VTEC Pannier Installation Woes

Got my panniers / saddlebags delivered this week. I attempted to put them on last night, but have run into some troubles. The four bolts that hold the grab rails down were extremely hard to get off. When I got them off, two of the bolts had metal shavings all around the bolt and all had red stuff on them (Loctite I believe). Upon installation of the pannier brackets, I found that it appears as though two of the bolt holes are stripped out as I can't get the new bolts to go in more than a couple of turns before I hit some abnormal resistance. The bolts appear to be fine, so I'm assuming it's the holts in the aluminum sub frame.

So, it appears as though I need to pick up a "tap and die" set and try to re-thread these holes. I've never attempted this. Is it easy to do? Any tips/tricks? Do I need to get new bolts as well?

Thanks in advance.

 

I'm almost certain the Grab Handle bolts thread into the rear subframe which is steel. While it may take some time to change, the subframe can be had on ebay for about $50 so don't panic about the holes being stripped. You only need a tap for now but a set may be almost as cheap depending on the deals to be had when you shop. Just be sure that the set includes that size. Take a bolt with you and check the size and thread. Not a difficult process. The tap needs to be turned clockwise about a half turn to cut the thread and then counter clockwise about a quarter turn to "break" the thread that has been cut. Repeat until you reach the end. Cutting oil will help. You may not be able to restore the threads but that is the place to start. Too bad you ran into that kind of problem but I'm sure you will be able to solve the issue. Once you get past that you will find that if you install all the parts for the mounts "loosely" and tighten each of them a little at a time you'll have your bags on in no time.

 

Yes sir, the rear sub frame is steel and that's what the grab handles attach to.

I just picked up a tap and die set from crappy tire for only $30, so I'll see if I can figure something out tonight. The lady and I would like to get out of town tomorrow on the bike for the long weekend, so I need to get these suckers on some how!

 

Might be a practical possibility to drill it through, use a longer bolt and a nut underneath ??

 

For a task like this, it might be well worth paying a skilled mechanic $40 to do the job.

 

^ Are you calling me unskilled???



I am by no means a mechanic, but I do enjoy fiddling around with my bike. I would like to know where this mechanic is who only charges $40 for ANYTHING!

By the way, I got the bags on lickity split once I got the threads cleaned up. Had to clean up the threads on both the bolts and the rear subframe and everything fit together nicely.

 

No, sir, you called yourself unskilled.

Glad you got the VFR back in action. The saddlebags are an awesome upgrade.

 

I wonder what the skills were of the previous installer. Possibly the $40 mechanic. Glad you were able to fit the bags!!!

 

Yes, the bags are an awesome upgrade. Got them installed Friday after work, and took off Saturday morning. Put over 1,200 kms on the bike over the weekend and they didn't go flying off, so I guess that's a good sign!

Got a decent looking tap and die set for only $30 and learned how to use them. All in all, it was a frustrating but useful experience!

 

Glad it all work out for you Johnny :thumbsup: