Factory Bags

[GA VALK]

Can you install the factory hardware & bags and ride without the rear seat and pillion grips?

[maddoggie501]

I have the factory bags and they do require the hand rails to mount.  However, you can get rid of the rear seat.

[maddoggie501]

I may stand corrected,  look up the bag mounts on Honda's accessory page.  There may be a mount to use without the hand guards.  My mount bolts to the passenger hand guards

[mrtappan]

They make both.  I bought both sets because I wasn't sure which I would use.  Also, you can mount non-Honda bags to their mounts.  The mounts are flat so any bag that covers it should work

[GA VALK]

THats good news

Thank you

[mrtappan]

    Granted, I'm sure the OEM Honda bags are reinforced so they support the weight on the contents.

    If you use an aftermarket bags like Saddlemen you may have to make a template for the inside.  On my bikes when I used EZ-Brackets, I would take a 1/4" thick piece of wood and trace the outside of the bag on it.  Then cut about 1/2" or so inside the trace to make in inner piece for the bags.  I went across country four times on a bike with Extra Jumbo Saddlemen bags loaded down with all kinds of junk.  They never tore or had any problems so I trust that method.