Frames The Same?

[crazyrnus]

I don't know if this the right place to post this.

I am looking for a rear luggage rack for my 1980 GS1000G. Does it use the same frame as the 1980 GS1100E? The rack I am asking about is for the 1100 so that is the reason for my concern.

Thanks, in advance!!

[rustybronco]

It probably will be close to being the same as yours, but why not get measurements so you don't have to guess?

also, see... http://www.thegsresources.com/_forum...d.php?t=183221

[7981GS]

As much as the racks for the 1100E's are desired around this forum, I would have to say NO it will not fit.
Please DO post a link so that those with 1100E's might find it.

Daniel

[7981GS]

I can take pic's of the frame rails of both models if desired.

Daniel

[rustybronco]

That's odd? I would have thought the frames would have been close enough to each other.

I measured my 78 E frame and other than 1/8" of an inch difference in the shock mounting width, the measurements are the same as my 80 850G. do the 80 E's differ that much from the 78 E's?

[TheCafeKid]

That's odd? I would have thought the frames would have been close enough to each other.

I measured my 78 E frame and other than 1/8" of an inch difference in the shock mounting width, the measurements are the same as my 80 850G. do the 80 E's differ that much from the 78 E's?

The problem is the body work in most cases. For instance the racks most of us can find don't work well on the 82/83 1100E because they will rub the tail cowl without some stand-offs that make it look goofy or pinch in the front mounts.
The earlier 1100E has plastic body work runners that run along the frame under the seat edge that often can get in the way with some racks.
I'd done some measurements a while back when I was looking to produce some of the coveted 1100E racks just to see how many differences I could find on the different frames. I had a first gen 750, first gen 850/1000G, 1100L (chain) 550L, 1100ES and a GK to take measurements from and I found that the only real differences in mounting distance were some were a 1/4inch or thereabouts further apart (shock mount to signal mount) than others. Easily overcome with sliding stanchions, but the body work proves a bit of an issue. However, with the 82/83 1100E style ones, I've not found a GS yet I couldn't mount it to, and even the old ducktail GSes (750/550) look good with it. Damn shame they didn't make more ofthose. If I had a tubing bender I'd be cranking them out.

[rustybronco]

I can't see the tail piece being a problem between the 80G and the 80E. the rack on my G touches the tail piece on both sides. the shock stud center lines are 1-3/4" below the top of the frame on both my 78 and 80. the 82-83 1100E's could be quite a different animal in their configuration than the 80 models. I have no way of looking at one to give my opinion.


I guess it all comes down to this..."to measure is to know".

[crazyrnus]

I have an old rack off an 1980 850G. The only problem is it has been welded. It is made of square tubes. I ordered one of those square-tube racks off Ebay and they sent me the mount for an '80 GL! UG!! The mounts for the 1100 look like the old ones I have.

Anyway, the one I ordered states it is for a 1980 1100. There is no problem with the tail pieces since I have had this old rack on the bike for fitment. I just wanted to get one that was not welded and rusty. No offense Rustybronco!!!!!!!!!!!

I just thought someone on here might know for sure. I guess I will argue with them about sending me the 1100 mounts and see what happens. I hope I don't have to end up posting them as deadbeats here.

Thanks for the comments.

[TheCafeKid]

The 82/83 for sure are persnickety. Their turn signal mounts in the rear have a dogleg in them to clear instead of coming straight down like alot of the others.
I tried mounting a rack I'd had on my 1000G on it and it was gonna rub the tail bad, so I didn't. But, with a little simple fab work with some flat stock you can make any rack fit any of em. We (steve, kparkfan, myself) have done that more than a time or two...