How to Source a Rear Rack for a CB1100

[rdprdp01]

Because of the aesthetics and the kind of top cases I wanted for my CB1100EX, a Honda OEM rear rack was my only option (I tend to needlessly make things more difficult for myself than need be). There were not very many OEM racks manufactured.

I can assure you that none of the major parts distributors in the United States, European Union, Great Britain, or Australia still have a brand new OEM rack in stock for a CB1100EX. My compulsive obsession led me to look across the world. I suspect my email address and phone number have been blocked by more than one sales representative who dreaded my thick, Southern-American accent and constant requests to “check in the back of the warehouse one more time.” 

I ultimately turned to used parts suppliers with the hope I could refurbish one that had been separated from its motorcycle. I set up automated searches on eBay and checked out used parts listings on Webike and other credible international motorcycle-supply houses.

Along the way, I fell pray to a stock image that had obviously been stolen from a Honda brochure. I purchased an after-market rack I saw advertised on Amazon:

1. The first rack I received was packed poorly and looked like a chrome pretzel when it arrived. I returned it.
   
2. The second rack arrived in one piece but the welds looked like I did them. I also had concerns about the strength of the welds because I could see fissures / cracks. I returned it, too.
   

Although I cannot recommend the Amazon racks, I feel compel to share the link from Amazon. Here it is: Amazon After-Market Option. Perhaps your luck will be better than mine.

Finally, I received a hit on an automated search on eBay Germany. It was a great OEM rack. I purchased it.



It was structurally sound and had good welds.  After I installed it, I spent four hours over a few days to get it CB1100 ready. I used heavy chrome polish and a small buffer to remove a few light scratches. I then decatiminted the metal and applied two ceramic coating layers and a top coat.

See Thread about the Rear-Rack Installation.

Note: Our mischievous friends at Honda changed the design and bolt patterns for the rack almost yearly. If you are looking for a used Honda OEM rear rack, I would encourage you to make sure you have a year, make, and model match if you find a candidate. Hope this helps and best of luck. David

[Gone in 60]

I think we’re related.

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I committed to buy my bike then went for a week-long business trip. I started searching for a OEM rack during that time, before I bought the bike. I lost out on one on EBay at the last minute cause I was outbid while I was on a flight and couldn’t counter the bid. Since I have Givi stuff on all of my bikes, it was easiest to buy a Givi rack, as they were still available but not plentiful.

On my Bonneville, there were more options, but most for light duty, and I wasn’t confident that they’d hold the weight of my loaded trunk. Initially bought a Givi rack for that too, which is actually overbuilt for the purpose. Being cheap, I sourced one from an Italian supplier which was less expensive than buying one from a U.S. supplier. The welds and chrome quality were poor and the holes didn’t line up,like an untrained child did it. I tried to get an exchange from Givi directly, but since I bought it through Givi of Europe, Givi USA wouldn’t warranty it. I bought a second from a U.S. supplier and sold the other one at a loss.

Oh the things we do to haul our stuff.

[tdbru]

Strange, after I bought my 2014 std, used, at the local dealer, I ordered the factory rear rack for it through the dealer. about 15 days later the dealer called, the rack was in. contained all the necessary hardware to install it as expected. fit and finish were typically honda. superb. I didn't realize that they were hard to come by. I guess I was fortunate.
-tdbru

[Pauley]

I bought a rack for my 2013 CB1100 from Samurider years ago. https://www.samurider.com/?cat=98. A quick look at their website: doesn't look like they have racks for the CB1100 on there any more.

[pekingduck]

Just an FYI for anyone looking for a CB1100 luggage rack, especially from Amazon:

There is no single rack that fits all models/years, despite what the listings might say. For the US/Canada market, there are 3 diffferent racks.
- 2013, both standard and ABS, plus 2014 standard (all black) bikes.
- 2014 DLX ABS model. P/N ends in A00, not A40 (From Honda, this kit was the 2013-2014 std rack (above) with a pair of black adapter brackets and extra hardware shown.  Honda never made those parts available separately.  I do not believe this rack was ever available from the aftermarket.
- 2017 EX models (RS models used a different grab rail, which may suggest different mounting points - beware).

The good thing about Amazon is the free return policy.  The bad is that quality may be lower, especially weld appearance.  
I've bought a couple CB1100 racks over the years from Amazon, and they were, overall, very good.  Caveat Emptor.

Pic and good info courtesy of TooSlo - https://cb1100forum.com/forum/showthread...light=rack

[Cormanus]

Same post on this forum, https://cb1100forum.net/forum/showthread...light=Rack