Dale Rack Redesign

[CamaroEric]

I'm up for the design challenge. @mzflorida
I actually do a lot of sheet metal design. I have a few local sources that may not necessarily be 'economical' since they cater to some higher end customers, but we have a good relationship and I can talk to their team directly. They are really good to work with. I do have a few other sources that are more economical, and get cheaper the more you buy.

Is Dale around? I don't want to step on toes.

How many of you would be interested?

What features would be necessary?

Anybody up for Anodize vs Powdercoat?

Does it need to be all welded? We could possibly do a more modular bolt-together design to allow selection of features.

Since I have a 2012, that one will be easy, I'll need to see/test fit some later models as well.

-Eric

 

[Rabbit]

The rear seat from Corbin is over 400$. I think depending on the materials used 300-400$ would be fair for this project. I would personally like to see a welded design for aesthetic purposes but I am up for a modular setup if it looks clean. What measurements do you need for the 2018-2020 model?

 

[CamaroEric]

The rear seat from Corbin is over 400$. I think depending on the materials used 300-400$ would be fair for this project. I would personally like to see a welded design for aesthetic purposes but I am up for a modular setup if it looks clean. What measurements do you need for the 2018-2020 model?

I'm not sure yet if multiple versions would even be necessary. I think firstly I can design something for my bike. I know there are some other members that are fairly local to me, hopefully we can meet up and swap the rack and take notes, especially if they have newer models.

I think @TNHoosier is or was fairly local with a new model if he's interested in helping. There were a couple in west NC, I'll have to track down who that was.

PS: Thanks those of you that said 'I don't want one'! Don't want to leave anyone out! LOL

 

[davidc83]

Dale is not around any longer. I havent seen him on here is a very long time.

 

[milesprwr]

I'm up for the design challenge. @mzflorida
I actually do a lot of sheet metal design. I have a few local sources that may not necessarily be 'economical' since they cater to some higher end customers, but we have a good relationship and I can talk to their team directly. They are really good to work with. I do have a few other sources that are more economical, and get cheaper the more you buy.

Is Dale around? I don't want to step on toes.

How many of you would be interested?

What features would be necessary?

Anybody up for Anodize vs Powdercoat?

Does it need to be all welded? We could possibly do a more modular bolt-together design to allow selection of features.

Since I have a 2012, that one will be easy, I'll need to see/test fit some later models as well.

-Eric

Awesome idea! Thanks for taking this up. I'm interested.

I think feature parity with Dale's Rack is sufficient: loops to tie things down, general shape of Dale's Rack, wide enough mouth to easily manipulate fuel cap.

Subjectively, I think powder coated looks nicer and feels more rugged. But no strong preferences here. Let the lowest bidder win is my vote.

I would stay with welded along the theme of keeping things simple. If folks want additional functionality from their racks, let individuals modify them to their needs. It's too hard to predict future requirements and can be costly.

Edit: the NC700 community here is pretty small so you may not get enough volume. Maybe reaching out worldwide would help. There's a Facebook group for 700/750 riders that's quite active: https://www.facebook.com/groups/714862508587467/?ref=share&mibextid=NSMWBT

 

[TNHoosier]

I'm not sure yet if multiple versions would even be necessary. I think firstly I can design something for my bike. I know there are some other members that are fairly local to me, hopefully we can meet up and swap the rack and take notes, especially if they have newer models.

I think @TNHoosier is or was fairly local with a new model if he's interested in helping. There were a couple in west NC, I'll have to track down who that was.

PS: Thanks those of you that said 'I don't want one'! Don't want to leave anyone out! LOL

I am located in Dayton, TN. I am not interested in getting a Dale rack, but I might be able to meet somewhere semi-local for a fitment test on my '21 model.

 

[mzflorida]

I'm up for the design challenge. @mzflorida
I actually do a lot of sheet metal design. I have a few local sources that may not necessarily be 'economical' since they cater to some higher end customers, but we have a good relationship and I can talk to their team directly. They are really good to work with. I do have a few other sources that are more economical, and get cheaper the more you buy.

