Ride Your Nomad Without Bags
Les Covey

/files/includes/images/lc_nomad_muffler_support_3.jpg (96843 bytes)
Like The Bagless Look?
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Face it, the brackets that support the Nomads bags and mufflers aren't exactly 'art' even though they are extremely functional.  Sometimes you aren't touring and really don't need or even want bags on the bike but don't want to ride with all that extra tubing showing.   Les has come up with a great looking solution that anyone with access to a welder can make.  The materials can be found for about $25 at most any hardware store.

What You'll Need

26.5 inches of 1.5" stainless steel 90 degree angle iron

28.5 inches of 5/8" (or larger) stainless steel tubing.  Note 5/8" is fine for lighter aftermarket mufflers.  You might want to err on the side of caution and use something a little larger if you have heavier stockers.

4 - 1.25" long metric bolts to replace the longer stock bolts supporting the mufflers at the bottom

4- 2" long metric bolts to attach the bracket to the original saddlebag mount points at the top

How To Do It

/files/includes/images/lc_nomad_muffler_support_1.jpg (93086 bytes)Weld a 9" piece of stainless /files/includes/images/lc_nomad_muffler_support_2.jpg (91085 bytes)angle to a 14.25" length of your stainless tubing for the top attachment and a 4.25" piece of stainless at the bottom at an angle matching the shock absorber.  

When finished welding, drill holes in the appropriate places attaching the top piece of angle to the stock bag supports and the bottom to the muffler supports.   Polish the stainless to a mirror finish.

Changing between stock saddlebag brackets and your new 'solo' brackets  should take about 20 minutes when you want to ride with your Nomad bags or you can always use a set of throw over leather bags.