you apprised of progress, successes and failures.

Jon

[tom clisham]

Luggage rack

When I put the rack on my 80SG< I took off the grab bar permanently. Pulled the license plate light & mounted a 79 special taillight there. Looks fine & I didn't really like that big clunky 80 special grab bar, anyway.
By the way, the rack came from a 78E.
If you decide to try this, let me know, I'll send you a 79SF taillight.