I didnt replace those bolts. Actually I had to hacksaw the originals off as they dont clear the tire and couldnt get the originals (about 4" long?) out.

The backrest and bag are stable, didnt give it thought. Maybe there is a tube that bolt went through that is keeping it stable with the two other support bolts? Went for a 20 mile ride with it like that. Will check it out tonight.

 

the detachable hardware kit does a few things for you that I would suggest if you plan on riding two up. Another thing to think about is that there are only 4 bolts holding that rear fender center and to the bike, you are riding around without two.

1) new fender rails for inside the fender. Unlike stock both the front and back holes in the rails are threaded for bolts from the outside.
2)Includes the plates that cover the holes left open by your turn signal relocation

In almost all cases of mounted bags you will need to use the rear whole to secure the bags to the bike which will require that inside that frame rail from the detachable hardware kit. You might be able to find just the rails but the kit is not that much more and comes with the whole covers and chrome bolts. The great thing is that you later switch to detachable hardware for the sissy bar and with new side plates you are good to go.

 

You are right, I didnt realize that these bolts needed to be replaced, just assumed they were only to secure the rear directionals. Strange that the relocation kit directions doesnt mention replacing them, or even include some shorter bolts to replace them with. I guess they assume you are going to mount bags right away, unlike me.

I'll go to the HW store tomorrow for some 1.5" bolts to use until I get the bags I finally chose. The rails inside the fender were very close to the tire. The rear short tube (which protrudes the fender) was not aligned with the fender hole anymore.

Learn something new every day. Crawling around the back of the bike on the ground (and smacking my forehead on the exhaust tip) I should have figured that one out.

That was the only thing that sucked about the relo kit install, having to hacksaw those bolts. Had to saw close to the fender and keep the hacksaw off the paint. The bolts were too long to pull through due to the tire.

Looks like I'll have to get that lift sometime, that might have drooped the tire enough to remove them.

Thanks,
B

 

Many have said you don't need a lift to pull those bolts but I had to make a run to Sears when I decided to remove mine. Best of luck, let me know if I can be any help.