Sissybar and Saddlebag Question

[Gar]

First, let me thank everyone from this forum as you have been a tremendous help to a 51 year old new rider. I am enjoying my commute to work and saving money at the same time.

After dealing with the pain in neck saddle bag insallation, I just purchased a sissybar and then have to deal with those fun bolts again. Here is my question.

I was able to get the bolt through the fender, sissybar and saddlebag. I was not able to get the spacer in between the fender and sissybar so I temporarily left it out until I find out from all of you if I really need them. I don't want to damage the fender so your opinions would be greatly appreciated! (I have read the installation posts in the forum and did not see this addressed)

FYI: I put a wanted ad for a sissybar on Craigslist and a nice guy from Quebec contacted me and sold me a new one as he had 2. It was $220 including the shipping.

Thanks
GAR

[Easy Rider]

Originally Posted by Gar

I was able to get the bolt through the fender, sissybar and saddlebag.

Welcome!

You are the first person I have heard who used the side fender bolts to mount saddle bags. :roll: If they are hard bags, I suppose that makes sense.

If, OTOH, they are throw-over soft bags with a connecting yoke........most folks find that putting the yoke under the passenger seat is MORE than adequate to hold them on! :cool:

The spacers are there so that the nut will have something solid to tighten up against, without bending anything out of place. If you have met both of those requirements without the spacer, then I'd say you are OK.

I don't remember exactly but I think the OEM backrest/rack was about that same price.

[Gar]

Thanks for the response Easy.

I actually meant the brackets for the saddlebags. I throw the bags over the seat and tie them to the bracket and can remove them easily when I get to work. The bags are the ones made by Suzuki.



GAR