2002 Mastiff sissy bar

[JerryC]

Tomorrow I take the plunge and put a sissy bar on my scoot. Alas, the bar is unlike more recent vintage BDMs: I have to put spacers between the fender and the struts, for a plate to hold the bar; thus, the struts will be held off the fender by 1/4 inch or so. This makes me very nervous. I am advised that this is the way HDs install sissy bars. I am apprehensive for sure, as newer bikes have cleaner installations. I had hoped BDM was sending me new struts like on the new bikes, but that was not to be. We shall see as I hold my breath on this one. I will attempt photos once the installation has happened.

Oh well, it is thunder and lightening time in NJ, as the evening storm rolls through. No ride tonight... :bang:

 

[CALJAMR]

Tomorrow I take the plunge and put a sissy bar on my scoot. Alas, the bar is unlike more recent vintage BDMs: I have to put spacers between the fender and the struts, for a plate to hold the bar; thus, the struts will be held off the fender by 1/4 inch or so. This makes me very nervous. I am advised that this is the way HDs install sissy bars. I am apprehensive for sure, as newer bikes have cleaner installations. I had hoped BDM was sending me new struts like on the new bikes, but that was not to be. We shall see as I hold my breath on this one. I will attempt photos once the installation has happened.

Oh well, it is thunder and lightening time in NJ, as the evening storm rolls through. No ride tonight... :bang:

Let us know how it goes. I would like to see pics of it.

 

[JerryC]

I am actually installing it tomorrow. I got the rear fender off, and should get er done tomorrow. I am not sure how it will look, but I want the option of carrying stuff.

 

[CALJAMR]

Cool. I want to do the same thing. So it will be cool to see how it turns out.

 

[JerryC]

Caljamr; This is the first work I have attempted. It took about 2 hours, in part because there were no instructions. But the sissy and rack are now installed. I will post pictures after I take some, hopefully tomorrow. What you will see is surprising: the sissy bar slides into a bracket that is welded onto a plate that is bolted through the inside of the of the fender struts, with the same bolts. But the bracket has a rough weld, that is on the outside. I installed it backwards the first time, because I couldn't believe that BD would make it such that the welded slot was on the outside for the world to see. In any case, the sissy and rack have changed the bike. Now I feel a little like a commuter. But it is growing on me. In a few days I will decide. I will take some close ups for you to see.

 

[CALJAMR]

Caljamr; This is the first work I have attempted. It took about 2 hours, in part because there were no instructions. But the sissy and rack are now installed. I will post pictures after I take some, hopefully tomorrow. What you will see is surprising: the sissy bar slides into a bracket that is welded onto a plate that is bolted through the inside of the of the fender struts, with the same bolts. But the bracket has a rough weld, that is on the outside. I installed it backwards the first time, because I couldn't believe that BD would make it such that the welded slot was on the outside for the world to see. In any case, the sissy and rack have changed the bike. Now I feel a little like a commuter. But it is growing on me. In a few days I will decide. I will take some close ups for you to see.

Very cool. Can't wait to see it. :2thumbs:

 

[JerryC]

I bougfht the sissy and rack from BDM (through a dealer) for over $600... The package included a plate that fit under the struts on each side, and was bolted on from the existing bolts that are inside the fender. So, I took the fender off, removed the bolts that hold the strut, and loosend (but didn't have to remove or alter in any way), the turn signals. Each plate was then inserted between the fender and the strut, and the bolts re-installed. No real problem. The issue ultimately is the way it looks. I think it actually looks better with the rack on. It just doesn't seem like it belongs on a custom bike. That is subjective, I know, but the photos I will post later will allow folks to make their own judgment. Obviously, the new bikes have struts that directly accomodate a sissy bar, and it is a clean look and installation. The good news is that with the install I can now ride to work everyday (and carry more than sunglasses).

 

[CALJAMR]

Where's the pics?

 

[JerryC]

I will try to load them today. I had trouble getting them into my computer,so I had my daughter use her camera, and then she took her sweet time to forward to my computer, and on and on. So, I have them in my outlook and will try to get them in today. I did post two photos that are in the gallery. They aren't great. In any case, I am happy with the result in that I can use the bike to go to work and take longer trips. The installation isn't as pure and clean as the new ones, but it gets the job done. Photos coming. Sorry bout the delay

 

[JerryC]

photo of sissy bar/rack

 

[JerryC]

sissy bar photos

Having trouble putting up additional photos. I will get er done.

 

[Gas Man]

You mean these photos?

 

[JerryC]

Gas: I had some new ones (w/o the briefcase) and some close ups. I have to practice this s#*t to post the photos. I will get one of my teenagers to help out..

 

[CALJAMR]

Very nice. I like it alot. :2thumbs: That's exactly what i want for my bike.

Did you say you bought it from Big Dog? How much? Are you going to get the pad? Now that you have do you recommend it for others?

Hey my bike is a 2001 Husky and it looks alot like your 2002 Mastiff. Did they change the name for 2002 models or am i missing something? I know mine is a lower end model by looking at the forks but it looks alot like yours.

 

[JerryC]

Very nice. I like it alot. :2thumbs: That's exactly what i want for my bike.

Did you say you bought it from Big Dog? How much? Are you going to get the pad? Now that you have do you recommend it for others?

Hey my bike is a 2001 Husky and it looks alot like your 2002 Mastiff. Did they change the name for 2002 models or am i missing something? I know mine is a lower end model by looking at the forks but it looks alot like yours.

The bar, plates and rack were almost $700, through my local dealer from BD. I had several long talks with the dealer about this: my choices were not good. Custom struts would cost thousands; after market would not fit as well and would still cost. I suggest you check the after market, maybe even HD (Softail add ons may fit). I didn't check the aftermarket. In the end, I would have loved a clean insertion like the new bikes, but that was not available, and this seemed to be the only real option. I was surprised that the plates had the welds on the outside. I originally installed them backwards (I didn't konw it at the time) to put the welds on the inside, but the bar did not fit in the plates that way, so I had to switch them. The system is growing on me and it is practical.

I do have the pad (it came with it) but since I don't ride 2 up, I left it off. I was going to try to find a plate for the bar (flames, skull, etc.) but haven't done it yet. I may someday get a custom bar. But not today.

 

[CALJAMR]

Jerry C - Thanks for all the info. I want that setup so bad. Like you said first off i'll try the aftermarket. I already have quick disconnect leather side bags so i'm thinking the brackets have to match a Harley setup out there for half the price of what BDM is charging. Thanks again and it looks great. :2thumbs:

 

[JerryC]

I just bought a Tourmaster XL Sissy Bar bag. It holds a lot and fits pretty well on the rack. I used it yesterday to ride to Annapolis and back, with no problems. The set up makes the bike so much more versatile for me.

 

[Sporadic]

Here's my 2001 Mastiff with a sissy bar. I bought the bike used and took it off as I ride solo and didn't like what it did to the lines of the bike. Unfortunately the the chrome on the struts was marred when I took it off. Just tossing this pic up for references. I have no clue who the bar was made by.

 

[JerryC]

Great and helpful pic! After seeing this, I think BD sent me the same rig you have. But, since my strut bolts are on the inside, it would not fit unless I flipped the bar holders. So, the world gets to see my welds, where yours face inward. By the way, nice ride! I love my 02!