DIY Motorcycle Luggage Rack (Parcel Tray): Learned to Bend Steel

The foundation for my luggage for this Touring Sportster is this luggage rack (parcel tray). I had to make it from scratch because, despite these being common when sportsters came out, they aren't available today. So using my hack skills as a metal worker (watch this for the entertainment factor of my screwups) I bought about $60 bucks in steel. Along the way I ended up needing to buy some tools and hardware to get the total cost up to about $230. But I'll be able to make a sissy bar and saddle bag supports that'll attach to this foundation from the left overs.

The skill I learned was bending steel.

This is one heavy duty large tail rack that is buildable by almost everybody.

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Parts on Bike or Referenced:
Tub O Towels: https://amzn.to/3VSzaxw
Clymer Sporster Service Manual
2004-2013: https://amzn.to/3PTeKk5
2014-2017 (I believe to end of run): https://amzn.to/3TPLoUW
1986-2003: https://amzn.to/3Uds05O
Mustang Saddle - https://amzn.to/3x4dZxZ (note these go on sale often. pretty sure I paid about $250 for mine.)
Progressive Shocks - https://amzn.to/3x4dZxZ
Progressive Cartridge Fork - https://amzn.to/3THt7tY (lots of variations, be sure to check your model, 31-2513 is ones I got)
Sissy Bar - https://amzn.to/4aqGHrr (note I got same one in chrome. would do black now because I think better with rust.)
Handlebar Vibration Dampner - https://amzn.to/4cj6Wln
Kuryakyn Throttle Boss - https://amzn.to/43oNU95
Kuryakyn End Cap - https://amzn.to/4ael1yI
Kuryakyn Grips - https://amzn.to/3x4Mep6
Dart Flyscreen Windshield - https://amzn.to/4csvwA0
Rear Turn Signal Relocation Kit - Harley-Davidson Sportster Dyna: https://www.lowbrowcustoms.com/produc...
5V/3A Dual USB Charger Socket: https://amzn.to/3xtKp5a
SAE socket wire: https://amzn.to/3VUSlGL
J&P Cycles - Drag Specialties 1" Handlebar Risers For Harley (Size: 4.5" Tall / Finish: Chrome Pullback): https://www.jpcycles.com/product/drag...
Chrome 3 1/2 in. Straight Handlebar Risers - 13-003CP: https://www.denniskirk.com/bikers-cho...

Handlebars came from JP cycle