Hard bags

[ladderman]

I took off my hard bags and set up brackets that secure them to the bike, a 99 STD. I'm having a rough time putting the bracket back on, specifically the smaller diameter bolt towards the rear.
It seems like you need three people to make this bolt up, especially with the solid washer that moves all over the place.  I bought these bags and set up off a member, they are Honda touring bags.  The guy supplied the longer bolts, there about 3 inches long.  There has to be a better way of securing this bolt.  Should I get a little longer bolt, say 3 1/4 inch.  Thanks, Ladderman

[PatrickDoss]

On the rear ones, I found it easier to do the nut cage mod (even though I didn't go Darkside), run the bolt all the way in through all the spacers, then start the nut onto the bolt.  Then you can use the bolt head to tighten it down.  Until I did that, I thought I was never going to get them back in.

[Tropic traveler]

If you are talking about the rear bolt that also attaches the rear fender my best advice for a long term solution is the "bag drop kit". I think Rattlebars makes it {somebody correct me if I'm wrong} & it works great. I put it on both of our bikes. It's a bit pricey for what it entails but it makes life MUCH easier when you need to drop the bags for servicing or whatever. Lining up those fender bolts is a sucky job!

[Black Sled]

That reminds me - if anyone has an OEM black right side Tourer bag in nice shape they want to part with, give me a shout.  My bike blew over in a strong wind and left a wicked bad scar on the cover and bottom.

Thanks