photo of factory bag mounts w/o bags?

Greetings,
(First time poster, long time lurker - please be gentle).

Can someone point me to a photo link of a 2002 (or later) VFR that shows the installed side bag mounting rails - but without the bags? I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on an '06 but before I spring for the side bags, I want to see how the mounting rails affect the look of the bike. (Most of my riding will be bagless.)

Also, how difficult is it to install the mounting rails? Is this something I should have the dealer do or is it a simple bolt on job - requiring minimal tools?

 

doh! Found a picture (can't believe I missed this previously)
http://www.motorcycledaily.com/010603vfrbagsframe.jpg but would still be interested to know if the mounting frame is as simple to bolt on as it looks in the picture.

thanks in advance

 

Factory bag installation

I installed the factory bags on my 2002 VFR. I purchased the bike used and the previous owner had made some modifications to the rear inner fender and licence bracket. Once I figured out what was missing the installation was simple. Just follow the directions! Don't try to be smarter than the guy who is trying to explain the procedure. All the hardware comes with the kit and also the torque specs. You might even do a better job than some dealer installers. And cheaper too! Send me your email address and I will send some pics of the completed job. vfr2k2@hotmail.com

 

Does mounting the factory bag rails involve some type of drilling? I thought I read where you actually have to drill 4 mounting holes. If that's true, I'll just go with a tailpack and tank bag.

 

Oh no....not four holes!

The instructions call for enlarging four existing holes to 12mm. Two of the holes are in the left and right pillion step bars. I tried a 12mm bit in these existng holes and it fit through. So there was no need to drill them larger. The other holes that requie enlarging to 12mm are in the rear fender. As I mentioned in my earlier email the previous owner had removed the original fender so I didn't need to enlarge the holes. Remember that even if you have to enlarge the holes to 12mm they are holes that already exist. No big deal! By the way 12mm is about 1/2 inch. You should see the bike with the OEM bags!!!!

 

I'm getting ready to pull the trigger on an '06 but before I spring for the side bags, I want to see how the mounting rails affect the look of the bike. (Most of my riding will be bagless.)

 

I once read in a magazine article that the mounting rails give the bike an "industrial look". I like the way my bike looks without the bags on. I also have the top box mount. Without bags, it is very obvious that there is more to me and my bike than quick trips to the local bar.

If I can snap a photo in the next couple of days, I'll post it.