I run solo so I have plenty of cargo capacity between the tour pack and the trunk. If I want to use a back seat bag for dirty laundry on long trips, am I going to need to install a luggage rack or will simply closing the tour pack lid on the straps of the bsb do the trick ?

 

You won't be able to close the tour pack lid with the straps in there. Besides putting something on the tour pack would seriously scratch the paint.

If you think you would need the extra storage space, go ahead and have the luggage rack installed. It does come in handy and you can mount small flags.

 

I installed the rack on mine and couldn't do without it. Harley also has a bag specifically made to fit on the rack with quick-disconnect straps. Makes a neat package.

 

Guess I'll have my dealer drill the 3/8" holes this coming Saturday. Yeah, I could do it myself. However by letting them do it, if there is a screw up, they have to pay for the new tour pack lid ! Once that is done, I'll install the one I took off the FLHTKL that I had powder coated gloss black.

 

I installed the luggage rack about a month after I bought my 15 TG. Drilling the holes was a nerve racking process. It just didn't seem right drilling into a brand new tour pack lid.

 

That's why I asked. I like the way it looks w/o it. I am going to try one long trip with the Nelson Rigg tour pack rack bag lashed to the grab rails and resting on the passenger seat first. All that will be in it is dirty laundry.

 

Let me let you guys in on a MoCo service secret. Drilling the holes for the tour pak is easy on late models. If you look under the lid you will see four circles embossed in the plastic lid on the under side. These are the exact centers for the rack. Mark the center of the circle, put masking tape on the paint side and drill a 1/8" hole from the bottom. Then finish the hole from the top thru the tape. piece of cake. I've done a few.

 

This ! 3/8" hole btw. I measured the ones on the Limited Low I traded in.

 

When I installed mine I put tape on the top and figured out where I wanted it and then drilled the holes from the top. After I drilled them I noticed inside the embossed circles you are talking about (a few minutes to late). I was about 1/4" off towards the back of the bike, but the rack still looks fine. I wish they would make a note of this in the installation instructions that come with the rack.

 

That's why I called it a secret. Right after I retired, I worked at a Harley Dealership in the Service Dept. The Service Mgr clued me in on that one. Don't think it's written anywhere.