'80 GS550E Backrest/Luggage Rack

[DMB]

So my girlfriend really wants me to get a backrest/luggage rack for the bike (she would feel more comfortable riding the bike with me with it). I can't seem to find one anywhere (I will make a post in the wanted section) or find a picture of one. Does anyone have a picture of the factory rack for the 550E that I could look at?

Thanks.

[themess]

They didn't have factory racks.

Universal fit ones can be found, I think, from Dennis Kirk and JC Whitney. And look at Ebay for racks. The nicest ones, IMHO are from KG Engineering. The company has long been out of business, but its products sell for good prices because they were so well made. They had only a few racks, with a variety of brackets that adapted to most bikes. They had about three back rests, a short fixed one, a long fixed one, and a long one that could be moved fore-and-aft to work with a passenger, or for a rider in the forward position.

[kdc67]

I have one I don't want that came with my bike. It's in pristine shape. PM me if you want it, and I'll get some more photos of it.



Honestly, though, it doesn't make the slightest bit of difference. In fact I found it more annoying than anything since you cannot swing your leg over like you would normally. I don't know how tall your girlfriend is, but I'm 5'5" with a 30" inseam. I had to throw my leg over (this was as passenger) and essentially hop onto and off the bike. It's very unbecoming of a lady, lemme tell you.

[themess]

The bike that is used most by couples, two up, is the Goldwing Interstate. And it always comes with a back rest. Usually with arm rests, too. Many of those women and older and short. So there has to be an answer.