KanadianKen Posted February 1, 2008 Share Posted February 1, 2008 Is there anyone that bought a Solo Rack from me, that has installed it using their OEM HONDA Topbox? I have a question from a buyer that is looking to see some pictures of how that type of install went, but I do not have a Honda Topbox - so I can't assist. Looking for a photo or two - of the Solo Rack with the Honda intermediate plate installed, and then with the Honda top box base installed to it. If your bike is covered up in the garage, this would be a great time to check that its sleeping ok, and snap a few pics!! THank you!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Vfrider1 Posted February 3, 2008 Member Contributer Share Posted February 3, 2008 First off let me thank Ken from the depths of my soul...OK that may be a little over the top...But I have installed the solo rack that Ken fabricated for us on the 06. I must say I am VERY pleased with the results! Ken has been nothing but helpful with my constant PM's to him. I finally did some minor mods to the rack so it would accomodate the OEM mounting plate without the use of the intermediate plate. I had tried to procure this item from the local dealer, but the only way to get it would have been to order the entire rear rack at around $200 bucks. No thanks, I broke out my bestest back yard mechanic tools and went to work. All in all I only had to drill two new holes in Ken's rack and two new holes in the OEM mount plate. I now have a very secure top case mounted up with four nuts and bolts. Thanks Ken! :thumbsup: Now let me see if I can get some pictures posted... Thanks for the picture posting thread as well Ken.... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Chev Posted April 14, 2008 Member Contributer Share Posted April 14, 2008 Yea, I wanted to dig this thread up since it is on topic with my question. What do I need to mount a top box to one of Ken's mounts? I'm not dead set on an OEM top box, but having them all match would be cool. So let's look for two types of replies.... If I go OEM what part number plate(s) do I need to mount the box to rack without modifying anything? If I grab a universal GIVI what do I need to mount this thing? Thanks Zack Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Chev Posted April 16, 2008 Member Contributer Share Posted April 16, 2008 For the next person with my question. I found the Givi part number M5 in another thread and ordered the plate from twisted throttle.com Here Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Forum CEO HispanicSlammer Posted May 21, 2008 Forum CEO Share Posted May 21, 2008 Ken here are some shots of the 5th gen solo rack installed on my 1998 vfr, using my commuter mini givi hardbag - it came with a universal plate which required me to drill 1/4' holes in the solo rack with some bolts and the givi hardware its really versitile. I think a pad on the back of the mini bag can provide you pillion with back support I think it will work with a passenger! KKens 5th Gen luggage rack Mini Givi hardbag with universal mount plate pillion view seat can be easily removed with rack and bag installed Other Side I understand you have 20 of these units on hand that you made for vfrd members who showed interest and yet did not follow through. I am here to tell ya the unit is sturdy easy to install and so simple I dont know why I didnt think of it! Much cheaper than a wing rack or other type of rack at half the wieght - I was surprised at how sturdy it was when I installed it. It took forever to drill the holes for the universal givi plate and I had to sharpen the drill bit to get the last one done with my drill doctor! Good stuff Ken! If you where one of the members who initially showed interest and balked later, its good gear, Ken really made a top notch rack!! You can get one of these mini givi hardbags for $150 on ebay and have a lockable waterproof commuter hard bag for around $300 bucks and not need to adjust your suspension for a heavy load. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer Lobster Posted May 23, 2008 Member Contributer Share Posted May 23, 2008 I can now officially speak from experience. I just got back from 3600 miles in 7 days with a Givi V46 mounted to Ken's Solo Rack. Rock solid...you'll never even know it's there...one of the most handy little adds I've ever done. I know Ken persoanlly and can tell you he's a stand up guy. This is a good product...buy one if you're even half thinking about it. You will be delighted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted May 25, 2008 Author Share Posted May 25, 2008 Sweet - glad it worked out for you Slammer - and for you also Lobster!! 3500 miles in 7 days? WOW!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Guest MakMan Posted March 31, 2009 Share Posted March 31, 2009 Terry - even though Ken will likely see this thread, just to be Sure, I suggest you send him a PM. That way you'll Know he will see your request. At the very least, you'll probably save some time. Ken is Definitely a Great guy, and I'm looking forward to getting his rack for my 6th Gen. In fact, I just checked the tracking, and it's 1/2 way here! Good Luck. :wheel: Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 31, 2009 Author Share Posted March 31, 2009 Ken, I am very interested in purchasing one of your tail racks for my 2001 gen. 5. I remember you saying that you either have or plan to manufacture a rack that fits lower over the installed tail piece. I have never coresponded with anyone nor have I purchased anything from a VFRD member ie I'm ignorant as to the process. I'll check back on the forum for a responce, or if I'm not violating any rules, you can e-mail me at terrystenz@yahoo.com. Looking forward to hearing from you. New 5th Gen Solo Rack is 1 inch lower than original version when mounted over tail section. Let me know if you have other questions. thanks Ken Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Primo Posted March 29, 2011 Share Posted March 29, 2011 Is there anyone that bought a Solo Rack from me, that has installed it using their OEM HONDA Topbox? I have a question from a buyer that is looking to see some pictures of how that type of install went, but I do not have a Honda Topbox - so I can't assist. Looking for a photo or two - of the Solo Rack with the Honda intermediate plate installed, and then with the Honda top box base installed to it. If your bike is covered up in the garage, this would be a great time to check that its sleeping ok, and snap a few pics!! THank you!!! I will ask again Ken!!!! Any 5th Gen racks? Primo Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