Is Dale around? I don't want to step on toes.

How many of you would be interested?

What features would be necessary?

Anybody up for Anodize vs Powdercoat?

Does it need to be all welded? We could possibly do a more modular bolt-together design to allow selection of features.

Since I have a 2012, that one will be easy, I'll need to see/test fit some later models as well.

-Eric

I'm glad I sparked something. If this moves forward, I'm pretty sure some of the owners in the UK NC forum would be interested. Thanks for taking it on Eric!

 

[Rabbit]

I'm glad I sparked something. If this moves forward, I'm pretty sure some of the owners in the UK NC forum would be interested. Thanks for taking it on Eric!

Are the US spec models the same fitment as overseas?

 

[mzflorida]

Are the US spec models the same fitment as overseas?

I'd be guessing either way, but lean toward yes.

 

[CamaroEric]

I had a bug the past few days, but I think I'll be taking a look at my seat this weekend. Should be pretty fun to do. I don't really want one either, but I like to design things. Maybe I'll run one for a bit if I already have it...

 

[milesprwr]

I cover about 320 miles a week, so that's two fill ups per week. Just not having to pop open the seat all the time is a win in my books

 

[Donk]

Interested

 

[Possummanj]

I think with CAD( cardboard aided design ) it shouldn't be to complicated to make up something similar

 

[CamaroEric]

It's not at all hard to sketch up, just the time to make/tweak/make/tweak...

 

[ljurgens]

Might be nice to have a sort of "cover" for the gas cap opening that used a friction fit (under mount clip?). Maybe a 3D printed cover would work.
Speaking of 3D printing, I wonder if one of these could be "printed"? Once you have the design done with dimensions, that might be an option for those who have a son with a 3D printer .

I think I would want one for long trips once I finally switch over to an NC, but welded vs bolt together would not make any difference to me.

 

[CamaroEric]

Having slacked severely, I am making it my December 2024 project to complete a prototype of the 'New Dale's rack'. I worked on a cardboard cutout prototype and have a 2nd iteration printed to try this week(end). I also have parts quoted for cutting and bending in 1/8" aluminum but need to work on the incidentals, like latching 'uprights' and getting the right shape for the side supports.

I have the seat off now since I did get a Seat Concepts so I am hoping to roll all of this together. The temp is at freezing right now and my foot might be broken (that's another story) so I won't be riding for a little bit.

Here's a screenshot, the bolt holes will be countersunk with standoffs underneath, at least for now. I will also add 'toy tabs' for proper alignment of the other components once I get those fitting well. A local powder coater moved into my neighborhood a couple months ago so I will check with them on pricing.

 

[TNHoosier]

Might be nice to have a sort of "cover" for the gas cap opening that used a friction fit (under mount clip?). Maybe a 3D printed cover would work.
Speaking of 3D printing, I wonder if one of these could be "printed"? Once you have the design done with dimensions, that might be an option for those who have a son with a 3D printer .

I think I would want one for long trips once I finally switch over to an NC, but welded vs bolt together would not make any difference to me.

3D printed (in plastic) would need to be thicker than 1/8th inch to support any weight. It is still possible and would be interesting to try if it would fit on my build plate.

 

[ljurgens]

Having slacked severely, I am making it my December 2024 project to complete a prototype of the 'New Dale's rack'. I worked on a cardboard cutout prototype and have a 2nd iteration printed to try this week(end). I also have parts quoted for cutting and bending in 1/8" aluminum but need to work on the incidentals, like latching 'uprights' and getting the right shape for the side supports.

View attachment 117312

I'm sure there are quite a few of us "new" NC owners who would want one of these if you work out the details! Looking good so far, I know I would.

 

[Donk]

Me too as above

 

[plukenannabel]

any luck yet?