When you click on links to various merchants on this site and make a purchase, this can result in this site earning a commission. Affiliate programs and affiliations include, but are not limited to, the eBay Partner Network.
I'm planning to replace old bags on my 1999 Fatboy. The new bags are double thick leather that lay over the fender and the thumb screw to fasten the pillion pad seat is way too short now. Do they make longer thread screws for this or should I just go to the hardware store and wing it?
Thanks,
Personally, I'd go to the hardware store and wing it, probably would be a lot cheaper too. There were times in the past when I was changing something on my bike and that's what I did.
If the new bags are going to lay directly on the fender (painted surface) I'd consider a felt pad between the bike and leather to minimize scuffing and wear. That might necessitate a slightly longer screw.
Consider going to a torx safety screw, makes it harder to walk away with the seat.
If you use a Torx, safety or not, and make it a little longer than stock you can add a jamb nut on the underside of the fender. This will also help to keep someone from walking off with your $500 (or more), seat.
7 Surprising Harley-Davidson Products that Are Not Motorcycles
Slideshow: The bar-and-shield logo shows up on far more than motorcycles, some of the company's most unexpected products have nothing to do with riding.
Slideshow: From the troubled AMF years to modern misfires, these bikes earned reputations for reliability issues, questionable engineering, or disappointing performance.
Crazy Bunderbike Build Looks Amazing, But Is It Impossible to Ride?
Slideshow: The Swiss custom shop has taken a Harley Softail and stretched it into something so long and low that it looks closer to a rolling sculpture than a conventional motorcycle.
Engraved Rebellion: Inside Bundnerbike's Glam Rock II
Slideshow: A standard cruiser becomes an intricate metal canvas in the hands of a Swiss custom house known for pushing Harley-Davidson platforms far beyond their factory brief.
Slideshow: Harley-Davidson's challenges aren't abstract; they show up in dropping shipments, shrinking dealer traffic, and strategic decisions that aren't yet translating into growth.