Detachable sissy bar sideplates vs bolt on

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Feb 5, 2009 | 09:39 AM

#11

bcox

Road Master

Joined: Feb 2007

Posts: 1,125

Likes: 7

From: Outside of Philly

Go with the detachable. I got the detachable setup with the rack and backrest for the wife and then bought the mini backrest off a guy here for when i'm solo, but only one set of detachable sideplates right now that I change back and forth. I know it's not exactly what you're asking, but having to un-bolt and re-bolt things when you just want to ride is a pain in the @ss. Plus, I would think that those plates being tight against the strut would probably get a little rust from them trapping water and/ or rubbing and might not look as nice after a while if you plan on removing them.

Feb 5, 2009 | 11:30 AM

#12

PoorBoy

Outstanding HDF Member

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 2,881

Likes: 7

From: North Georgia

To start off, I stuck with the permanent sideplates. I knew down the road I would want saddlebags. My setup now lets me have a quick-release for the bags, which by the way, seldom come off either.

Like others have said, it only takes a few minutes to remove any of the stuff back there.

Feb 5, 2009 | 12:33 PM

#13

In Memoriam Citoriplus

May our Moderator Rest in Peace

Joined: Sep 2006

Posts: 11,386

Likes: 35

From: Rochester, NY

MOPARDAVE posted a "fix" for the side plate up in the DIY thread that you might want to check out.
I think its the same thing that WILLETTS did to his.

https://www.hdforums.com/forum/softa...ml#post4258138

Have fun, ride safe.

Feb 5, 2009 | 09:28 PM

#14

dc4stroke

Road Captain

Joined: Jul 2008

Posts: 512

Likes: 4

From: NW Arkansas

detach or not

It all boils down to how often you plan on swapping out. And if you are willing to take a chance of scratching something bolting and unbolting something. Everything on my bike is detachable. But I pull everything off and on depending on my needs for that ride. True you still have the stub sticking out. But.......2 seconds, NO tools.

Feb 5, 2009 | 09:54 PM

#15

Mordrapheus

Road Warrior

Joined: Mar 2007

Posts: 1,736

Likes: 3

From: Long Island, NY

personally i would say detachable...easy to install yourself, and can make life a lot easier when cleaning the bike. also it allows you to remove them if you are riding solo. I love the fact that i can change the look of my bike (heritage classic) by removing the sissy and the saddlebags and windshild

Dec 23, 2009 | 02:01 PM

#16

09fatboyaz

Cruiser

Joined: Dec 2009

Posts: 121

Likes: 0

From: Mesa Az

I have an 09 fatboy. In looking at the site you posted it says i will need to file the hole bigger to make the bracket fit. did you have to do this on your fender ?

Dec 23, 2009 | 02:11 PM

#17

tk353

Ultimate HDF Member

Joined: Oct 2007

Posts: 5,257

Likes: 6

From: Leander Texas

here is what i did

Attached Thumbnails

Detachable sissy bar sideplates vs bolt on-dsc02352c.jpg

Dec 23, 2009 | 02:16 PM

#18

twisted125

Road Master

Joined: Apr 2009

Posts: 953

Likes: 0

From: SOUTH-ALABAMA

Hualen ***. I dont like the look of the side plates taken up all that eye candy I call my bobtail if I have to ride with the pad on. The haulen *** is clean. My pad just pops up right behind my seat back, very low key. You have to take the seat off to remove it, but if Im taking it off, Im changing out seats anyways. Its actually on my bike in my profile pic, you can barely see it.