Home built luggage rack
The XL250 is such a utilitarian bike I decided it really needed a rack for carrying flat repair supplies, extra clothes, and general run-to-the-store stuff. Seeing nothing suitable on the market I decided to make my own. I wanted something light weight and inconspicuous but reasonably strong so here's what I came up with.
I used 5/16" steel rod. The front mounts attach to the shock bolts.
The middle mounts attach to the blinker bolts, but since those are rubber mounted I didn't want them to carry the weight. The chrome U section of the frame is plenty strong, but I didn't want to alter it by welding on tabs for rack mounts. So instead I added support posts that just sit on the U. The lower ends are lined with thin stiff rubber to avoid damage to the chrome.
In spite of the fairly thin rod, the rack is plenty stiff. I can stand on it and not feel any flex. And it only looks slightly cobby and home made!
-Bill