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I appreciate this is an old topic and people might have moved on, but I found - and have - a pair of 'frame ends' that include the missing bolt holes for the saddlebag supports. They fill the gap in the photos above.
They have the same 'crushed tube' as the original racks do, but are just about 5" long with chrome caps. Two holes to bolt onto the frame, and two holes to bolt on the saddlebag supports. They fit under the chrome frame cover.
No idea what the part numbers are but they would give you that proper fender support.
If I can, I might be able to upload a photos of them. I would not have the saddlebags hanging on the fenders alone.
I'd be interested in seeing that part, never seen anything like that before.
I'd be interested in seeing that part, never seen anything like that before.
File attached ... I hope.
These were chrome when I got them and had chrome stoppers in the ends of the pipe. I had them de-chromed with the thought of painting them to match the frame.
I don't know their provenance, I picked them up used. I suppose there is a chance that someone just cut the ends of a bolt on rear frame loop ... which I also have ... as used on the later models.
It is p/n: 53422-97 - SUPPORT TUBE, BOTTOM
It fits just fine on the old FLHs. Normally it is used to support the later Tour-Paks but you can even get a license plate holder that bolts onto it. I think it finishes of the bike nicely. In your case, or the original poster's, I think it would be critical to have.
This is what I am talking about exactly. I am still deciding which look/function I am going to go for. Or may be I'm looking to have different looks for different moods ... stripped off, dressed up, or Tour-Pak on ! Ha. Depends a bit on the size of your plate, position of your rack etc.
Generally they say "1997 and up" (it's a '97 number) ... but you can ignore that. It fits back to at least 1993.
I don't know why H-D is so allergic to admiting things still fit older models! It's like we're pariahs or something.
I would not have the saddlebags hanging on the fenders alone.
The fenders are steel pressings and remarkably strong. On some models the rider and passengers' weights are taken by the rear fender, so I wouldn't worry about the bags being supported by them!
ya i never had any issues with full bags and tourpak missing that hoop, i was using a under tailight license plate mount also. plus electra glide sport, street glide road king and road glides all have bags without a support hoop
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