[928GT]

Hi Gang,

This may be a stupid question but I thought I would run it by the resident experts.

I am considering removing my Front rack as I never use it. After looking at how it is mounted it seems it could be part of the "structure" of the ATV. If I remove it will this weaken the front end? Obviously the front "bumper" would not be as strong if I hit something, but curious if it would actually make the frame more susceptible to damage. I also noticed the top of the front fenders are bolted to the front rack. Will it weaken the front fenders too much?

Any pros and cons from those who have done this would be welcome.

Thanks in advance, and have a great weekend!

Dave

 

[putang59]

What advantage would you have by taking off the rack?

 

[dirty4man]

The front bumper supports the front fenders, you can remove the rack with no problems of sagging. But there will be no support on the top of the bumper to keep it from bending back into the fenders.

 

[928GT]

QUOTE ("Dirty4man":5ihlp5h1)

The front bumper supports the front fenders, you can remove the rack with no problems of sagging. But there will be no support on the top of the bumper to keep it from bending back into the fenders.

Thanks Dirty4man, I am always interested in your opinion! You seem to have more experiance than most.

Thanks again,

Dave

 

[928GT]

QUOTE ("putang59":2uegr1h2)

What advantage would you have by taking off the rack?

Don't use it, or plan to at this time. (can always put it back on in minutes for extended back country trips).

Less clutter

Easier to clean mud off plastic in front.

Less weight.

Might look cool?

Lastly, because I want to

 

[jaydubb]

I disagree. when replacing my front brushguard and rack after slaming a tree, the brushguard suports the headlight housings witch are also atatched to the fenders but I belive the main suport of the fenders is held by the front rack and removing it would eventualy lead to sag. havent tried it my self so I am not for sure but, that is my .02.

 

[dirty4man]

Jay I could be mistaken, I am only human. my experiance is limited on the 500's.

 

[MAD MUDDER]

i dont think there would be anything worng with it, i didnt have the front rack on my rubicon for a couple weeks and i never had a problem. IMO it dont look too good but maby you will like it.
-Aaron

 

[jaydubb]

Dirty, I'm not saying nothin aginst you or what you said. I was just answering the post to what I thought. Did not mean to sound disrespectfull to you or anything. My apoligeez.

 

[selah86]

if you are looking for less weight by removing the front rack you will save about 4lbs. lol when i took mine off to cover it in bedliner myself i found they didnt weigh much at all.
i dont think it would look better if you did remove them.
if you do remove it you are only asking for more stractes on your front plastics.
IMO i say leave it on.

 

[928GT]

Thanks everyone for all the feedback, this is exactly the kind of info I wanted to hear.

I agree about the weight, I know it is not heavy or anything. Weight was not the primary reason. But if someone was really trying to make something lighter 4 lbs for one part is huge. In the racing world it is big deal if we can remove just a few small bolts on a race car, it all adds up qucikly.

Also good point about getting more scratches on top the plastic, there is no doubt the rack is a protection for it from branches etc. But heck, then it would better match the sides of the fenders


I was mainly curious after washing my Foreman from the last adventure. I kept getting my big hands and knuckles caught and banged up trying to clean all the mud from under and on the rack. That started me thinking about removing it.

Of course, my smart wife handed me a soft bristled large bottle brush AFTER I finished!

 

[928GT]

QUOTE ("jaydubb":2s297fq7)

the brushguard suports the headlight housings witch are also atatched to the fenders

Hi Jay,

FYI, On my 07 there are diagonal supports that come up from the frame to the bottom of each headlight housing. The rack should not have any influence concerning headlight sag.

I did take the rack off and I agree it does look different, not sure if I like it either. However it is very easy to remove and replace. With my air rachet it took less than a minute to remove.

Maybe for "styling and profiling" rides and for easy cleaning it will be OK to take it off. But for real trail riding I think I will leave it on.

Thanks again to everyone for your comments. It is really nice to have a great community like this.

Dave

 

[dirty4man]

QUOTE ("jaydubb":hjyvypy1)

. Did not mean to sound disrespectfull to you or anything. My apoligeez.

Jay, the post didn't mean anything. Sorry it made your feel that way. Your opinions are just as valuable as anyone else’s here.

 

[350hondaman]

lets see a pic!
the grizz looks cooler without a front rack IMO

wait this isnt grizzlycentral..woops
enjoy anyway,
Chris

 

[JWJR]

the grizz does look good with out front rake

 

[928GT]

QUOTE ("350hondaman":14iuj695)

lets see a pic!
Chris

Chris,

Here you go, doesn't look to bad "topless"...

 

[928GT]

Jay,

BTW, you can see the Headlight supports in this photo.

 

[selah86]

makes it look like a smaller bike IMO

 

[darren783]

Doesn't look "bad" just looks like something's missing! I'll agree though, would be easier to clean.

 

[ClassA64]

QUOTE ("putang59":1486aleg)

What advantage would you have by taking off the rack?

Well they say in the Honda car buissness... Less weight equals Better fuel economy LOL It looks good with or without