I have an ' 08 Ultra Classic (Dark Blue Pearl). The paint on these bikes is really fantastic! As a result, I really am not too crazy about drilling holes in the tour pack to put on a luggage rack. However, the wife and I are riding from Boston to Yellowstone this summer. (Before all the comments, we've done similar trips on a Beemer with a rack so I am looking forward to the company). Anyway, a couple of buddies have told me there's no way to travel that long without the rack to hold the necessary "stuff". Any practical comments on whether I really have to break down and put the rack on that nice paint job?

 

the rack is to useful not have. carrying rainsuits etc..............drill away[]

 

It is worth drilling the holes...........you will get over it when you are able to carry her hair dryer..

 

[sm=type.gif] You might consider a trailer.

 

Have you considered pulling a trailer ? There are some nice ones out there that pull real easy.
You could store every thing you need in it and still have room to spare. That way you wouldn't have to drill holes in your tour pac lid. Just think what would happen if your drill slipped and carved a big gouge across the top. You would kick yourself all the way to the body $hop.
I've pulled one type or another for almost thirty years now, and wouldn't think of taking any trip longer than two days without it.

jake dog

 

I find myself using the rack ALL the time........Drill them holes !!![sm=smiley20.gif]

 

Have you considered buying a spare tour pack lid and changing it when going on a trip? I don't like the looks of a rack, so I don't have one on mine.

 

I really like the clean look of not adding the chrome. I do understand the utility of it though. I haven't done it yet.

I like the trailer idea for a trip like you've got planned. Will you tent, or stay at B&Bs/Inns and motels?

I'm from Mass too. Welcome to the forum. Go over to the Northeast section and say hi too.

 

I just bought the rack too, and I was contemplating the drilling as well. After hearing the positives, I'm gonna do it.

 

I used mine on my previous bikeon two long trips and never used/neededit again. I plugged the holes with hot toppers(i think that's what they are called, little chrome plugs with black logo and script) with HD logos on em, looked real nice didn't detract at all from the look or paint of the TP.
On another note, I have an 08Dark Blue Pearl Road Glide and although I love the bike, the color is dreadful IMHO, one of the worst colors I have ever seen on stock HD, long story how I ended up with mine in that god awful color but glad you like it. First person I ever heard of who liked it. Mine gets paint next winter!