Luggage Racks

I have a Craven type W rack on my ES2. It looks ok and does the job. Mine is an original from way back when but they are being remade again.

https://www.craven-equipment.co.uk/index.php/racks

Ian

From the website pic it looks to me like the RGM rack is intended for swing arm models. This one from Classic Bike Racks looks as if it could be fitted directly to the mudguard of a rigid bike, but out of stock at the moment.

https://www.classicbikeracks.co.uk/product/universal-motorcycle-mudguard-rack/

I agree that the bike rather than rider should carry the load. Personally I don't think the WD rack is that bad looking, at least without the frames for the canvas bags. I have a repro WD rack on my CS1, with custom made side plates to carry Givi luggage.

Cheers, Ian McD

Yes David. I bought one for my '55 ES2 (swinging arm, pre-featherbed).

I have a pic on my phone but can't master the art of getting it onto this website so if you message me with your email address I'll send a pic - if yu want one.

Had to remove the rear wheel to get at the retaining bolts (or nuts) inside the mudguard.

George

David, have you thought about the pre-war civilian rack which was adopted on the WD bikes up until the panniers came along ? If you don't carry a passenger then it's fine. I can put you in touch with a chap who can make one on a jig fitted to my original, or there is a trader who makes them commercially (no idea of fit though).

If you want to retain the pillion facility then there was an elongated version used by the India Office. I would definitely want to have the extra WD mudguard stays if using one loaded though.

No email yet, David. Did you use the NOC system?

George

Previously David Cooper wrote:

I see several requests for racks (or advice) have appeared on the board. But has anyone any experience of RGM's offering 050906? I just called and they don't have any photos of it on a bike. Mine is a civilian prewar 16H, and although the RGM one is not 'period' I don't want a huge (and unobtainable) WD version anyway. I hate riding with a rucksack to carry a heavy lock...

I have one that fits my featherbed bikes and it is well made and not bulky looking.Not wishing to bypass RGM excellent service but you could contact the maker on 07742 611811 or www.classicbikeracks.co.uk .

David - I just sent a test message to myself and it arrived almost immediately (did go into "junk" though) but no sign of yours.

George

David, if you drop me a line under 'WD Models' on the Tech Advice, I'll send you details through.

The carrier was fitted to the first WD assessment model in 1935 (which started off as a hand-change model) so it goes back a fair way.

David, this style of carrier was around from certainly the late 20âs until the war and probably longer. Parkwood products of Lewiston will charge you about £50 for one.It comes with the legs ready to be cut to the correct length to fit the carrier/machine and braze/weld on - this is because few bikes still have the original mudguard and stays and it ensures it will fit whatever is fitted to your machine.

I recently ordered one for my â29 CS1 and found both the service and product good.

cheers, Alan

George, if you e-mail the picture from your phone to yourself, you can then upload into your pc, then onto the forum here.

Ian