Help needed! mounting a rack on GS 850G

[dav]

I got a vintage aschco adjustable sissy bar + rack recently and I need some help when it comes to attaching it to my 81' GS 850G.

In the above mounted picture I see that there are two bolts holding the rack in place, is it possible that the guy drilled a hole into the frame to install that mount? because on my bike I only see 1 place where I can screw that in possibly, even then the rear light is covering it. I drew a red circle where it is.

Also is removing the bolt for the spring to install the arms as easy as it sound? or do I have to do extra steps to avoid the spring somehow exploding in space.

Please help my bike look like this!

Thanks!

 

[Steve]

There are U-shaped brackets necessary to mount any rack to a GS without cutting into the bodywork. Some racks had GS-specific racks, others were more universal and had bolt-on brackets.

To remove the shocks (you called them "springs"), remove the acorn nut on both sides. Remove what should be a couple of washers (maybe more) between the nut and the shock. Nothing is going to go flying. Leave at least one washer between the rack leg and the shock bushing, install that side of the rack loosely. Put that shock back on, do the other side. You may have to lift the wheel slightly (lever it up with a 2x4) to take some weight off the shock mount, but they should come off with just a little effort.

To access the rear mounts, you will have to remove the tail cover. Look under the fender, you will see three bolts facing DOWN. You will need a 10mm socket on about 12" of extension to reach them comfortably. The tail cover comes off, the light will stay. Remove the turn signals, if necessary, mount the rear of your rack, re-mount the turn signals. Finally, re-install the tail cover.

.

 

[dav]

There are U-shaped brackets necessary to mount any rack to a GS without cutting into the bodywork. Some racks had GS-specific racks, others were more universal and had bolt-on brackets.

To remove the shocks (you called them "springs"), remove the acorn nut on both sides. Remove what should be a couple of washers (maybe more) between the nut and the shock. Nothing is going to go flying. Leave at least one washer between the rack leg and the shock bushing, install that side of the rack loosely. Put that shock back on, do the other side. You may have to lift the wheel slightly (lever it up with a 2x4) to take some weight off the shock mount, but they should come off with just a little effort.

To access the rear mounts, you will have to remove the tail cover. Look under the fender, you will see three bolts facing DOWN. You will need a 10mm socket on about 12" of extension to reach them comfortably. The tail cover comes off, the light will stay. Remove the turn signals, if necessary, mount the rear of your rack, re-mount the turn signals. Finally, re-install the tail cover.

.

Thank you so much for that response, I found this with the rack, i'm not sure if it's the right U bracket. is it?

 

[Steve]

Yep, that's what you need. :encouragement:

.

 

[520eek]

Here is a pic of rack I had made for my 850G model....a wee bit different than when I first got the bike!