Seems there was some interest in the sissy bar I made for my wife so here it is.
I had originally planned to put the sissy bar on the grab bar so I heated and bent a 2 foot piece of 1/2 inch stainless round bar into a key hole shape so the bottom of the key hole would fit into the grab bar. Then I threaded the ends so I could put a nut on each side of each hole. I then decided that it would not work as the grab bar isn't stong enough to support it. I wanted a back rack and I figured I could mount the sissy bar to it (the pics and how I did it are on the forum here http://gstwins.com/gsboard/index.php?topic=45426.0). I then cut a piece of the same aluminum plate 6"x7" that the rack bed is made out of for the back rest. I then mounted the sissy bar to a piece of 1" stainless unistrut cut so it would fit the rack. Since the rear faring/fender is in the way I had to go further out than I could have if I would have just bent another bar but I decided to stick with what I had. So I found how far out to the sides I needed to go to drill holes for 1/2 inch carriage bolts and got it in a place where I could put the nuts on ((about 3" fron the center).
I then went about selecting the stuffing and material to upolster the pad. I used black marine grade vinyl and the thinnest pads used for marine seats. I tripled these up in the front and a single layer all the way around. With my wifes help we cut a pattern using what we had and she pinned it inside out for me to sew. I sewed it with quite a large needle and black 50 pound test dacron fishing line. When I put it on any loose part I stuffed with outdoor spun polyster stuffing (the kind used in lawn furniture) I closed the bottom up using sewn on velcro. When I get the seat restuffed with the gel pads I'm going to have the shop redo the back rest.
My wife absolutly loves the thing. It makes her much more comfortable on long trips.
I know...it looks like a head rest for a car, I really don't care, it works.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/liloody/DSCN1046.jpg)
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/liloody/DSCN1045.jpg)
The mount and yes it not the best looking thing up close, again, it works and I don't care.
(http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y299/liloody/DSCN1047.jpg)
Sweet! :thumb:
Thank you for the post :cheers:
Hey its all about doing it youself . If it makes you wife fell more comfortable and safe then thats what matters.
Theres alot of satisfaction in designing and doing something yourself.
Well done. :thumb:
I think that thing will make wheelies easier. Plus it will catch the wind and propel ya along "with the wind" bike. Must give Al Bore a hardon whenever you squirt by I'll bet. Wind powered bike. Just wait till he patents it and you cant run it without paying him big $$$ ...
Also the little strip of metal the sissy bar is bolted to isn't all that strong. I have torn it on my 89. Its very possible to tear that.
Cool.
Buddha.
I did a similar thing...made a sissy bar for the wife. I think it makes me feel safer, more than her, knowing she can't just slide off. That reminds me...I've got to post some pictures of mine some time. Good job on the build. And yeah, I'd watch that thin metal back there.
Quote from: The Buddha on January 29, 2009, 05:38:40 PM
I think that thing will make wheelies easier. Plus it will catch the wind and propel ya along "with the wind" bike. Must give Al Bore a hardon whenever you squirt by I'll bet. Wind powered bike. Just wait till he patents it and you cant run it without paying him big $$$ ...
Also the little strip of metal the sissy bar is bolted to isn't all that strong. I have torn it on my 89. Its very possible to tear that.
Cool.
Buddha.
Yup, all I'll need is you behind me talking your trash and I'll bet I hit a buck fifty.