smoothsailin Posted April 22, 2011 Share Posted April 22, 2011 +1 Hey Ken, If you have any more of your solo racks available for sale to fit a 5th generation, please pm me with a price including shipping to zip code 23832 (Chesterfield, VA). Thanks! Carey T. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGREGT Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Got any more of these racks, Ken? Wondering about cost/fitment on my 07 VTEC in SoCal... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Lee 2002 Posted February 19, 2013 Share Posted February 19, 2013 Got any more of these racks, Ken? Wondering about cost/fitment on my 07 VTEC in SoCal... As of Valentines day --- http://www.vfrdiscussion.com/forum/index.php/topic/67008-6th-gen-solo-racks-for-sale/?p=874676 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGREGT Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 Hey guys- I recently got one of these solo racks from Ken. Also bought the OEM rack. Trying to figure out how to use/mount Ken's solo rack. Ken told me how to mount the rack to the bike. I need some advice on mounting the Honda OEM "pad" to the rack. From Ken on mounting the rack to the bike. This sounds easy. "Grab handles on bike then remove the grab handle bolts set rack on handles - use the spacers under the rack if you don't want the rack touching the grab handles an install the bolts I sent. It's a bit awkward but it's not tough." What I have questions about is how to connect the Honda plastic "pad" that was on the OEM rack (I separated the pad from the tubular portion of the OEM rack) to Ken's rack. Right now I just took off the 4 bolts and nuts that run THRU the OEM tubular portion, and I see that they line up nicely with Ken's rack, but it seems the bolts are too long and only have thread on half the bolt, so it doesn't really get tight. Did you reuse the Honda bolts, or do I need to go buy new ones? Also, the Honda plastic pad is tapered on one end a bit. Right now I have that end pointing to the back of the bike when mounted....is this correct? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGREGT Posted April 28, 2013 Share Posted April 28, 2013 Here are a few fotos to show what I'm talking about. See how the two bolts & nuts from the Honda pad keep the pad from lying flat on the solo rack? The ones I'm talking about are the two closest to the front of the bike if this were mounted. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFR4Lee Posted April 29, 2013 Share Posted April 29, 2013 Givi Monorack for 98 - 01 VFR about $155, and JC Whitney large top case at about $45 fits it perfectly. My solution since Kens 5th gen rack is sold out, and unlikely to be made again, and I am very happy with it. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted January 21, 2015 Author Share Posted January 21, 2015 5th Gen Solo Racks are going back into production. I hope to have them in stock in April. Price will be in around the $155 USD range - and will include bolts, spacers, shipping and instruction sheet. FYI - a package I sent to SIngapore NOvember 8 2014, just arrived today - 10 weeks later. SO for those that want one sent overseas from Canada - please be aware of shipping times. I'll start a new thread once I get more definitive on a delivery date or the 5th Gen Racks. I still have 6th Gen racks for anyone that wants to buy one. $140 USD shipped. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
wera803 Posted January 21, 2015 Share Posted January 21, 2015 :cheerleader: :cheerleader: 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted January 21, 2015 Author Share Posted January 21, 2015 Someone seems excited by this......... I'm planning to build 25 or 30 racks. Guess i should get a sign up list going....... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
VFR4Lee Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 Never say never, eh? Good luck with it KKKKen. May you see a nice increase in your slush fund, and some VFR riders get a nice piece of kit. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGREGT Posted January 22, 2015 Share Posted January 22, 2015 I wasn't asked, but that's never stopped me before: I got one of these for my 6th Gen one or two years ago now. I use it with the OEM topbox pad and the OEM topbox and it may just be the best piece of non-OEM gear I've bought. I've never had a topbox on anything before, and those damn Euros are onto something: they are super-convenient. I ride with the topcase now more than I do without it, and having it tucked a bit closer in with Ken's rack, rather than hanging way off like the OEM rack, lets the bike look better and ride better weight-wise. Get one. You won't regret it. 1 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BrownieSlayer Posted February 10, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted February 10, 2015 I would definitely buy one as is but would be even happier if it was angled back more and ended up placing the top case over the rear light so that I have room for a passenger. Any way to request that? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
WGREGT Posted February 10, 2015 Share Posted February 10, 2015 (edited) If you want something that allows for the passenger, you're looking at the OEM honda rear rack. Edited February 10, 2015 by wgregt Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Member Contributer BrownieSlayer Posted February 10, 2015 Member Contributer Share Posted February 10, 2015 Thanks wgregt. Too bad they didn't make one for the 5th Gen. Seems like Givi and SW are my only options still in production. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
KanadianKen Posted March 10, 2015 Author Share Posted March 10, 2015 ***** Quick update - I have 6th Gen Solo Racks ready to go - and am still waiting for my powdercoater to let me know when I can get my order slotted in. Hope to have a more firm date for the 5th GEn folks real soon. PM me for ordering info - and thanks for the nice comments about the useage of my racks - you guys can be ruthless when something fails - so it means even more when you give a glowing report! Must be the time of year - two members ordered 6th gen racks in the last day or two - come on Spring!!!! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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