Flying a flag

[Bluesman]

Okay folks, since I have to wait 2 1/2 months to pick up my scooter, been doing a lot of shopping for accessories to personalize my ride and one of the latest desires is to fly a flag from my ride. A few questions:

 

1) Which is more preferable? Mounting a seperate flag pole (to a trunk rack) or hooking them to the antennas?

 

2) If you clip them to an antenna, what is the largest recommeded flag dimension you could use without having your antennas dragging on the road behind you while doing a buck-30?

 

3) Does mounting a seperate flag pole interfere with radio reception? And does the flag have a tendancy to wrap around the antenna? and finally,

 

4) Anyone know of a reputable retailer I could either pick up a flag pole or clips, either on the internet or locally (Southern Ontario)?

 

Thanks again people! Man, this site is damn good!

 

Bluez

[Gold Rush]

Flagpoles mounted on the luggage rack are gonna be stronger but I personally do not like that look.. I have flown a US flag and a Texas flag on the antennas for years without any problem... You were very wise to realize the size of the flag in going to make a big difference. Way before you get the antennas to bend way back you'll be putting an awful lot of stress on them. I tried a couple different sources before finally giving up and asking my wife to modify the 4" X 6" flags we buy from Wal-Mart (the ones mounted on the sticks about a foot long). I remove the flags from the sticks then she sews a 4" strip of Velcro to the leading edge of each flag and zig-zag re-enforces the outer edge of the flag. I usually get 2200 to 2500 miles out of set before they become tattered and I feel the need to change them (been doing this for nearly 200,000 miles) ...

 

Mounting to the antennas is easy. The CB antenna center load makes the perfect upper stop so all I had to do was cut strips of the aluminum tape and wrap around and around the antenna to build up about a quarter inch lower stop. The stops keep the flags in place on the antenna. Spread the Velcro and then close it around the antenna mast as close to the front as possible. This part is important.... Get a long hat pin or use staples to close the leading edge of the Velcro. If you don't the wind will eventually separate the Velcro and the flag will be gone.... The radio antenna is bit more involved only because you have to make an upper and lower stop.

 

I hope that helped.. FLY YOUR COLORS - IT MAKE US ALL PROUD !!!

[Guest BluesLover]

I have mine mounted on the saddlebag rails (had them mounted the same way on the RSV) - see following link:

 

http://s22.photobucket.com/albums/b320/BluesLover55/2008%20trips/Billy%20Bobs%20do%20FLorida/?action=view&current=195.jpg

 

I wasn't able to find a vendor in SW Ontario that had this type of mount - Zdeno's in Kitchener had the antenna mounts, but not for the trunk rack or saddlebag rails.

 

I picked up my first set(that I had on the RSV) from American Motorcycle Accessories:

 

http://www.americanmotorcycleaccessories.com/

 

and the second set (which are on the Ultra) from the J&P Cycles store in Daytona.

 

Cheers,

[Sailor]

I get mine from the Legion. They are about 6" in length and fasten with velcro. I put them on just above trunk height and keep them from sliding up or down with a few wraps of electrical tape above and below. The velcro is loose enough to let them unwrap themselves if they do wrap up, as when you pass a semi.

[davecb]

Star Touring and Riding has them for $25.00 each...

[SaltyDawg]

Personally I prefer them on the trunk rack. I think it looks good and no undue stress on the antennas/mounts.

 

It's obvious that some have had luck with small flags on the antennas, and I can see how a 4X6 would not put much stress on the them. I just like a slightly bigger flag. I have the US flag on a longer pole so it sits higher than my POW/MIA flag. I intend to get a US Marines Flag for the other side of the US flag in the near future.

[Dave77459]

Personally I prefer them on the trunk rack. I think it looks good and no undue stress on the antennas/mounts.

 

It's obvious that some have had luck with small flags on the antennas, and I can see how a 4X6 would not put much stress on the them. I just like a slightly bigger flag. I have the US flag on a longer pole so it sits higher than my POW/MIA flag. I intend to get a US Marines Flag for the other side of the US flag in the near future.

 

Where did you source the poles? I have a RSTD and want to put flags on the luggage rack.

 

Dave

[RoadKill]

Sooner or later the CB antenna is going to break even with out a flag on it, I would think the flag might just speed that along. I know quite a few have broken for others like mine did, right in the black piece.

[SaltyDawg]

Sooner or later the CB antenna is going to break even with out a flag on it, I would think the flag might just speed that along. I know quite a few have broken for others like mine did, right in the black piece.

 

My 99's are original and I have 88,000 miles on it as of today. Now that I have said that they will break on the way home.

[SaltyDawg]

Where did you source the poles? I have a RSTD and want to put flags on the luggage rack.

 

Dave

 

I bought one at the venturers.org store and the other was on the bike when I bought it but I am pretty sure it's a pro pad flag pole.

 

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=42&Category_ID=7&manufacturer_ID=410&product_ID=18625

 

I am not sure of the diameter of the trunk rack, the link above is for a 7/8 inch bar. I believe the RSV is 1/2 inch but don't quote me on that.

[Dave77459]

I bought one at the venturers.org store and the other was on the bike when I bought it but I am pretty sure it's a pro pad flag pole.

 

http://www.cruisercustomizing.com/detail.cfm?model_ID=42&Category_ID=7&manufacturer_ID=410&product_ID=18625

 

I am not sure of the diameter of the trunk rack, the link above is for a 7/8 inch bar. I believe the RSV is 1/2 inch but don't quote me on that.

 

Thanks for the information!

[dynodon]

I like the look of a trunk rack mounted flag, but here is some really good advice:

 

DO NOT get the ones with the plastic chrome base. Go with all metal, chrome plated aluminum. YOu need to really tighten the bottom clamp to keep them from bending back down, and the plastic ones WILL break.

 

Here is where I get my supplies and stuff, but STAR does have a good deal on flags. Still, check this place out for some good ideas.

 

http://www.m-j-enterprises.com/

 

Also, if you want to get great ideas on how to mount BIG flags, then check out the Patriot Riders web site.

 

http://www.patriotguard.org/Home/tabid/53/Default.aspx

 

Go to their forums and look around, there is a great section on flags.

[jrcain32]

Rumbling Pride is a good source for flags and mounts...

 

www.rumblingpride.com

[Flagman]

I currently make flags specifically for Venture Rider .Org members. I make the 6x9 antenna flag as well as the larger 9x13 flag. Both can be pole mounted.

I recommend nothing larger than the 4x6 for antenna mounting. The 4x6 flags will also last much longer than the larger flags.

I recomend http://www.m-j-enterprises.com/ They have a large variety of mounts and fair prices.

I make all varieties of flags and custom order flags are welcome. Custom windshield covers are also available.

You can see some of my products here: http://http://www.timenagainphotos.com/mp_includes/pages.asp?id=1425 Scroll down to see the individual flags. Members of Venture rider also get a nice discount from the prices listed.

These flags are double sided, Polyester fabric, double stitched, the image is Dyed into the material, it cannot peal, chip or flake off. they are made to hold up at highway speeds. Check, money orders or paypal are all accepted.

[Freebird]

Just so you all know, Flagman IS our official supplier now for the VentureRider flags. You can order direct from his site. There is also a listing under the VentureRider Merchandise topic area.

[MikeM8560]

the link http://http//www.timenagainphotos.com/mp_includes/pages.asp?id=1425

 

isnt working for me flagman