By Cmabiker on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 05:33 am:

Anyone tried removing the reflectors on the USA saddle-bags yet?????
I would like to remove mine to restore the bags back to thier Euro look but am worried about damage to the paint. Any thoughts on this.

Yeah, Yeah, I know....It's Illegal but so is the speed of this thing. I do plan on re-installing some reflectors somewhere back there to stay legal and to be visible but just not on the bags. 

By Amain on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 08:36 am:

I'm still just a waiter, but if they are stuck on with two-sided tape, a spray adhesive remover should work. Or if you're really paranoid about the paint, try WD-40. It will need to soak a bit longer but it will work, too. If they are welded on, get out your blue wrench and...  

By Bobvail on Tuesday, July 30, 2002 - 02:14 pm:

Try a blow dryer. Just keep warming the area and slowly pry off the reflector. Works well to remove those silly warning decals they put on gas tanks, etc.

If you don't like the results, you can always stick them back on.

Just wish I had some reflectors to worry about... 

By Mkr1966 on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 02:35 am:

I took mine off and all I did was pull very slowly and they lifted right off. I then put a little wax over the spot and you can't even tell they were there. It looks so much better. 

By Cmabiker on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 05:43 am:

Thanks for the advice.
I used each of your suggestions actually. Although I did not need the blow dryer for heat. It was hot enough in my shop tonight to work to my advantage.
The first one was a little difficult to pry up so I used a small plastic wedge (about the size of a pencil) to get one corner started. As I pushed it through, the reflector lifted right up. I did the same thing on the other side and it came right off without even tearing the adhesive. Took all of 10 seconds. Cleaned the area with a little
WD-40 and warm water. Looks like they were never there. Not even a scratch. Looks much better now and hey, My bike is at least two inches narrower with the bags attached. 

By Aps on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 06:09 am:

I think if you can get to your dealer before he sets up the bike that you can ask him to not to install them. The dealer might not have a choice but if he is a good sport he might not do it for ya.

They come in a bag and then get installed after delivery the way it looks. 

By Cmabiker on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 06:23 am:

Your thoughts actually crossed my mind so I told them not to mount the bags. My bags were still packed in the box when I got to the dealer. The reflectors were already mounted from the factory when we took them out. I guess the US regs require them to be delivered that way. 

By Bobvail on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 04:05 pm:

I take it these reflectors just sit on the surface of the bags and there is no indentation on the lid, just a smooth surface when the reflector is removed? 

By Cmabiker on Wednesday, July 31, 2002 - 06:04 pm:

Bobvail, You are correct. All they did was just stick them on a flat surface. It would not have been so bad if they had just used a flat reflector but they stuck on a big fat high gadget that can be seen from the side, the front or the back. I guess because the bag surface has a slight curve to it. I am going to cut some reflective tape and fit it into the indention on the molding that runs down the center of the bag. There is a little Yamaha insert that I am going to just cover up. I'm not sure if it will be big enough to be legal but at least it will be visible from the side at night. We do not have to have our vehicles inspected in AR. That's why the Berevly Hillbillys could drive that old Jalopy on the street.  

By R1derbike on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 03:48 am:

If you are there when they put them on, I bet you can get them off pronto! Especially if you ask them to just...well...lightly attach them?

Outta here...Charles (viper)

'00 RWB R1 #34...faster than a speeding ticket!
'85 ZX900 Ninja...'cuz my girlfriend won't ride on the R1 (sold).
'03 FJR 1300...'cuz ya' gotta keep HER happy!
Click on link below to see my R1, Ninja, and other bikes.
http://www.picturetrail.com/r1derbike/823464 

By Bobvail on Thursday, August 01, 2002 - 01:44 pm:

My bike came in yesterday. I went up to the dealer to check it out. They were setting up #1 = mine is #2 so he will have some practice before starting on mine

I see what you mean by sticking out. Although they don't look too bad, I agree the bags would look better w/o them.

I will be picking up the bike tonight if I have the time, otherwise Friday AM. Not working Friday so easy to guess what I'll be doing  

By Ldrhawke on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 01:37 pm:

Think twice about removing those little reflectors.......they make great hard bag protectors in a parking lot tip over.

hawke 

By R1derbike on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 09:42 pm:

Ummmm...Hawke? How do you know this?

Outta here...Charles 

By Ldrhawke on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 10:09 pm:

Sorry Charlie,

I haven't dumped the FJR...yet
But I have dumped both my FJ and GTS. Gas stations are the worst culprits. Pulled into a brand new station during one rally, it was raining hard, with the new concrete and a recent oil spill it was worse that ice. Down the GTS went. If you ride a two wheel vehicle enough miles, you're going to go down...just a question of when.

I just got a set of Protection Mushrooms in from Mark Arliss that he picked up from the FJClub. The frame mount ones that you cut a hole in th side panels to mount. Cheap insurance for a minor dump with the cost of plastic today. A no brainer option as far as I'm concerned

OUTTA HERE.....

hawke 

By Kidrock on Monday, August 26, 2002 - 11:51 pm:

The relectors are too HIGH up on the side of the hardbags to help in a tipover, don't ask me how I know.. 

