So I've been looking around for a cool looking sissy bar that I could use for a backrest and mount a bag to. But they are al around $300 or $200 without the fender mounts. So I decided to try it out and save some money since I have a harbor frieght welder. Metal $16 and paint $5. Work time 5 hours. Still can't figure out why they cost so much?!?!?!?



Btw I'm 23 and no metal working expert. This was pretty easy for a Saturday project

 

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What is your time worth? You spent 5 hours, plus materials. You also have to figure most are powder coated or plated. It's a wash out in the end.

Personally, I would prefer to craft my own, as you did. No one else has the same bar you have. Everyone else is running a cookie cutter mass produced bar.
Now go get your self a powder coating setup, and powder it your self.
(ps) Grind those welds down first.

 

Believe it is the 5 hours of work time that makes them so expensive : >)

Most of the sissy bars are also sold chromed or powder coated. More expensive than a rattle can.

Yours looks great, and there is a pride in making it yourself that is sometimes even more valuable than the money saved.

Ride with Pride.

 

Just think how much stuff would cost if it had the HD logo on it?

 

Everytime I see "sissy bars", I think of San Francisco...ah never mind.

 

Nice work!
Love your scoot too.

 

Nice job
Good eye too

 

$300 don't seem so bad. I would say you are paying for craftsmanship, but everything is automated now a days. I prefer to fabricate my own also. A few tips, take it apart and clamp the plates together. Grind the both at the same time to keep them identical. Round off all the corners. Paint holds better to curves than corners, and there's less chance of accidentally cutting yourself. Grind your welds smooth with a flapper wheel. If you got good penetration with your welds, you won't need to see them. By all means go with powder coating.

 

Looks good! Seems I had to spend a gold mine to put a lowboy sissy bar on my wide glide. Sissy bar, sissy bar pad, detachable sideplates, and a hardware kit. You would think they could include the hardware when you buy the sideplates, nope.