Whats the bolt with the spacer in this pic

Whats the bolt with the spacer in this pic used for? Just below the seat.

I bought my VFR used and I have the same setup with the bolt sticking out ~ 1in. For a saddle bag of some sort?


http://vfrworld.com/photos/showphoto.php/photo/8093

 

That is the infamous Frankenstein Bolt. It holds the seat cowl on and I believe Honda intends it to be used for a tie down for a cargo net or tail bag.

 

Its also there to ease of removal for seat cowl to gain access to tolls and alike if your on the side of the road..

 

Funny - my VFR has "normal" stainless hex bolts to hold on the tail fairing/seat cowl. I never got these "Frankenbolts".

I always wondered what I would do If I needed to get under the seat and I had bolted down the cowl...

Hope I never get pulled over!

 

Corbin? or is it Seargent? makes a quick release push pin that replaces the "Franken-Bolt" I think...

 

...but you have to drill out the threads in the frame, so there's no going back.

 

I carry the allen wrench in my tank bag, just in case. Looking into getting the quick release types.

 

The QR types are standard "fixture pins" used in industry and they can be bought through Reid Tool Supply or Granger or any one of those sources. The "bike specific" ones that are advertised are marked up about 100%. Save some money and buy 'em from a tool supply house.

 

I carry my Reg/Insurance in my wallet and also carry an allen wrench set too. You can reverse the drill out procedure with using heli coils.

 

The franken bolts remove rather easily with a #3 Philips, large flat blade driver, a coin, the edge of a key (careful!), a good squeeze and turn with your fingers, etc.
I'd opt for a replacement shoulder bolt with a tool profile to your liking, if they needed replacement. I use the hell out of those things for tie downs, and would be upset if I merely had a standard cap screw or quick release fastener without tie down capability in there. A long SS cap screw with a spacer would do the trick too.
After my fender trim and plate holder removal, I'm missing some of my other bungie and bag strap points. Now I'd like to get some points under the fender to make it functional again. The cost of vanity.

Here's the big question.... Who still has the little black plastic slot plugs that blanked off the holes for the cowl when not installed?
I bet those are rare! I have some somewhere in the corner of the garage....maybe....maybe not.

 

Riderwarehouse has some items that address the issue of tie-down points. There are fasteners for your registration plate that have tie down features built into the head. There are also some S shaped hooks that can be fitted to the underside edge of the seat.

 

I've never liked the look of them so I bought a couple front fender mounting bolts and use them instead.

 

Bunjie hold on to stud. They also double as the hold the seat cowl in place, thats when I swap em out to a hex stainless socket head cap screw. I've had em off and on. finally find it better to leave well enough alone as they do come in handy

 

I still have the little black spacers! I think my '96 came with EVERYTHING that it came over on the boat from Japan originally! I have a PACKED tool kit, the black spacer thingys (were hanging on the "hook" under the seat) the single seat cowl, and all of the OE stickers (break-in, tire pressures, etc - since removed the break in one...).

The only thing I don't have are the Franken-Bolts. Oh well - can't miss what you never had, right???

 

Good call, yes you need the black plastic spacer even if you don't use the original tie down stud, as that keeps the rear faring from being twisted, interesting how many folks or bikes lose em or don't use em. I say bad form.