By R1derbike on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 02:27 am:

Don't ask me about the day my cherry '85 ZX900A2 Ninja fell over...OK, I parked it on a slope, felt like it was sitting OK, turned around to take my helmet off and GRRUNNNCCHHH! It fell on its right side (yes, I should have parked with the left side to the low side).

I was so pissed-off I jerked it back up, not looking to see if the sidestand was still extended (it wasn't) and it fell over on its left side...GRRUNNNCCHHH!

One parked motorcycle, left and right sides fu**ed-up badly...I was livid, you know, livid to the point you get an instant migraine headache from blood pressure overload?

Don't ask what I did with my helmet...really.

Outta here...Charles (viper)

'00 RWB R1 #34...'cuz there can only be THE ONE.
'85 ZX900 Ninja...the 'mutha of all modern sportbikes.
'03 FJR 1300...'cuz ya' gotta keep HER happy.
Click on link below to see my R1, FJR, and Ninja.
http://www.picturetrail.com/r1derbike/823464 

By Ph62 on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 11:20 am:

................ ........  

By Kidrock on Tuesday, August 27, 2002 - 12:42 pm:

Actually, the reflectors might help IF they were mounted towards the center of the hardbag, they are presently to far to the rear. Their placement, on second thought, was what stopped them from being of much help, NOT their height. They need to be towards the FRONT of the hardbag, NOT the rear... At least on a right-sided tip-over.. 

By Billl on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 01:12 am:

I removed mine also. Just start pulling down and then with a wooden or plastic wedge start prying the rubber and glue away from the paint. It helps if it is warm weather. Eventually the reflector comes off and the rubber and adhesive are still stuck to the paint. Work them off with your nifty wooden or plastic tool then clean the paint with WD-40 then soap and water then wax. Can't see where they even were.
Now, how about the bright yellow reflectors on the front forks of the bike?

Bill L. 

By 20valves on Wednesday, August 28, 2002 - 05:27 am:

C'mon Billl, just remove the caliper bolts, ditch the ugly yellow reflectors in nearest trash bin, retorque the caliper bolts. Off you go! MUCH less effort than the reflectors on the bags.

Now, were you kidding about this? 

By Elfirebob on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 06:15 am:

Ok...mine are off, and the stickers...I have replace these with low profile black/grey reflective (3m Scotchlite) tape...on a few choice spots...blends well with the natural metal and silvers...

So, after I took the pannier reflectors off...the next day, there was an orange tint stain where the reflectors had been...Paint looks great as does the finish...I hoping a clay bar may be in order... Anyone else with this glitch...oh and do NOT use orange citrus based cleaners on your bike as I think this may have been the problem...

Now...If I could just find the screw that fell out of my one week old FJR front Fender...

Ride Safe!
Bob U- <><
FJR 1300C #006
Lakeside, California 

By Billl on Thursday, August 29, 2002 - 11:19 pm:

I was kidding 20valves. That's why I put my friendly at the end of the sentence. My yellow reflectors on the front are history!

Bill L. 

By Bikerschim on Monday, September 02, 2002 - 08:07 pm:

Elfirebob
"So, after I took the pannier reflectors off...the next day, there was an orange tint stain where the reflectors had been...Paint looks great as does the finish...I hoping a clay bar may be in order... Anyone else with this glitch..."

YES! Me, and when viewed in brilliant direct sunlight it becomes painfully obvious. I used the steady pressure WD-40 technique to remove the reflectors and I am hoping the stain will be bleached by exposure to sun, otherwise I have done nothing so far to removed the mark. Did you try the clay bar?

Gary S
bikerschim@netscape.net
FJR 1300 #390
Wenatchee, WA 

By Daftlad on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 08:51 am:

any of you guys want to send me a set of these that you've taken off? I fancy putting them on the rear of the panniers. 

By Elfirebob on Tuesday, September 03, 2002 - 06:47 pm:

Gary,
Dude, sorry you have the same stain, but at least I guess it's not the orange based cleaner I used...
No I have not tried the clay as my "detail guy" is off on leave...I'll post here what the outcome is when he gets back.
I'll be patient for a bit though someone suggested some "as seen on TV" product oxy-21-something he has at home...
Your idea of the sun bleaching it back my be in order...we'll keep in touch eh!

I also removed the rear lower reflector and extension platic thingee, and will put it back on as the tire slings mud up onto the rear tail lamps with it off...

Been up there (Washington State)a few years back...beautiful country...
We may ride up your way next spring...

Ya'll ride safe now,
Bob U- <><
Lakeside, California 

By Barbarian on Wednesday, September 04, 2002 - 12:03 am:

I have found the reflector to be useful as a second handle to grab and steady the bag whenever mounting or unmounting the bag to the bike. In fact, without it, I think that mounting and unmounting the bag would be significantly more awkward due to there not being any really good way to hold the bag steady other than to reach sort of underneath and try to get a grab on the whole thing.

Just something to think about for anyone that is considering removing these reflectors but that hasn't done so yet. I was considering removing mine until I discovered this purpose. 

By Bikerschim on Saturday, September 07, 2002 - 12:59 am:

Bob U
We get LOTS of sunshine here in central WA so I'm hoping time and sun will work, I'll let you know.

Let me know when you will be 'cruzin up this way. We could go for a ride!

Gary S
bikerschim@netscape.net
FJR 1300 #390
Wenatchee, WA