hard bag equipment

I have a 2003 with factory bags. I'm curious if there is a way to keep the bags and racks on but get rid of those black hand bars on the rear of the bike. is there a away to attatch the racks without having to use those? I think it would look better with the rear seat cowl with the bars gone.
thanks

 

I am sure you can if you use a shorter bolts ans some washers.

 

+1. But how are you going to fill the gap?

 

I just mounted a set of OEM's on my bike. You could just remove those four bolts (two each side) from the grab handles, remove the handles and re-attach the rack. But like Scubalong says, you may need shorter bolts. I think you will have to remove a spacer there as well. There would be a smallish gap between the inner edge of the rack where it bolts on, and the opening where they attach behind the rear fender cowl.

I am curious, why do you want to remove the grab handles? I seldom had my grab handles on until I bought these OEM bags and always used the seat cowl and the plates to cover the grab handle openings for that nice clean look, but now that I have the racks on full time, I just don't see the big advantage of not having the grab handles on.

 

honestly I think it would look cleaner without the grab handles. The way the bike looks without the racks and the block plates looks great. I would like to see that with the bags on as well. personal taste I guess and plus I don't ride passengers so they are useless to me

 

Give it a try. I suspect you will find that hole without the grab handles a little unsightly. Easy enough to switch back if so.

 

Honda Motorcycle Parts 2005 VFR800A AC REAR COWL Diagram


Check out part # 5. That looks like a cover to fill the gap.. But I only see it for one side..

 

Yes. That part does cover the hole once the grab handles are removed. But you cannot use them when you have the luggage racks on.

 

Didn't knew that. Thanks for clearing up that Randy!!!