Grab rails on a 1982 GS1100GK seat?

[MtnManCO]

Hello,

I may remove the luggage rack on my 1982 GS1100GK and I am wondering if it is possible to mount a passenger grab rail to the GK stock seat.

Or would I have to use a GS1100G seat?

The main function of the grab rail would be to have a second hand hold when maneuvering the bike in the garage. Or would it be possible to mount a "handle" to the upper shock mount?

Any input would be appreciated.

[Burque73]

You can bend the seat pan by pushing on the seat grab bar so be careful there. Best to have something mounted to the frame for that.

I used an old luggage rack and fabricated some braces down to the Vetter side case frames. This whole setup is bolted to the frame under the seat and has a lower support to the passenger footrest. I feel confident pushing on the luggage rack, or even grabbing it from the side to move it around.

Here's a pic of it.



Maybe this would work on your frame. It's for an 850 but they're very similar frames. Check out part #12 in the drawing here.

[bwringer]

Agreed - the sheet metal seat base isn't nearly stable or strong enough for a "pushing-the-bike-around" sort of grab bar.

I think most or all of the regular G models have a grab rail under there. One end is mounted to the shock. Not sure if the GK frame has the mounting point for the other end.

Check the "Frame" fiche diagram, part 12, for the 1983 GS850G.

https://www.onlinecycleparts.com/oemparts/a/suz/50d401e4f8700230d8b4e5da/frame

This handle is not present on the GK because of the luggage racks, but it's quite possible the rear mounting point is there; it seems to be on the fiche anyway. You might be able to scare up a handle from a G on fleaBay or here.

[MtnManCA]

A little late, but thank you for your responses!

i removed the luggage rack. The rear mounting point for the grab handle is indeed there.

Just mounted a frame grab handle from a GS850G. Works very well for putting the GK on the center stand.

[Redman]

Ha!
I did not know that.
So apparently when they took the frame design for 1100G and added what was needed for GK, they didn’t remove what wasn’t needed.

[argonsagas]

If you are keeping the original GK rack on the bike you probably do not need anything else to help move the bike around.
Due to limited space in my garage the options of how to move it around were limited. The result was simply bracing for the job and then just grab he rear rack and use it to fully lift the rear wheel off the ground and shift the bike to a new position.. You will not move it very far with each lift, but it is possible to move it anywhere you wish. I had a GK frame mounted on my 1100G as well as the GK itself, and it was handled the same way.