Do IS bags change shape if left off for a while?

[PhredValk]

I had the bags off for a couple of weeks while I did some mods and maintenance on the bike. Now, in order to install all 4 bolts I've had to force the bags down at the top. I doubt this is normal, but there you are.

99 IS, stock bags and mounting hardware.
Fred.

[X Ring]

Only thing I can think of is the rubber bushings the screw go through have expanded and need to be compressed.

Marty

[fordmano]

Every time I have taken my I/S bags off I have had to force them back into proper alignment for the bolts to go in.
So I would say yes they go back on as if they are warped a little bit.


But that's just my opinion and experience...

[KSDragonRider]

I have always had to do the same thing.  I have had mine off several times and every time i have had to push down on the tops to get the top bolts in.  I too think it is the rubber bushings expanding.

[gordonv]

+1 as the above. They are generouse rubber mounts, so they do give a lot of movement. I always place all 4 bolts by finger before tightening one of them down.

[Steve K (IA)]

I have found that if you "start" the top bolts first, then "start" the bottom 2, it works much better than the other way.  I have removed the bags from my 2000 I/S every spring since I bought it new to clean and wax behind them and clean and wax the backs and bottoms of the bags.  That would be 12 times now I have taken them off.

[PhredValk]

OK, I take it back; It IS normal  . Thanks for the replies. I will no longer worry about damaging the things.
Fred.