Passenger Grab bars

[Ramie]

My wife has been complaining that there's nothing good to hold onto when she's riding with me so I found these



They are Saddle bag mounting brackets for a Yamaha Vstar I happened to find while looking for some for a friend.  Bolt collar to bolt collar they measure 8 1/4 inches which just happens to be the same as the two holes in the side rail the saddle bag brackets bolt through into the rear fender.
As you see from the pics below I also have a hitch on the bike and the bolt hole collars on the supports were thicker than the spacers between the saddle bag bracket and the hitch plate so I had to grind them down so they were the same thickness as the spacers, I didn't want to go buy new bolts.





I only have one small concern and that is that the bolt hole collars are not as wide as the spaces I took off, I wouldn't think that would affect the hitch much but I'm not sure.

[Punisher]

Very smart!   Looks like it was made for the Valkyrie.

What did those cost?

[Ramie]

I paid about $29 for the pair.  I've looked around and haven't found any other solutions for the Interstate.  If someone has one I'd sure like to see it.

[northernunity]

I have the exact same problem >>> wife needs something to hang on to !  Was there a specific year / model of the Yamaha V Star that those are for .... this looks like it would solve my problem !

Thanx for any input
 

[Bighead]

Why does one need to "hang on" as a passenger with the trunk behind them? You riding off road on the phat girl?
I don't even know my wife is on the back most of the time.

[northernunity]

In our senior years and love having her along .... after 37 years of marriage ... if that is what she wants ... " yes dear " is just fine with me ... still best friends and I want to keep it that way !  That's why I also got the new Mustang seat !

[The emperor has no clothes]

Pretty inventive  How does she like them ?

[Bighead]

In our senior years and love having her along .... after 37 years of marriage ... if that is what she wants ... " yes dear " is just fine with me ... still best friends and I want to keep it that way !  That's why I also got the new Mustang seat !

Been married 30 yrs myself but don't understand the hanging on thing just trying to understand it.

[N8171S]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

[Bighead]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

Now that makes sense but a passenger having to hang on not so much

[The emperor has no clothes]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

Now that makes sense but a passenger having to hang on not so much

I don't think it's a matter of having to hang on per se. Riding as a passenger they have no control, it might be reassuring to have something to hold on to. I know my wife will occasionally hold onto the chrome on the bag lids. If it lets them relax and enjoy the ride, how is that a bad thing ? I've only ridden bitch for a couple of short stints. It is very unnerving to not be in control of the bike. I think I'd be a nervous freaking wreck if I did a 4K trip on the back. For me I try to make it as pleasant as I can for my wife. 

[dconstruct55]

Those look great Ramie!
My wife was asking about something for both of our bikes, 2006 Vulcan V2k and the 1999 Tourer.
I found one of those fold up and down arm rests for the Tourer and a similar set up of grab bars for the Vulcan. I agree 100% with Meathead, just try and sit bitch for a few miles on some twisties, you will understand the need for a bit of reassurance no matter who is driving. I love my wife on the back and anything I can do to keep her happy and willing to go with me is worth the time and money.

[Bighead]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

Now that makes sense but a passenger having to hang on not so much

I don't think it's a matter of having to hang on per se. Riding as a passenger they have no control, it might be reassuring to have something to hold on to. I know my wife will occasionally hold onto the chrome on the bag lids. If it lets them relax and enjoy the ride, how is that a bad thing ? I've only ridden bitch for a couple of short stints. It is very unnerving to not be in control of the bike. I think I'd be a nervous freaking wreck if I did a 4K trip on the back. For me I try to make it as pleasant as I can for my wife. 

I us dress
And what you are saying but if your passenger is not comfortable on the back with you  in control what is a grab rail gonna do? If they are not confident in your abilities to Pilot the  phat Gurl maybe they should rethink riding behind you and ride their own bike. Or not ride at all. It is what it is!

[The emperor has no clothes]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

Now that makes sense but a passenger having to hang on not so much

I don't think it's a matter of having to hang on per se. Riding as a passenger they have no control, it might be reassuring to have something to hold on to. I know my wife will occasionally hold onto the chrome on the bag lids. If it lets them relax and enjoy the ride, how is that a bad thing ? I've only ridden bitch for a couple of short stints. It is very unnerving to not be in control of the bike. I think I'd be a nervous freaking wreck if I did a 4K trip on the back. For me I try to make it as pleasant as I can for my wife. 

I us dress
And what you are saying but if your passenger is not comfortable on the back with you  in control what is a grab rail gonna do? If they are not confident in your abilities to Pilot the  phat Gurl maybe they should rethink riding behind you and ride their own bike. Or not ride at all. It is what it is!

