Factory Hard Bag installation

So I purchased a new RWB ABS in another state and got the hard bags to go with it. The dealer won't have the bags drop shipped to me and wants $200 to install them:crazy:. I am riding down on the back of a buddies ST and we are riding back. I figure I can install the bags myself and save some money.

Exactly what tools (socket sizes etc) do I need to install the bags?

Thanks in advance

Dastard

 

I can't tell you better than Honda, so here is a link to the Side Case install file.

pannierinstall.pdf

For some reason the size limit for .pdf attachments is less than 20k, pretty useless...

 

Hard Bag Install....

Dastard......lots of patience. No special tools required, but just take your time, and don't tighten the bolts until you have everything installed. The reason for this is because it's a major pain getting everything to line up.
Good Luck! By the way, love the RWB VFR......Good Choice.:thumbsup:

 

Hmmm

It requires a drill? No wonder they want $200 to do it. Does it really take 3 hours to install (my guestimate based on labor rates). I was hoping it would be a 10 minute job like it was on my V-Strom. I'm pretty handy and my buddy riding down with me is too. How long should we expect it to take?

 

:thumbsup:
no drill that i recall..but it does take patience as stated. I did it twice and swore a lot. finally got my wife to help push things while i went around to line up the holes. trick i found was to end at the back two bolts under the license plate. If you start at the license plate as the instructions show, it won't allow you to align everything.

:crazy:

 

Ok, firstly it DOES require either a drill or round file, because the holes at the back of the rear footpeg hangers have to be enlarged to take spacers that reduce the hole size for the bolts. However, if you are going to be riding back with nothing in the bags, I'd maybe not bother with shimming those holes, just do the bolt up tight.

Secondly, it's NOT a quick job. It requires seat off, rear cowl off which necessitates disconnection of tail light wiring etc. As the installation instructions show, there are various reinforcement plates and brackets that are installed. As has been mentioned in the thread, the best advice is to leave all the bolts very loose until everything is aligned and all the bolts are started. Then tighten from the top down.

Personally, it's not something that I would try and do in a hurry on the side of the road. I didn't have all the small bits out of the kit, as I bought my side case kit secondhand in bits from all over the world to save cash (they want nearly AUD$2000 here in Australia). I allowed a full day to do the install in my carport with all my tools, it took probably 3 hours all up, but I'm really particular. Bear in mind that I ONLY had the 2 side frames and the licence plate mount, 3 pieces in total. So I used smaller bolts on the licence plate mount, drilled holes in different spots etc, which means that my install is nothing like what Honda expects, lol. Maybe see if there is a VFRW member near the pickup who can assist...?

HTH

 

There is something to drill out in the passenger foot pegs; not hard but do need the right size bit. It is a bit of a trick combining the bag manufacturer/Givi supplied instructions with Honda's specific instructions, and IIRC there is some unused hardware left over. It may require a bit of finessing, at least it did for me, to get all the bolts and holes to line up. On the passenger foot pegs, don't just try to drive in the bolts. Make sure they line up. I had to push on mine while starting the bolts, else the would crossthread.