Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Share #1 Posted July 20, 2016 I'm wanting to install three folding flag poles onto our bike. Wife is not for it at all for some reason. Of course a "stars and bars", a POW, and citing I rebuild antique "Mack" heavy trucks, a corporate flag of this brand, (which I have). Maybe if you folks chime in I can convince her for allowance as the bike is joint ownership and we really don't do things in opposition to the other. Looks like our first trip together in many years on the motorcycle is going to be to the upper portion of Wisconsin to some point up there on Lake Michigan. Maybe rent a cabin and attend a fish boil. Looks to be just under 400 miles and we can break it up by stopping at friend's along the way, and son's house in Chicagoland up and back. This of course is just a warm up for our long trip later in the year. I can't convince her to set out of the long trip on an unproven bike which has been setting for five full years..... Thanks, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bongobobny Posted July 20, 2016 Share #2 Posted July 20, 2016 Uh UH!! Not touching that with a 39 1/2 foot pole... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Stache Posted July 20, 2016 Share #3 Posted July 20, 2016 Flags? Heavens, no! They might hide some of the chrome.... Somehow I don't see you getting a lot of support with this. Good luck, but remember: If ever, when you're having a frank discussion with your wife, you find out you're actually right, APOLOGIZE IMMEDIATELY! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #4 Posted July 20, 2016 Her opposition is based upon "never seeing them except in a parade". I don't know and see them everywhere on bikes. Not a big deal at all but another touch which shows support for the country and the POW cause. Personally I grew up around Mack trucks and highly favor the brand, (pre 1980). Certainly no fights ensuing about it or anything like that. I just won't install anything without being in the same boat as it's a shared asset so to speak. Married at 18 and 38 years into this, I'm not about to change now as it works for both. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bert2006 Posted July 20, 2016 Share #5 Posted July 20, 2016 This picture may help:cool10: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Flyinfool Posted July 20, 2016 Share #6 Posted July 20, 2016 How big of flags are you talking about? Big flags are a lot of wind drag and can be loud flapping in the wind, your poles have to be quite strong to hold up at 100 mph wind speed. (70 MPH into a 30 MPH headwind is not unrealistic) Big flags also add a lot of side load in a cross wind. So if you are talking big flags then I would say to go for it but only for around town. Small trunk mounted type flags are no problem, tell her they will look great. Now if you have a receiver hitch you can make a plug in flag pole holder to put them on and take them off in just seconds. That way you can have the flags when solo and take them off for 2 up and both be happy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eusa1 Posted July 20, 2016 Share #7 Posted July 20, 2016 Meet ya in the middle some time for a root beer or an ice cream? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dragonslayer Posted July 20, 2016 Share #8 Posted July 20, 2016 Sounds dangerous getting sideways between you and your wife. I'd also check out the bike before launching on a long trip. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #9 Posted July 20, 2016 Meet ya in the middle some time for a root beer or an ice cream? You betcha. I get up around the quad cities a bit for work when they have problems on the airfield and you're not too far out of the way there. On my/our trips I'll be posting itinerary and maybe a few of us can meet along the way(s). Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #10 Posted July 20, 2016 How big of flags are you talking about? Big flags are a lot of wind drag and can be loud flapping in the wind, your poles have to be quite strong to hold up at 100 mph wind speed. (70 MPH into a 30 MPH headwind is not unrealistic) Big flags also add a lot of side load in a cross wind. So if you are talking big flags then I would say to go for it but only for around town. Small trunk mounted type flags are no problem, tell her they will look great. Now if you have a receiver hitch you can make a plug in flag pole holder to put them on and take them off in just seconds. That way you can have the flags when solo and take them off for 2 up and both be happy. I'm thinking of modifying my aluminum hitch insert which shows support for "Children's Hospitals" to include flag mountings in both the vertical, and 45 degree planes. I'm not certain of flag sizes but probably not really large as they are short lived along with the other concerns at speed. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #11 Posted July 20, 2016 Sounds dangerous getting sideways between you and your wife. I'd also check out the bike before launching on a long trip. She's actually a lot nicer person than I. In my opinion, better too. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 20, 2016 Author Share #12 Posted July 20, 2016 This picture may help:cool10: Thanks for the post. That's along the lines I'm thinking. I too may find a set of those larger red tail lamps for mine as it's kinda dim back there I think. Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
slowrollwv Posted July 20, 2016 Share #13 Posted July 20, 2016 Rob I have three flags on my trunk rack. The wife even helped me to install them. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eusa1 Posted July 20, 2016 Share #14 Posted July 20, 2016 i can help ya find lights or other parts also. text or call 815-440-0287 or e-mail thediamondcutguy@gmail.com Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djadam Posted July 21, 2016 Share #15 Posted July 21, 2016 I love having a flag on the back of mine!!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
djh3 Posted July 21, 2016 Share #16 Posted July 21, 2016 Thanks for the post. That's along the lines I'm thinking. I too may find a set of those larger red tail lamps for mine as it's kinda dim back there I think. Rob Check out fellow member @M61A1MECH ads. He makes custom rear lighting for bikes. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M61A1MECH Posted July 21, 2016 Share #17 Posted July 21, 2016 Those large lights on either side of the stock tail light are Harley lights, a little hard to find these days and normally expensive. if anyone finds a set and wants an easy no mess way to connect them up, I have just the ticket for you. Freebird used them on the bike he just finished setting, really makes it easy. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
eusa1 Posted July 21, 2016 Share #18 Posted July 21, 2016 I have a set of the harley lights for sale. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
M61A1MECH Posted July 21, 2016 Share #19 Posted July 21, 2016 Well there you go, do not think they fit on my Goldwing so I will pass on them so Rob can get them if he wants. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Rob Swallows Posted July 21, 2016 Author Share #20 Posted July 21, 2016 I'll be calling later in the evening. Hope to be in touch with both you guys shortly. Thanks, Rob Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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