I think you are missing the point. If Ramies's wife enjoys riding with her husband and a couple of grab rails lets her enjoy it even more, what's wrong with that ? His post was about a cheap, easy way to accomplish that. We probably shouldn't hijack the thread anymore. 

[Bighead]

I use them to bungee my snowboard on the  back seat.

Now that makes sense but a passenger having to hang on not so much

I don't think it's a matter of having to hang on per se. Riding as a passenger they have no control, it might be reassuring to have something to hold on to. I know my wife will occasionally hold onto the chrome on the bag lids. If it lets them relax and enjoy the ride, how is that a bad thing ? I've only ridden bitch for a couple of short stints. It is very unnerving to not be in control of the bike. I think I'd be a nervous freaking wreck if I did a 4K trip on the back. For me I try to make it as pleasant as I can for my wife.  

I us dress
And what you are saying but if your passenger is not comfortable on the back with you  in control what is a grab rail gonna do? If they are not confident in your abilities to Pilot the  phat Gurl maybe they should rethink riding behind you and ride their own bike. Or not ride at all. It is what it is!

I think you are missing the point. If Ramies's wife enjoys riding with her husband and a couple of grab rails lets her enjoy it even more, what's wrong with that ? His post was about a cheap, easy way to accomplish that. We probably shouldn't hijack the thread anymore.  

Nothing in The world wrong with it but I am trying to understand the need to "HANG ON" if there is a need to "HANG ON" either The passenger don't  enjoy riding or the rider is doing something wrong. And I am just trying to understand it. That's all.

[hubcapsc]

Nothing in The world wrong with it but I am trying to understand the need to "HANG ON" if there is a need to "HANG ON" either The passenger don't  enjoy riding or the rider is doing something wrong.

Carolyn has much more fun here:



... than here:



nice seats, good backrests, armrests, and "stuff to hang on to" is the difference... Once I forgot
to install the armrests for a ride, and it lessened her enjoyment of it... Bighead, I
don't think you ride as a passenger very often  ...

-Mike

[Steel cowboy]

Ramie, have you looked on this site for the I/S arm rest they sell. The site is bigbikethings.com
I got a set for my bike and my girl friend loves them. One draw back is the trunk will only open halfway unless you remove the upper half of the arm rest. I removed the set screws so they pop out faster. But I'm very happy with the fit and looks too.

[Ramie]

Haven't visiting this post in a while and didn't realize all the controversy it created.  I put the grab rails on because she requested something.  She finally realized that if she wanted to spend more quality time with her hubby she would need to start riding with me.  She's an inexperienced rider and never really enjoyed riding on my smaller bikes.  The Valk is much more enjoyable for her and I was impressed how quickly she caught on.  She now doesn't hesitate to take longer rides with me and I enjoy having her with.

hubcapsc:  I've looked at those but I'm looking at making some mounts for some swing away GW arm rests.  I've seen a picture somewhere of a Valk I/S with them on.

[wingrider02]

Glad to see it Ramie!  I put some on the Valk for the Mrs, but they are much lower, actually meant for hiking it up on the center stand.  May find a set of these and get them on for her!

[northernunity]

I am back to one of my original questions > do you remember the year / model of the V Star they were for.  I am looking for them online and there appears to be different ones for different year/models. Most of the sites don't provide distance center > center for bolts.

Thanx > she's put away for winter ... trying to get things in line for making everyone happy this spring

[Hook#3287]

Haven't visiting this post in a while and didn't realize all the controversy it created.  I put the grab rails on because she requested something.  She finally realized that if she wanted to spend more quality time with her hubby she would need to start riding with me.  She's an inexperienced rider and never really enjoyed riding on my smaller bikes.  The Valk is much more enjoyable for her and I was impressed how quickly she caught on.  She now doesn't hesitate to take longer rides with me and I enjoy having her with.

hubcapsc:  I've looked at those but I'm looking at making some mounts for some swing away GW arm rests.  I've seen a picture somewhere of a Valk I/S with them on.

If she likes it, that's all that matters
Ramie, what's the distance between the two upper bars, when installed?

[Ramie]

Glad to see it Ramie!  I put some on the Valk for the Mrs, but they are much lower, actually meant for hiking it up on the center stand.  May find a set of these and get them on for her!

I actually ended up adding some handles from an old canvas bag I had lying around as my wife's arms are a little short.

I am back to one of my original questions > do you remember the year / model of the V Star they were for.  I am looking for them online and there appears to be different ones for different year/models. Most of the sites don't provide distance center > center for bolts.

