Mock mounted in the brackets. Its fully in position, in them, just no screws in it. The legs are drilled and tapped to 1/4-20 threads, the same as the sissy bar. Hard to tell in this pic, but the flat top of the rack, is at the same angle as the top of the saddle bags. I put the side braces on because I am thinking of building my own trunk for it and covering it in fake leather, like the saddlebags. I cannot find one large enough for 2 FF helmets, at least that I can afford.