2004 sissy bar plates to a 2001

[wiltybob]

i have been offered a sissy bar and plates from a 2004 sporty. nearly new.

but i notice from the pics the plates are slightly different.

going from pictures only it seems there is a cut out on pre 2004 plates for the indicators.

on the 2004 up plates there isnt one but there are holes instead strategically placed.

what i want to know is are all the fender mounting holes and those for the indicators in the same places on the 2004 frame as they are on the 2001?

if they are and the newer style fits then i got the bargain of the week

[IXL2Relax]

I don't see a 2001 model in your profile, but this thread may be helpful in comparing the two specifications:
http://xlforum.net/forums/showthread.php?t=278635

As far as I can tell, both models would have the mounting holes 7-1/2" apart - but that may not be the whole story of compatibility.

The early bracket measurement across the fender (from left bracket to right bracket) is narrower on the older frame-mount models - Approx. 9-1/2" vs 11" on the 2004+ models.


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[wiltybob]

its a doer upper to sell. so i dont regard it as mine. im a ironheader only.
gotta make a buck where you can.
im just about to read via your link cheers matey

[wiltybob]

just checked in the workshop. distance of my rear end is roughly 7 3/4" from outside of strut to outside of strut. measurement taken at the area of the last bolt. distance between front to back bolts is approx 7 1/2".

arent those larger widths for those new fangled detachable thingys? i dont do detachable

[IXL2Relax]

Originally Posted by wiltybob

just checked in the workshop. distance of my rear end is roughly 7 3/4" from outside of strut to outside of strut. measurement taken at the area of the last bolt. distance between front to back bolts is approx 7 1/2".

arent those larger widths for those new fangled detachable thingys? i dont do detachable

Yes - Those ARE for the detachable plates (I should have mentioned that) - But the relative difference between the two years should be the same.


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[wiltybob]

thanks my friend. after reading the article and going out to measure i sort of worked it out following your input

from what i have learned the frame mounting holes are spaced the same so the 2004 plates will fit with maybe some adjustment.

[IXL2Relax]

Originally Posted by wiltybob

from what i have learned the frame mounting holes are spaced the same so the 2004 plates will fit with maybe some adjustment.

If you get the 2004-later plates to work, please post up some pictures for others to reference what you did... TIA

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[wiltybob]

i would post pics if i could . i dont do these wierd internet based things. the cloud to me is whats in the sky and stops the sun shining.

getting the 2004 plates to work is simple for me. i will be putting the plates between the fender and the struts and using an older style sissy bar.

to bolt to the outside of the strut you would have to get 2004 up plates without the extra bit on the front (ive seen them on that well known auction site) or cut it off near the front mounting hole but that isnt ideal. though you could use a good enamel paint to touch up. you can get paint that looks just like chrome.

[wiltybob]

update. got the sissy bar. so i can say the 2004 up plates do fit onto the pre 2004 frame but with a minor modification. they require about 1 1/2 - 2" taken off the front.

i did this fairly accurately then rounded off the cut on the back side to mimmick the curve at the shocks. it looks ok to me.

i have touched up the exposed steel with some chrome effect enamel paint....job done.

indicators would fit straight on no problem. my little baby did need a slight mod as it has mini bullet indicators mounted to the second hole from the back.

all i did was open the hole out to 3/4" to clear the nut holding the indicator in place. again i angled the hole so it was bigger on the back to the front. touched up the exposed steel again to prevent corrosion.
if there had been enough thread on the indicator stem i wouldnt have had to do anything but hey ho

so the long and the short of it is yes 2004 up sissy bar and plates will fit on a pre 2004 bike with very minimal effort