Thanx > she's put away for winter ... trying to get things in line for making everyone happy this spring

I don't remember but if you just search for some for a Valk standard I'm sure they'll work also.

Haven't visiting this post in a while and didn't realize all the controversy it created.  I put the grab rails on because she requested something.  She finally realized that if she wanted to spend more quality time with her hubby she would need to start riding with me.  She's an inexperienced rider and never really enjoyed riding on my smaller bikes.  The Valk is much more enjoyable for her and I was impressed how quickly she caught on.  She now doesn't hesitate to take longer rides with me and I enjoy having her with.

hubcapsc:  I've looked at those but I'm looking at making some mounts for some swing away GW arm rests.  I've seen a picture somewhere of a Valk I/S with them on.

If she likes it, that's all that matters
Ramie, what's the distance between the two upper bars, when installed?

Not sure which distance your asking about.  Be glad to measure something if you like.

[Hook#3287]

Not sure which distance your asking about.  Be glad to measure something if you like.

Basically, what size rear seat will fit?  I see your picture shows an Interstate, with what looks like a aftermarket seat.

Will a Mustang or Ultimate rear seat work with your "Grab Bars"

Buy the way, cool idea

[Ramie]

Not sure which distance your asking about.  Be glad to measure something if you like.

Basically, what size rear seat will fit?  I see your picture shows an Interstate, with what looks like a aftermarket seat.

Will a Mustang or Ultimate rear seat work with your "Grab Bars"

Buy the way, cool idea

The seat is a factory seat I just added the drivers backrest.  I'm sure they would work with any of the seats.

[Fazer]

Haven't visiting this post in a while and didn't realize all the controversy it created.  I put the grab rails on because she requested something.  She finally realized that if she wanted to spend more quality time with her hubby she would need to start riding with me.  She's an inexperienced rider and never really enjoyed riding on my smaller bikes.  The Valk is much more enjoyable for her and I was impressed how quickly she caught on.  She now doesn't hesitate to take longer rides with me and I enjoy having her with.

Funny how some of these threads "go off in your hand..."  Just don't mention the best motor oil to use.  I wish my wife liked to ride more.  With the Valk we could be making some great memories.

[northernunity]

Hi Ramie ...   When  I look around for V Star saddle bag stand offs ... there appears to be differences between the ? models ? of V Star and years. 

I am using an online "for sale" site here in Canada " Kijijji" which lists just about anything you could want in life ... and it would be helpful to know what model / year of V Star might work.

As you mentioned earlier your bolt to bolt distance is 8 1/4" which helps ... unfortunately most of the sites selling new ones don't give that measurement ... only years / models it fits.

Again ... thanks for sharing this ... seems if might solve concerns for many of us !

[Ramie]

Hi Ramie ...   When  I look around for V Star saddle bag stand offs ... there appears to be differences between the ? models ? of V Star and years.  

I am using an online "for sale" site here in Canada " Kijijji" which lists just about anything you could want in life ... and it would be helpful to know what model / year of V Star might work.

As you mentioned earlier your bolt to bolt distance is 8 1/4" which helps ... unfortunately most of the sites selling new ones don't give that measurement ... only years / models it fits.

Again ... thanks for sharing this ... seems if might solve concerns for many of us !

Just looked up the order, I got them off Amazon.
Chrome Saddle Bag Support Bar Mounts Bracket for Yamaha V Star XVS 1100

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00GI9FB8S?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o04_s00

Have a good one.

[northernunity]

Thanx for the effort to look them up ... found them

... I'll order some and surprise the boss in the spring  ... new seat, new grab bars ... what more could she want ..... >>> don't bother answering that ! 

[John larsen]

I prefer my wife hold on to me. Don't want to discourage that.

[PharmBoy]

I got these several years ago. They look nice and are functional. Picture at MC Enterprises, Product #180-13.  They say that "This is a discontinued part you can purchase direct".  866-886-2368 $52.50  They post a pic on their web site. I have found them easy to install and am well satisfied...Jim

[northernunity]

Well spring is almost here in Ontario Canada and it was time to work on the bike.  I received the luggage stand off bars to use as grab handles on the Interstate and they worked out perfect.

Thanks again for the effort to list where they came from.

I added some pics here to show how they worked out with my new mustang seat on the Interstate ... just in case anyone else was considering this option.

Also on another plus note > I have a center stand on the bike and there was a lift handle on the left side that wouldn't fit with these grab rails.  Great news > the grab rails provide enough lift for me to still put the bike up on the center stand.

Now for a test ride with the "boss" to see how she likes her new seat and grab bars ... waiting for couple days of rain here ... to wash the winter salt & sand from the roads before heading out.