The OEM rack "How To" thread doesn't match the 2017 EX

[slmjim n Z1BEBE_imp]

Well, it turns out if you get the right kit, it's much easier. Literally just four bolts and two nuts. Since I work in a Honda store, I walked over to the parts counter and asked for an AA0. Apparently you CAN still get them, but I suppose it defaults to showing the A40 as the suggested fitment when you order? I'm not sure. In either event, I got home with both the AA0 and the A40, and...Yeah, the kits aren't even close to each other.

Not just the 180 vs 200 mm spacing, but even the front frame attachments are different.





The hardware kits are drastically different. If you have the right kit for the 2017 EX, you won't have spacers. Just four bolts, all of the same length (and they are equivalent to the shorter "medium" bolts from the A40 kit).



And now, for a photo that I don't think exists on the internet (Honda catalogs show the 2014 bike in the image): A top view of the installed rack!













Oh, and the little rubber hexagons do not fit the new bolts, so put them back in your shiny old chrome bolts for possible future de-racking. All that gets re-used with the kit is the nut behind the rearmost bolts. And per the instructions online for the AA0, torque everything to 30 ft-lbs (40 nm). I did so.

Reviving a necro thread, 'cause there's almost no other specific info. We've spent hours researching this.

We're still considering a very low-mile, one-owner (acquaintance), box-stock 2017EX.

The Lovely Z1BEBE is used to the comfort & security afforded to her by the Hondaline top box on our '09 ST1300A. She won't consider Ridin' the '17EX sans top box / backrest for more than the shortest of outings, so we have to get this right before we buy the bike.

To be clear, it was a 08L70-MGC-AA0 that was the correct & complete kit for a 2017EX? The 08L70-MGC-A40 was not compatible for a 2017EX re: bolt spacing, front spacer length & hardware kit?

Thanks all!

EDIT: sorry for the dupes if you saw them. Keep getting "Internal Server Error" this morning.

Good Ridin'
slmjim & Z1BEBE