luggage rack for '56 KHK with dual seat

[Coolbreeze]

It's time for something different; so, I'm turning my '56 KHK into a sports tourer. By its very nature, it is sporty. All I have to do is slap period correct bags and rack on it so that it can haul enough stuff to be a tourer. Fortunately, I have the bags and mounting bracket. They are rough, but serviceable.

My questions are:
What does a period correct luggage rack look like for this model with the correct dual seat?
Where can I acquire such a luggage rack?

[Rubone]

The factory luggage rack will not fit with the dual seat. I have never seen an aftermarket rack that does. I suspect you will have to fabricate something to fit.
Robbie

[curiousgeorge]

check the late sixties or seventies sportster. there was one that stuck out the back.

[murph]

http://www.flickr.com/photos/15267931@N04/7466899254/

Here is one on a 1969, good luck trying to find one. It is a factory piece. It's the best pic I have hope this helps.

[Coolbreeze]

'56 KHK luggage rack for dual seat version

I found a Harley parts book showing luggage racks for K/Sportster models. Unfortunately, this website will not let me attach a .pdf file of those items. The stock numbers are 53404-54 (flat steel) and 53405-69 (tube) I have seen the flat steel version, but not the tube type. The tube model seems to be right for the '56 KHK. Now, all I have to do is find one! Any suggestions?

[Rubone]

coolbreeze,
There is only one luggage rack for the KH/KHK, and it is the flat steel bolted up type.
Note the numbers you posted. The last two digits of any H-D part number are the first year it was used, or the year before, when it was designed. Any part with a -69 number did not exist until Ks were just a distant memory!
Robbie

[Coolbreeze]

I am having a flat steel/tube hybrid luggage rack fabricated for the KHK. To me, it looks like it belongs on the bike. I imagine purists will disagree. When it is finished, I'll post before and after photos. The base rack came off of a '90s something Softtail.

[Coolbreeze]

The side sheet metal will be cut straight and bungee hook holes may be added to make it more functional. I am trying to get Photobucket to load the photo of how the luggage rack looked at the swap meet before it was modified. If Photobucket ever gets its act together, I will share that photo also. When the luggage rack is complete, I'll post the final photos.

[Coolbreeze]

This is what the luggage rack looked like when purchased at a swap meet. The curved sides followed the curve of the rear fender of the big twin Harley to which it was designed to be attached. Once we shave down the sides so it looks more like the 1956 rack, this should look pretty sweet on the KHK. Note that the supports have been cut off and new supports attached at a different angle.

The sticker on the rack says not to exceed 10 pounds. What rubbish! I put it on the floor, and it supported my weight (~190#) easily.

[Coolbreeze]

I think it is finished:


Comments?

[Coolbreeze]

New bags and newly fabricated luggage rack. Just got the bike back from having the top end overhauled. It makes more noise, but has more horsepower. When you think about it, the KHK option makes sense if one plans on carrying camping gear, luggage, etc. Rear pegs had to be removed to accommodate the new exhaust system.

[ryan]

I think it is finished:


Comments?

Hello,
Looks great to me. I think you did a fine job indeed, a job very well done!
Ryan

[koanes]

Good looking motorcycle. Nice work on the rack, form and function.

[Coolbreeze]

Gotta tell ya: It feels strange having guys tell me I have a nice rack!