Mounting a Flag on an 09 Connie

[roadie]

Anyone done this before?  Or know of a good farkle to do so?

I registered for the Patriot Guard Riders, who on request, pay respects to fallen/passed soldiers/veterans; I've never ridden with them before, but their modus operandi (part of it anyway) are bikes with mounted 3' * 5' flags.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Patriot_Guard_Riders

[Son of Pappy]

I've made quite a few of their rides and flag lines, there are so many with flags already I never felt a need to mount a flag.  Some of the PGR riders do these "Missions" as a part of their life, I dont know how they do it, once you have stood the line I think you'll agree.  After the mission is complete, give yourself a few extra minutes, you will be filled with so many emotions it is hard to devote your mind to riding.  The escorts are awesome, but so differant then standing the line.  It seems I get mission info almost daily, often 2 and 3 at a time.  Make sure you send a request to your area Captain, it's the only way you'll get mission info.

And a big thanks for joining up, time is our most precious commodity and to use it in such a selfless manner is indeed a comfort to the families of the fallen.

[roadie]

I'm with you Pappy.  We serve, and then honor those that did.  Good point, I'll plan on not flying a flag if I can't get one mounted right.  I get the mission info daily also.  Was quite shocked to see even Gen Shalikasvili's family requested PGR presence for his funeral on 7 Oct.

[philipintexas]

If you don't find what you need I'm pretty sure I can make a device that would mount to the luggage rack to support a flag. However, a flag that size would put some strain on the rack mount screws and the plastic grab-rails, but for short rides I think I could come up with something.

[maxtog]

However, a flag that size would put some strain on the rack mount screws and the plastic grab-rails, but for short rides I think I could come up with something.

Looks like they are mostly Harleys  http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Patriotguard.JPG

.... how long could the ride be, anyway?    LOL

But, seriously, a flag that large would pose a tremendous drag/strain on the mount, even when not at highway speed.

[Tim]

My not be quite what you are looking for. I've done a few rides with the Patriot Guard Riders. I met SOP when escorting the beams acouple of years back.
I found small 5 1/2 by 4 1/4th inch flags at our local drug store. These are mounted on 5.5MM plastic sticks. If you loosen the red Reflectors’ and put the stick in the bracket behind the Reflector and then tighten the  reflector it will at least hold it long enough for a Parade. They won't fall out even after you loosen the reflector sometimes. I have also zip tied the window nounted flags to the luggage rack. I ended up with funky angles on the mounts bit I got it to work.These will take the speed better but the flags get torn up by the wind turbulence behind the rider after awhile at speed. At speed means 60 mph +. The best by far are the trailer hitch mounts but with the c14 I don't know about this.     

[roadie]

If you don't find what you need I'm pretty sure I can make a device that would mount to the luggage rack to support a flag. However, a flag that size would put some strain on the rack mount screws and the plastic grab-rails, but for short rides I think I could come up with something.

Be interested in what you can model Phil.  I'm happy going with smaller flags, say 8" by 12" or something similar, two flags, left and right side of luggage rack.

[Son of Pappy]

Whats up Tim, how's Brewster treating you?  Everytime I pass through I think of ya!  I've had 2 visits with the beams since then, the last time some less then proud American decided to protest, needless to say, he was quietly blocked out.

[roadie]

My not be quite what you are looking for. I've done a few rides with the Patriot Guard Riders. I met SOP when escorting the beams acouple of years back.
I found small 5 1/2 by 4 1/4th inch flags at our local drug store. These are mounted on 5.5MM plastic sticks. If you loosen the red Reflectors’ and put the stick in the bracket behind the Reflector and then tighten the  reflector it will at least hold it long enough for a Parade. They won't fall out even after you loosen the reflector sometimes. I have also zip tied the window nounted flags to the luggage rack. I ended up with funky angles on the mounts bit I got it to work.These will take the speed better but the flags get torn up by the wind turbulence behind the rider after awhile at speed. At speed means 60 mph +. The best by far are the trailer hitch mounts but with the c14 I don't know about this.     

Thanks for the tip Tim.  should work in a pinch until i get something else.  When I go, my son and I will two-ship, him on his baby Kawi.

[jonathan]

I occasionally do traffic control for a local event and have mounted 2 flags on the stock luggage rack. What I did was get 2 x 12" lengths of 1/4 threaded rod and using nuts and fender washers mounted them through the slots in the rack with one washer and nut on each side of the rack. I then covered the upper part of the rods with plastic tubing to protect the flag, threaded the flag on and capped it with another fender washer and nylock nut to stop the flag flying off. I then bent the rods back at a slight angle to give then a racy look.

[OCK913]

If you don't find what you need I'm pretty sure I can make a device that would mount to the luggage rack to support a flag. However, a flag that size would put some strain on the rack mount screws and the plastic grab-rails, but for short rides I think I could come up with something.

I would also be interested to see what you come up with....

[Z71]

Some may consider an American flag on a Japanese bike an odd display of patriotism.  Especially the Harley crowd.   

[maxtog]

Some may consider an American flag on a Japanese bike an odd display of patriotism.  Especially the Harley crowd.

Well, I would love to see how "American" are the clothes and shoes they are wearing, their TV's and computers at home, their glasses, the gas is they put in their bikes, the plates they eat off, etc, etc.

I would love to support more American companies.  But if HD is the best we can offer, I am glad to send my money to Japan, because they know what I want to buy.  And I am happy to live in a mostly "free" country that allows me the freedom to do so.

[ZG]

Well, I would love to see how "American" are the clothes and shoes they are wearing, their TV's and computers at home, their glasses, the gas is they put in their bikes, the plates they eat off, etc, etc.

I would love to support more American companies.  But if HD is the best we can offer, I am glad to send my money to Japan, because they know what I want to buy.  And I am happy to live in a mostly "free" country that allows me the freedom to do so.

 

[roadie]

 

As long as they just think it. I generally don't get f@cked with out and about.  Also agree, don't like a Harley bike, but love me some Ford super duty trucks. Maybe I should get a license frame on the Kawi that says my other vehicle is an F-250. not that I need to prove to anyone my patriotism, that's public record.

[martin_14]

Will, is it allowed as PGR to mount a smaller flag? I think it would still make the point and serve the function, without compromising your steed, japanese or otherwise.

[jimmymac]

I rode with The Patriot Guard once, and it wasn't bad, but I was the only sporty bike there.
They also ended the ride at the local VFW and started drinking booze. Not my cup of tea when I'm on my bike.

I split.

[roadie]

Will, is it allowed as PGR to mount a smaller flag? I think it would still make the point and serve the function, without compromising your steed, japanese or otherwise.

YUP!  smaller is what Imma go for.  Not gonna do a 3X5.  I'll hand carry one to missions...but not sport on bike.