Throw over bag braces?????

[Trall]

The items in the pics that you posted look like a very crude attempt for saddlebag mounts. If they came with the Drifter, you already stated that the PO had no idea how to maintain the machine. Those brackets are also proof that he had no clue. Do yourself a favor and get the OEM Fire and Steel brackets, not the ones from Saddleline. Keep an eye out on Ebay, they do show up from time to time.

LOL.  To the point that OEM brackets are made to fit rock solid.  Looking at pics at first I was thinking they look like junk but enlarge pic they seemed well made.  It worth a shot to see if you can make them fit on Drifter. You can find OEM now and then on Ebay and Seedman on the this forum makes some high quality options as well. 

[CousinVinnie]

  These didn't come with the abused Drifter that I mentioned in my post.  That Drifter came bone stock with no accessories of any kind.

These items came from an earlier deal several years ago and I came across them again as I was sorting thru the Drifter box looking for parts.  I didn't know what they were then and still don't.

I don't believe they are a crude attempt, but well thought out, well made and the powder coating is a good job.  And I do agree they are probably not Fire and Steel. But, they have been mounted on a bike at one time, as there are wear marks around the mounting holes.

I have been looking carefully at the placement of the holes on the plates and the shock mounts and seat bolts on the 2 up seat mounts with rails to see if there is a match somewhere.  But since the "abused' bone stock Drifter is still in the shop I cant attempt to fit them.. My 99 Drifter is all modded out with bags and solo seat and such.  All of the original equipment is taken apart and in a box.

As soon as the other Drifter comes out ot the shop I will attempt to see where they fit.

[Old Drifter]

I have loaded up two pictures to give you all an idea of what these things might be. There are actually (2) holes in them and they are not like the standard bag mounts we have all seen.  .  From what I can decipher from the way they are made it would seem that they fit attached to the top shock bolt and over the helmet locks.  The bolt hole towards the back may be for attachment to the OEM 2 up seat rail mounts.  They would stick out far enough to keep a pair of throw over bags from messing up the fender or getting in the way. Take a look, spread the word and get me an answer.

Btw, I cannot test my idea right now because the 2000 is in the shop for repairs.  Maybe at least a month before I see it back. 2nd owner was a jerk and knew nothing about Drifters or maintaining them, so there are clutch issues and overheat issues to go along with bent footboards and a new front tire

The items in the pics that you posted look like a very crude attempt for saddlebag mounts. If they came with the Drifter, you already stated that the PO had no idea how to maintain the machine. Those brackets are also proof that he had no clue. Do yourself a favor and get the OEM Fire and Steel brackets, not the ones from Saddleline. Keep an eye out on Ebay, they do show up from time to time.

[CousinVinnie]

I have loaded up two pictures to give you all an idea of what these things might be. There are actually (2) holes in them and they are not like the standard bag mounts we have all seen.  .  From what I can decipher from the way they are made it would seem that they fit attached to the top shock bolt and over the helmet locks.  The bolt hole towards the back may be for attachment to the OEM 2 up seat rail mounts.  They would stick out far enough to keep a pair of throw over bags from messing up the fender or getting in the way. Take a look, spread the word and get me an answer.

Btw, I cannot test my idea right now because the 2000 is in the shop for repairs.  Maybe at least a month before I see it back. 2nd owner was a jerk and knew nothing about Drifters or maintaining them, so there are clutch issues and overheat issues to go along with bent footboards and a new front tire

[mittico68]

If they're bag supports, there needs to be at least two holes on the 'seat' end.   The Fire and Steel bag struts look like these (pictured is the chrome version):

You wouldn't be able to 'throw a bag' over these though - they mount lower than the top of the rear fender.

And here is the whole set (blacked out version): https://www.ebay.com/itm/saddleline-Kawasaki-Drifter-1500-Saddlebags-mounting-brackets-W-2up-solo-seat/223015292194?hash=item33ecbf4d22:g:oJkAAOSwhcNaW8Kr

[Bucko]

...There is a hole on 1 end that seems to match up with the rear shock mound .....

If they're bag supports, there needs to be at least two holes on the 'seat' end.   The Fire and Steel bag struts look like these (pictured is the chrome version):

You wouldn't be able to 'throw a bag' over these though - they mount lower than the top of the rear fender.

[CousinVinnie]

I will try and get some pics loaded tomorrow. Had to take the new Drifer to the doctor.  Clutch/Shift fork issues and overheating. Also needed to get footboards back level.

[Old Drifter]

A pic is worth a thousand words.....

Yeah, lets see some pics. It's a little difficult to tell from the description.

[greenbarn]

A pic is worth a thousand words.....

[CousinVinnie]

Now for a new query.... In my collection of caliginous junk, I have got two powder coated flat bars.  They are identical, but reversed and are about 11 inches long and bent outward about 15 degrees.  There is a hole on 1 end that seems to match up with the rear shock mound and each has a rectangular cut out right where the helmet locks are.

Does anyone know that these are?  My best guess is an early attempt by F&S to slap something on for throw over bags