Flying the Flag

[bigvalkriefan]

I joined the Patriot Guard Riders and I've been on a couple of "missions" and it's been an awesome experience. What I was wondering is what kind of setup do you have to mount flags on your bike. I want to have a couple of 3x5 flags standing straight up on the rear of the Valk but I am not good at designing something that will work. I can build it if I have a picture or plans so if you have something I may be able to use could you post a picture of it. It would be greatly appreciated. 

[Chrisj CMA]

Its easy if you have a hitch.  I used PVC and braced it against the Hondaline Rack.....If you use steel it doesnt need bracing.

[bigvalkriefan]

Nope no hitch but thanks

[houstone]

Got bag rails?  I put a fishing rod holder on mine, and braced it with a piece of aluminum.  Will post pic if you like.
Welcome aboard.

[Moonshot_1]

Got a Tourer with a luggage rack and I had a guy make a bracket and holder that bolts on the luggage rack. (The bracket 1/8" steel that is 2pcs that clamp together with the bolts with the luggage rack sandwiched in between) Got a 2 pc. pole of black pipe and that fits into the holder.
Fly a 3x5 flag and it is solid as a rock. This is a Tough Tex flag and at hwy speeds. (During PGR Missions when applicable)

My recommendation is to go to welding shop and tell them what you are looking to do and what you expect to put it through.  They would design it and make it.
While my set up is for a single flag, I could easily see modifing the design to accomodate 2 flags.

Probably get this done for less than $100.

Make sure they over design it too. I've been on a few missions where we got told "we won't be going over 40 mph" and 2 miles later everyone is going 70 mph just to keep up.

Just remember the problem isn't that a cheaply made set up could break, it's that a cheaply made set up could break and kill someone.
The peace of mind that your rig will not break while on the hwy. is priceless.
Remember the heavier flag you fly the more stress on the rig and whatever rig you have, mount it as far rearward as reasonably possible so the flag won't wrap around your head in a tail wind. 

 

[bigvalkriefan]

Thanks moonshot, I'll try that.