Is this how things go for you?

[RocketDaryl]

I rode over to Pensacola today and picked up the luggage rack that mounts to the sissy bar. I get home and it takes every bit of 10 minutes to install. OK, I admit it, I cheated and didn't install the reflector per the instructions. If I had, it'd would've taken 10.5 minutes.

Anyhow, once I finish that I decided to change out the lock set on the sissy bar with one of the extras that come with the bike. That way, the ignition key fits everything. HOLY GOOD GOBBILY GOO! What should have been a 30 second job took me about 20 minutes! The darn screws did not want to match up to the new lock. I was worried about stripping something so I kept taking my time. I literally had to go real easy with the screw, sort of using it to tap the lock. I finally got it installed, but JEESH!

[Sidecar Flip]

Originally Posted by RocketDaryl

I rode over to Pensacola today and picked up the luggage rack that mounts to the sissy bar. I get home and it takes every bit of 10 minutes to install. OK, I admit it, I cheated and didn't install the reflector per the instructions. If I had, it'd would've taken 10.5 minutes.

Anyhow, once I finish that I decided to change out the lock set on the sissy bar with one of the extras that come with the bike. That way, the ignition key fits everything. HOLY GOOD GOBBILY GOO! What should have been a 30 second job took me about 20 minutes! The darn screws did not want to match up to the new lock. I was worried about stripping something so I kept taking my time. I literally had to go real easy with the screw, sort of using it to tap the lock. I finally got it installed, but JEESH!

Shoulda had Dennis put it on.........................

[RocketDaryl]

I like doing stuff myself. It's part of the fun of ownership. Of course, my favorite actor gives me words of wisdom when it comes to stretching my mechanic legs.

"A man's gotta know his limitations."

[Baggage1]

I, like you RocketDaryl, would rather do my own upgrades and do some. Up to now to get this bike just like my other one. I ran into a pretty difficult part of lining up the last LF fender bolt putting my bags on. Using the original bolt to try and start it messed up the bolt and nut threads so I got a tap to chase the threads. Wrong pitch, another trip to another hardware store to get the right pitch. So far the bag hasn't moved but I know that bolt will need to be heli-coiled next shop trip. I'm a flippin expert the 3rd time around

[RocketDaryl]

Been there done that. I upgraded the pipes on my Speedmaster (had that bike 4 years ago). The left side went on no problem. The right side didn't want to go into position so I got it on the best I could and then figured it would straighten up once I torqed the bolt down. I used my small ratchet so I wouldn't mess around and snap the head off of the bolt. Well, guess what happened? Yup, I snapped the head.

I tried using an extractor, etc... and couldn't get the bolt out. I suppose I could've possibly drilled it out and re-tapped the hole, but I ended up getting the grinder out, grinding the area smooth and then welded a new bolt (after cutting the head off of the new bolt) in place. I then slipped the pip over it and snugged it down with a nut. I had to get a chrome nut cover so the area would look good.

That's probably the worst screw-up I've ever made. It made me sick, but the final result wasn't bad so I guess there is a bit of iron in the infamous words "there's not much that can't be repaire".