Tromper, have you seen the Hepco-Becker luggage rack? It seems to be more of a mount than a luggage rack but it is so close to what I'm looking for. I've been packing a smallish water proof duffle the same way for years and securing it to the passenger seat in such a way as to use it as an operator's backrest and it works wonderfully but I have to have some thing firm behind the duffel for it to work. I also want to carry my luggage close to me and low on the bike (right behind me) just to keep the bike really trim. I also don't want to step through the bike and I don't want the extra storage when I'm riding local as the saddlebags will do all the local duty I require.....hence no top box for me. I really need a luggage rack with a raised loop to lash to. With nothing but the one photo in the pdf file, this would appear as good as it gets.
I sure wish I still had my weld shop.
BTW, do you know anything about the reputation of the Carson City bike shop that carries these? I'm going to call them today I think.
Thanks for posting about this rack. I'm really struggling for the proper solution.