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Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
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rdprdp01 Offline
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Pleasanton, CA (USA)
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Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#1

Sadly, I was late to the CB1100 party. Although I was actively riding motorcycles when the CB1100 appeared in the United States, I was oblivious.

At the time, I owned and loved a Honda Cruiser which was indestructible, perfectly engineered, stylish, and a joy to ride. I never saw a CB1100 on the street and never had a reason to look for something to replace my 2005 Shadow.

But when I saw a 2103 CB1100 for the first time in a custom shop, I was hooked. Out with the cruiser and in with a naked bike. Heritage, engineering, performance, beauty, fantastic motor, and the list goes on.

In time, I found the 2017 CB1100EX I have documented in the Forum. I was able to source all of the OEM parts I wanted except one: a rear luggage rack. I assert the rack perfectly compliments the stock OEM setup aesthetically. Although I am not a tourer, it also has functional benefits for those weekend rides I cherish. Here is how I made it happen in case anyone else is looking to purchase and install a rear rack:

Step 1: I searched the largest used parts suppliers in the United States, Europe and Japan. No luck. I then setup an automated search on eBay. I eventually found a salvaged rear rack in Germany and had it shipped to the United States. It cost 1/3 of the retail price.

Step 2: I unpacked the luggage rack. The packing was suspect, but fortunately the rear racked arrived without any damage. I staged the everything I received. I was confused by the bolts, washers, spacers, and nuts the reseller sent with the rear rack.

[Image: gH1WON3.jpeg]

[Image: myW5ii8.jpeg]

Step 3: I downloaded the Rear Rack Installation Guide from the Internet. I did not have all the parts listed but I hoped I could cobble something together that would work:

[Image: uua0JRB.png]

Step 4: I removed the seat from my motorcycle and draped the gas tank and rear blinkers:

[Image: a66L9Zm.jpeg]

Step 5: I removed the front bolts holding the stock rear rail and installed the rear rack, angling it upward, tightening the bolts hand-tight so I could move the rear rack up and down:

[Image: qDQdQS4.jpeg]

[Image: 7AyNcCb.jpeg]

Step 6: I then removed the rear bolts of the stock rear rail, lowered the rear rack, and installed the rear bolts for the rear rack, hand-tight:

[Image: SXQiVXm.jpeg]

Step 7: I used a level to check that the rack was even. Taking into account the slight slop of my garage floor, the rear rack was even:

[Image: 0KYn4Z4.jpeg]

Step 8: Using a torque wrench, I tightened the four bolts holding the rear rack to the frame. I turned each bolt one full rotation at a time until I heard those wonderful clicks. Before putting the seat back on the motorcycle, I checked all the lights:

[Image: siC85dx.jpeg]

Step 9: I put the seat back on the motorcycle and checked the profile with and without luggage:

[Image: rKK3Nr9.jpeg]

[Image: yUkRKRo.jpeg]

[Image: ckyw7lk.jpeg]

Over the weekend, I am going to detail the rear rack and gently buff out the few, tiny scratches on the chrome. Life is good.

I hope you find time to ride this weekend. David

2017 Honda CB1100 EX
The most sophisticated, smooth, perfectly engineered motorcycle I've ever owned. A pleasure in every way.


05-23-2025, 01:36 AM
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pdedse Offline
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RE: Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#2

Very nice! The OEM rack isn't cheap, so at 1/3 the price, that seems like quite the bargain. I've been looking of late to add a rear rack, but didn't realize the OEM ones were so scarce. For now, a soft tail bag sits on the passenger seat area and it works for day trips. I've also used it for multiday trips with throw-over saddle bags, but I have to pack minimalist style.


05-23-2025, 08:37 AM
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rdprdp01 Offline
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Pleasanton, CA (USA)
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RE: Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#3

(05-23-2025, 08:37 AM)pdedse Wrote: Very nice! The OEM rack isn't cheap, so at 1/3 the price, that seems like quite the bargain. I've been looking of late to add a rear rack, but didn't realize the OEM ones were so scarce. For now, a soft tail bag sits on the passenger seat area and it works for day trips. I've also used it for multiday trips with throw-over saddle bags, but I have to pack minimalist style.

Copy that. I did the same thing with the small bag I used to "test" the rear rack. It works really well, but it is space constrained.

It is my hope to spend more time on a motorcycle on the weekends and less time in front of a computer. That rear rack I hope will help make that easier to do. Plus, I just like the way it looks. Like in all things involving the CB1100, Honda designed it properly. I just wish they had made a few more of them at a more affordable price.

David

2017 Honda CB1100 EX
The most sophisticated, smooth, perfectly engineered motorcycle I've ever owned. A pleasure in every way.


05-23-2025, 09:22 AM
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Nachodaddy Offline
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Litchfield Park, Arizona, USA
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RE: Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#4

It has been awhile since I replaced the rack on my '13, but there are two racks available for the bike. One has round cross-bars and one has flat cross-bars. The one with the flat bars, as in the photos above, is for use with the trunk sold by Samurider, I believe. I will see if I still have pictures of the two to compare.  My bike had the one with the round bars and I got a trunk from Peter Baron which had an adapter kit. I found one with the flat bars and sold the other one. I was able to find all the correct hardware on Partzilla.

There's a difference in riding a naked bike and riding a bike naked.
Won't make that mistake again. 
2013 Honda CB1100 Standard. Gone, but not forgotten.


05-23-2025, 09:38 AM
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Gone in 60 Offline
Blood Biker of the Apocalypse

Orange County, CA
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RE: Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#5

A rear rack sure is practical. I tried to track down a few OEM racks for mine, but got a Givi since I was going to use a Givi plate and box anyway. 

Congratulations on your score on the OEM rack, especially at a good price.

You know what? I actually would like a pickle.


05-23-2025, 04:07 PM
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Wisedrum Offline
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RE: Accessory Install: Rear Luggage Rack
#6

(05-23-2025, 04:07 PM)Gone in 60 Wrote: A rear rack sure is practical.

It is. My girlfriend for e.g. can place her backpack on the OEM Honda rear rack, though it is not large, while we were touring.

   


05-24-2025, 01:14 AM
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