Ventura L-Brackets... Safety warning reason?

[Ragingrob]

Hey I was just reading through the guidelines for use for my Ventura pack rack etc and it mentions that the L-brackets should always have the pack/sports rack fitted.

Anybody know why this is?

I'd rather not have the packrack on for some rides and just leave the L-brackets, surely that's all good yeh?

Keen to hear your thoughts.

:cool:

[dogsnbikes]

just buy the cross bar normally about $30

and if you have a nasty stop you being stab by the L brackets

[Ragingrob]

just buy the cross bar normally about $30

and if you have a nasty stop you being stab by the L brackets

Oh yep as in the grab handle ay.

Yeah that's the only reason I could think off, though I imagine a spinning bike with full packrack on would be more dangerous then just the brackets no??

[Big Dave]

Oh yep as in the grab handle ay.

Yeah that's the only reason I could think off, though I imagine a spinning bike with full packrack on would be more dangerous then just the brackets no??

They mean fit the grab handle instead of just leaving the tubes. They (tubes) could cause penetration injury - the other way only impact injury. Neither is desirable - the latter is usually less catastrophic.

[Ragingrob]

They mean fit the grab handle instead of just leaving the tubes. They (tubes) could cause penetration injury - the other way only impact injury. Neither is desirable - the latter is usually less catastrophic.

Looks like I need a grab handle sometime. :2thumbsup

[Big Dave]

Looks like I need a grab handle sometime. :2thumbsup

Or removing the L's isn't usually a big ask - some can be a pain - depends on the bike - most are 6 cap screws.

I (well, Co-pilot) got good value out of the grab handle on my Trophy. Rated it a good inclusion.

[Ragingrob]

Or removing the L's isn't usually a big ask - some can be a pain - depends on the bike - most are 6 cap screws.

I (well, Co-pilot) got good value out of the grab handle on my Trophy. Rated it a good inclusion.

For me it means removing fairing + coolant overflow then four bolts + two brackets :eek:

Yah I dunno bout the vfr ay, to be just holding the grab handle on the pillion seat on the viffer you'd be sitting pretty damn high and quite far back from the rider... Dunno how comfortable that'd be!

[merlin]

Two words - Cookie cutter

:(

[Howie]

Yep as others have mentioned the safety risk is a possible Penetration injury as the result of an incident, also on some of the L brackets they have no drain holes at the low point, so would full with water and create a corrosion problem. My answer to both these risks is to drop a couple of 16mm bolts into the holes and tighten the pinch bolts against them. This is because they'd be a pain to remove on the KLR.

[Blackbird]

Yep as others have mentioned the safety risk is a possible Penetration injury as the result of an incident, also on some of the L brackets they have no drain holes at the low point, so would full with water and create a corrosion problem. My answer to both these risks is to drop a couple of 16mm bolts into the holes and tighten the pinch bolts against them. This is because they'd be a pain to remove on the KLR.

If you do want to expose the ends, just slip down to your nearest hardware store and buy a couple of the larger plastic end caps for tubular metal chairs. I used slightly cut down smaller end caps to cover the Allen heads on my Blackbird as my wife's knees banged against them. End caps were a perfect solution. You can see them on the front of the rack support on this photo.

[Hawkeye]

As has already been mentioned on here, $30 buys the grab handle attachment. Also helps with the look of the bike.

Take the pack rack off, drop the grab bar on. 30 secs. And much neater.

(I wouldn't trust it as an actual grab handle but it sure improves the appearance)

http://www.kiwibiker.co.nz/forums/attachment.php?attachmentid=149968&d=1257404051

[Swoop]

You can see them on the front of the rack support on this photo.
I have disturbing news to report...
The bike was not looking as clean as your standards require, on Saturday morning.:crybaby:
Seemed to be a very happy new owner though!:yes:

[NordieBoy]

As has already been mentioned on here, $30 buys the grab handle attachment. Also helps with the look of the bike.

Take the pack rack off, drop the grab bar on. 30 secs. And much neater.

(I wouldn't trust it as an actual grab handle but it sure improves the appearance)

I trust mine.
On the bike whilst someone pushes the bike up hills, pulling the bike out of bog holes.
No problems (so far).

[Hawkeye]

I trust mine.
On the bike whilst someone pushes the bike up hills, pulling the bike out of bog holes.
No problems (so far).

2 tubes held together by a screw clamp. Not what I would call safe to use as a grab handle. I would much rather my pillions use the actual grab handle of the bike rather than the 'cosmetic' grab handle of the rack.

But yeah! I use the pack handle for pushing the bike around the garage or holding it level whilst putting it on the paddock stand.