I have the ridgid on my wide glide and like the cleaner look. I have a mini bar with pad on normally and change out for a 20 inch bar to hold my T bag when traveling. bought the sideplates new and both bars on e-bay for about half price.

 

I notched my sideplates. Easy to install. no problems ever. I don't use them anymore as I much prefer the haulin *** backrest I have. A ratcheting box wrench makes the bolt for the signals a million times easier to loosen for install. I would always loosen one side of the sissy bar bolts before install to make it easier to slide them in without risking scratching the fender.

 

IMHO, notching the rigids so they are 'detachable' is not a good idea. I had rigids on my bike initially and it was so tight in between the fender and the strut that once I got it in there I didn't want to pull them back out...and when I did remove them I had to be super careful to not scratch the fender. So, I don't know how you guys are slipping them in and out without damaging your paint. I doubt many of the people who did notch them are slipping them on and off on a regular basis.

if you want detachable, just get the kit. I'm sure you can find a cheap setup either in the hdf classifieds or ebay.